does one need a spring compressor to swap out the shims or can it be done with a simple prybar?

i wouldn't mind dropping the half an inch or so that separates the 1 nub from the 3 nub ones. the shims look cheap. no spring compressor is in sight.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

Can speak directly about your car but, in general if you want to remove something from the end of a spring it must be compressed / unloaded enough to clear the mount.

On cars that run the spring through a arm, a small change in spring height will result in a larger change in ride height.

The rear can be dropped without a compressor. The front you def need one for, proper klann or clone there of.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Pry bar? Those springs are rated about 3000 lbs and your going to slip your fingers under it and remove/install a shim?

The proper spring compressor is available in the forum tool rental program for ~$35. And no, those cheap compressors available at auto parts stores are not suitable. For safety's sake, use the correct compressor.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I know you have a W123. others may not.

The fronts you WILL need a compressor.

The rears, remove the Shocks.

Remove the calipers and wire them up to the Sway bar. this is to keep from stretching the brake Hoses when lowering the Diff and the Trailing Arms.

Place a Floor Jack under the Differential.

Remove the 4 13mm bolts that secures the Diff mount to the body.

Lower the Jack, and the Springs will fall out.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Yup. compressor is MANDATORY for front spring removal/adjustment.

that thing is 50% taller than in it's compressed state... it's got MONDO load on it, a prybar is NOT going to move it. plus, the upper shims are set into the spring more than 2 coils worth, and sitting up in a pocket. impossible to replace them without compressing the springs.
the Tool rental forum has several members renting both the official Klann tool that fits without modifying your car, and the less expensive but still very safe Ebay Clone of the Klann. (Me included in the rental)

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

No compromises of any form when dealing with those front springs. They are quite capable of killing you. I would only use the right type spring compressor and even then with care inspecting it before every use.

If you decide to go this way some wear items that only can be replaced with the spring out should be carefully evaluated.

thanks folks for setting me straight. i get the distinct impression i am not changing either pair until i run into the compressor, which i'm not particularly eager to do. i thought that at full droop most of the tension might be off, but clearly i haven't tried it!

charlie, i went and tried to keep the word "W123" out of my signature, probably a bad idea....

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

when you take out that spring the first time, you will think, WTH??

its nearly twice as tall as the gap it fits in, unlike mustangs with similar setup whose springs are nearly full extended when the suspension hangs.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)