is it possible to replace hydrolick rear shock with regular convecnal shocks

[chandra]

hello friends i have 83 300 td wagon 254000 miles hydrolick rear shocks are not functioning i would like to replace it with regular shocks is it ok to do it how it is goining to effect ride and overall suspension system is it dangerous i will appriceat any and all in put to my queastion thanks if it is possible what kind of shocks are best for to do that thanks again chandra:

[leathermang]

Chandra, Welcome to the club... both the forum and the wagon owners wondering if this is possible....... However, after reading lots of stuff on here I suggest you first check out the possiblity that your system may be able to be fixed for a reasonable amount of money..... when I checked at the dealer and found they wanted $400 per shock I just wrote that repair right off my list... but many on this board,,, a haven for frugal mechanicing .... have tackled at least the diagnosing of this shock/leveling system and determined that fixing it was not all that expensive...(and FASTLANE has parts about half what I find them for elsewhere) I suggest you do several searches for hydraulic shocks ( spelled correctly ) and wagon suspension , etc.. and read all of them.... then perhaps see if someone near you has experience with this system.... also... DO YOU HAVE A SHOP MANUAL ? I suggest you get one,,, and the Haynes manual also... for many things both are needed.. IMO.... Greg.... owner 1981 W123 300 TD wagon needing suspension work....

I to thought my rear suspension was having problems until the Jersey Diesel meet. I received information about how to adjust the ride height easily. Basically, my issue was a stuck/rusted control arm on the rear actuator(?). A bunch of liquid wrench and wd 40 took care of it in no time. Now the hot rod sits perfect.

Do a sight search for rear suspension and you'll get tons of information.

Good luck,.
Andrew

[HGV]

Can you discribe what problems you are having with the rear suspension. I have an 87 300TD that was have problems with the rear shocks and I changed out the gas chambers and the problem went away. It cost me $120.

Henry

Normally a saggy rear end of the car would indicate that the auto level is not working ornot adjusted correctly. My car no longer sags and is a tad higher than level. Kinda have to eye ball it.

I'm others will have a more technical description.

thanks,
Andrew

[chandra]

hello friends thanks for all the in put actually my both rear shocks are shot means the liver is brocken the lines are not connected and car "s rear end is sagging though ride is ok it dose not vible or any other ill effect on stearing at any speed i put hydraulic fluid in tank and itis empty now if i want to do whole system it is costly job car is old lots of miles has some rust on tail gate though it runs good so iam trying to find alternative remady in less money thanks again i will search this forum for it Chandra

[slydel]

I have a wagon on which the rear shocks were changed to regular.
The mechanic was a Swiss who use to do this all the time in Europe. I think he had to use some spacers but the car rides fine, it just looks a little lower at the back.

[leathermang]

Slydel, that is great news... maybe a driver controlled gas adjustable shock could be put there to keep it from being low ... particularly with a load in the back..... Do you know how to get in touch with that Swiss guy ? Greg

[can-do]

Greetings Slydel,

On my '80 TD the rear fluid suspension has been replaced with conventional shocks and what I call a load increaser knuckle that goes in between the coil of each spring and is twisted into place. The ride is slightly higher than level, can't notice it though, and with a few people in the back seat it is level. I can't say I've really noticed any real difference in driving it or a problem with a sagging rear end, plus no exspensive parts to maintain or replace.


Charles

[leathermang]

Charles, I am glad to hear that you have conventional shocks on it...
However, those solid blocks inbetween the coils decrease your springs travel, springing rate, and can cause the spring to break.... that is why I am hoping to put an adjustable shock on mine....Greg

[can-do]

Greetings Greg,

If you find an adjustable shock or a company that perhaps makes an air shock that will fit the Benz, let me know. I have searched the web and found no manufacturer that makes these. I had considered an airlift system but the frame needs modification to install this item, more so than I want.

Charles

[leathermang]

Charles, I sure will ..... it will be big news when I find it....LOL... Greg

Henry, I would like to know about replacing your "gas chambers" on your wagon. This is a repair that I will be making soon. Did you do this yourself? If so, what can you tell me about it?

I've asked for advise several times on this and other threads, but can't seem to get any takers.

Thanks,
Andy.

'79 300TD

[leathermang]

Andy, some subjects are more involved, or have safety precautions which affect people's desire to go out on a limb... You should consult the Factory Shop Manual and perhaps the Haynes both on this... you don't want to cost yourself a lot more money by not having the precautions to follow to the letter on this hydraulic/gas system....Then if you have questions... people will feel safer helping out....That is my guess as to your lack of replies to your other posts about this.... Greg

Thanks Chief.

I got a reply from some one who has done this, and am ready to proceed, as soon as I solve a more pressing problem, still dealing with harmonic balancer replacement. Namely, I have damaged the internal thread in the crank shaft insert that the balancer retaining bolt threads into. Probably not your run of the mill problem (no pun intended). I am hoping to be able to determine the thread size, and find a tool to "clean up" the threads.

One thing at a time.

Again thanks,

Andy.

'79 300TD