I just finished a complete re-build of the front suspension of my W126 024, 1990 300SE. When installing the new springs (126 321 17 04) in noticed a 1/2" or so gap between the bottom shock cushion and the mount location on the chasis. I went ahead and snugged the shock in place which means that the chasis was drawn downward solely from pressure on the shock. After a short drive to the alignment shop and final alignment settings this condition was somewhat releived.

However, the alignment shop noted what they described as a steep angle on the tie rood assemblies and questioned whether I had received the correct springs. So, I pulled one off and measured it - same length and, as near as I could tell the same wire diameter as the original springs.

All of the online sources for parts say the same thing - that the correct spring is the 17 04. However, it looks to me that according the shop manual (CD) I should have a lighter spring (16 04) with a 18mm shim. I do have 18mm shims installed, but noted that the original springs had a 13mm shim.

What concerns me is that, at a resting position, I am at or very near the end of the shock travel limit. Is this an acceptable condition, or will I experience shock failure? Will the springs seat into the shim cushion or experience some immediate sag?

The car drives exceptionally well, so that is not a concern to me. I am considering replacing the shim to the minimum thickness available which I understand to be 8mm. This will lower the vehicle by 10 mm which is around 0.40".

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps I am worrying about nothing.

Jon