Rear suspension for w123 wagon Ride leveler conversions ?

[BB]

Just a question if anyone has done this type of work or seen it done before.

The rear suspension on w123 wagons seem to be ride leveler , are there any kits to remove and install regular type springs and shocker absorbers on this model?

Did this model also come with regular suspension set up (Wagons)?

Any help would be appreciated.

Kind regards

BB

[leathermang]

I can't believe this question has been here this long and I am the first to respond. I have a 1981 300 w123 td t. Probably some redundancy in that sentence.... LOL.... From looking at the factory shop manual I do believe that the wagon was available with and without the load leveling system. I also saw that 'fast parts' lists a gas adjust shock absorber in addition to the load leveler type. I am going to investigate putting a driver controlled gas adjustable shock on mine and taking off the autoleveling system it came with. I think a 'kit' is sorely needed for this situation and I will consider making up one... How many people would be interested in one ?.... Greg

[rickjordan]

I don't believe the wagon ever came without the self-leveling system. I have a full line broucher for Mercedes, for model year 1980. It mentions the leveling system as being standard. Mercedes introduced the TD in 1978, so perhaps if it ever did have a "regular" suspension, it would be in the years '78 and '79.
I don't know that you can just remove the hydropneumatic shocks and put in standard shocks. From what I have read here, the coil springs in the wagons are not strong enough or meant, to hold up the backend. They are only designed to suppliment the leveling sys. I guess you could try and put in the springs that are for the W123 sedan, but the wagon weights more. The common thing to go bad are the nitrogen cells. The cost of these is alot cheaper than new shocks and new springs.

[BB]

Thanks for replying to my post , I am considering a conversion so a different setup would be greatly needed that the suspension comes up all the time as the main problem in the conversion as all other donor motors do not have facilities for the oil pump necessary for rideleveler and its needing some work anyway.
I am In Australia so details would be good many thanks in advance and Im sure many others would like to hera some alternatives.
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
BB