'session,

I've done the front shocks to date. EEEEEEASY!!

The rears are enroute from California.

I opted for Bilstein fitment at all four corners rather than MB OEM fitment despite being told the coil spring isn't included on the Bilstein and therefore must be transferred. Challenges build character. :)

Imagery will be taken and posted along with a review of the process.

Gilly and all have been a BIG help. 3.5 hours for the rears huh? You're on chief!! :D

Cheers!

Robert,
Excellent!
Keep us posted (pardon the pun)
Someone should create a separate Forum for just ML DIY jobs....

all of my cars and trucks have squeaky shocks. just turn up the radio.

the shocks on the f250 make noise when they are cold. idealy ford shocks need to be replaced every 10k. they suck.

the g squeaks from the rear suspension all the time. if i clean everything, it will remain quiet for a 100 miles or so. i take it off road once a month for a work out.

konis,boges and bilsteins on the other cars seem to quiet down after they warm up.

take that m out and give the suspension a work out and see if it still makes noise.

cleaning the pivots and joints may help, but most lubes will eventually attract dust and dirt and you will be right where you started.

Gilly, What's up with the Bilstein replacements folks are talking about? I thought the OEM shocks were Bilstein gas units supplied to Mercedes.:confused:

tryan,

Agreed, Ford shocks suck. Stock Bilstein fitment on the 01+ Lightning aren't that bad however. Not sure how the Rancho shocks perform on the new 4x4.

Here are some shocks that would be fun to put on an Benz/AMG :D

http://www.f150online.com/galleries/...5-79-42344.jpg

Robert

Lewis:
The people doing the installation of the Bilsteins are probably better versed than I as far as selecting the shocks. I wouldn't be surprised if the shocks from the factory are Bilstein, or possibly Boge. Being a dealer tech, I pretty much use what the parts dept or possibly the owner hand me.
I don't recall replacing a front shock on an ML yet, lots or rears though. The noise form the rears can be really annoying, unusually loud creaking noise.

Gilly

FAST ROBERT -DID YOU REPLACE YOUR REAR SHOCKS YET?
 

I would like to read of your experience before I do mine. thank you.

sure did
 

sdanville,

Yes sir. I ended up using H&R coils with the Bilsteins. I'd rate changing the rear shocks a 7 on a 10 scale. GOOD spring compressors are a MUST.

Here's a link to the encounter.

I'm satisfied with the results.

If you opt to use aftermarket coil springs as I did, you should change your sway bar end links to correct the changes in the sway bar geometry. I used Energy Suspension hardware available at your local AutoZone. They even had the correct size in stock. :)

Gratuitous Imagery.

Simple Noise Cure Wanted.
 

I want to have quiet shocks is all.
And I want to save $. It seems silly to change good coil springs in my case. I'd just ike to replace the shocks.
ZYGMUNT Motors online offers Bilstein shocks for the 1999 ML320 $129.60. each.
Thank You for your reply.
Steve