123 rear air shocks ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wenchris · #1 09-20-2010, 09:21 PM

Wondering if anyone has successfully added air shocks to a 80ish 300d and would like to share the type and part #'s. Have a small trailer that makes the rearend sit a little down. Thinking that some air shocks would level it out. I've searched and it seems that there is not too much info. I think I've found some Monroe's that might fit. Somebody has to be towing with their 300d's.
Thanx Jimmy

Stretch · #2 09-21-2010, 03:45 AM

I'm not towing with my 300D, but I've recently replaced my shocks. The advice here was Bilstein HDs all round. That's what I've done.

However, if ride height is a problem then you need to consider rear sub frame bushings, the rear diff mount, trailing arm bushings and the rubber shims fitted above the springs.

You can also do a search - on this forum - to find more information regarding spring stiffnesses and lengths. Most of the technical specs have been published here.

oldsinner111 · #3 09-22-2010, 06:18 AM

I've heard that a 1969 Pontiac Firebird gabriel air shock will fit our cars(w123 and w126).Compare air shock to factory shock.

wenchris · #4 09-22-2010, 09:34 PM

Thanx thats the info I was lookin for. Need an easy fix. Wish I had the time and $ to rebuild the whole suspension.

Stretch · #5 09-23-2010, 03:14 AM

Easy fix eh?

Over here (Europe - in particular Holland) they sell additional springs that attach to the side of the existing suspension. In Dutch they are called "hulpveren"

See

http://www.mobilityparts.nl/catalog/index.php?cPath=24&osCsid=kgq9ml7hj4267fno7b7oc8lgb5

or

http://auto-onderdelen.marktplaats.nl/mercedes-benz-onderdelen/154843362-hulpveren-mercedes-w201-w202-w123-w210-w108-w109-w126-w140.html

wenchris · #6 09-23-2010, 07:17 PM

Anyone have a source for these in the USA? Tried searching came up with euro only.

ajrn · #7 08-13-2012, 09:43 PM

wenchris..

Did you end up going with the air shocks?? If so, did the 69 firebird ones fit??

Hip001 · #8 08-16-2012, 09:43 PM

Were the air shocks a fit?

ajrn · #9 08-16-2012, 09:48 PM

It may be irrelevant to me..

I've got a 126.. ('84 300SD)

t walgamuth · #10 08-17-2012, 05:13 AM

The rear shocks are interchangible from 123 and 126 I believe. the air shocks will ruin the ride of a benz I suspect.

Unless the rear is really sagged I would just let it sit down a bit and allow the suspension to do its job. You may be able to redistribute your load in the trailer a bit to lighten the tongue load.

These cars are designed to handle a load. You won't hurt them as long as you follow the guidelines in the owners manual.

oldsinner111 · #11 08-17-2012, 07:27 AM

I lifted my rear the cheap way,with spring spreaders,you use a wrench.Also jacked rear end (not mount) and slipped hard rubber under neath rear end,between mount and rear end.Then let it down.Gave me about a inch and a halft lift and no settling when loaded.

junqueyardjim · #12 08-17-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

The rear shocks are interchangible from 123 and 126 I believe. the air shocks will ruin the ride of a benz I suspect.

Unless the rear is really sagged I would just let it sit down a bit and allow the suspension to do its job. You may be able to redistribute your load in the trailer a bit to lighten the tongue load.

These cars are designed to handle a load. You won't hurt them as long as you follow the guidelines in the owners manual.

I always agree with Buddy Tom on things Mercedes. The suspension is really hard to improve on, but a lot of miles do get it tired. If you like your car you have to keep it up. If you don't it will soon find it's way to the P&P. My suspension was obviously tired. Looked like all it it went close to 250,000 highway miles. So I replaced all of it, springs, shocks and bushings in the rear. Total cost about $600.00, including labor at a small shop. It can all be done by an owner who is willing to "get it done", in about a day with a couple of rental tools, his own hand tools, a good working attitude and less then $300.00 in parts.

Hip001 · #13 08-17-2012, 01:16 PM

I adapted some airbags from jcwhittney for my 1999 Toyota truck. They were in addition to the factory shocks and placed on the leaf spring. When aired up they helped level the truck when loaded. And when unloaded, I just let most of the air out bringing it back to the factory ride. They worked great in that application. I understand that the w123 has coil springs not leaf springs. Not sure if there is any clearance under it for this type of mounting?

I am also looking for solutions for my 240d. I'm building a hitch so I can pull my 5x8 utility trailer & my 28' travel trailer(just joking about the travel trailer!!

)

ajrn · #14 08-17-2012, 10:40 PM

I think the rear suspension may well be "tired.." I agree, the suspension can probably not be improved.. That 4500 pound monster handles surprisingly well, even at her advanced age..

I've had air shocks on the back of my Ranchero since the mid 90's, replacing a set that failed. Yup, they are harsh, "aired up..."

My logic was that, in doing that-- I wouldn't have to affect it much, until I needed the additional "lift.."

Wish it was a dual shock setup, or there was a way to do "accessory air bags.."

I've yet to see a w126 that didn't look "low" in the back.. Not sure what the "stock" ride height was/is.. I'd considered the spring helpers.. I guess I could "wrench those up" when needed.

The shocks need replaced, I'm certain, just wondering what anyone else has done..