w124 4x4 project
 

I want to buy a another w124 and I want to make it into a 4x4 vehicle, this is my vision: I would like to lift it (and not crazy lift, just enough to give me decent ground clearance) and I want to customize the drive train, would prefer to remove the auto trans and find a manual transmission (not OEM cause they're rare as hell to find) that I can make fit. I also want to modify the drive train to allow for a 4x4 system, to have a transfer case up front, with manual locking hubs, install a snorkel, skid plates, aux lights, roof basket ect... Now I know there is a 4matic w124 but I don't want to deal with that, I'd rather have a basic mechanical 4x4 drive train that's not computer controlled.

The reason I want to do this with a w124 rather than just buying a 4x4 SUV or crossover is because I love the w124, it's safe to say it's my top choice vehicle, I've had it since I was 18, know them inside out and I just love them, my only issue with them was that I knew stock, they weren't that capable off road (for obvious reasons) and they are 99% auto trans. To have a w124 that could take me places off of the paved road with 4x4 capability and with a manual transmission...dream come true. Preferably would like the diesel motor but they're harder to find and I know the M103 pretty well too.

So aside from this being kinda :eek: What am I looking at finding a manual trans that would fit and customizing a 4x4 drive train, now I want this w124 to be rugged, I'm not worried about keeping it looking pristine because it's going to get dirty, I want to rip out carpets and stuff and just want it to be rugged so if things need to be removed because cutting and welding has to be done, it's all good you know? The lifting and little things like aux lights and stuff isn't a big thing to me but the trans and drive train I don't know where to start with that (well need to buy a w124 first haha)

Planning on buying a $800 one off of craigslist that's a little rough and slowly getting her to my goal. Could you all give me feedback on the trans and drive train? Maybe won't have to get the 4x4 drive train? Lifted with some BF Goodrich tires might suffice? Lol but I mean if I'm going to go, might as well go all the way haha Think this would be a cool project and the end result would be something I've always wanted out of my favorite car.

That sounds like a really cool project! Make sure to keep us in the loop and post any updates as the project is moving along. Best of luck man!


-Dmitry

Thanks Dmitry, should be interesting, for sure, first one will be when I get my w124 :D:thumbsup2:

My choice would be the wagon, kind of a macho crossover look.

You could consider the transfer case and front drive from a W163 (ML). They did make a manual tranny for it too, but only European models.

Might be a stupid question. Can you get the w124 body onto a 4x4 truck frame.

What you are suggesting is pretty convoluted, and non specific.

The Mercedes on a truck frame has been done numerous times in the past ( it seems that the stacked round headlight fin tail era cars were the most popular )

A few notes. The car will no longer drive like the 2 wd version. Using all MB parts is going to be difficult if you want manual trans and 4 wd.

Do you really need 4 WD? You have a better chance lifting a 2 wd car for ground clearance if you want to retain how the current car drives. RE: push the rear sub frame down, build adapter brackets to move the front suspension down. See also how IFS truck lift kits are done.

If you lift a 4 matic car you will need to push the engine down / lower the oil pan since the front diff is in the oil pan. You will also be limited to an inline 6 as I don't think any 4 matic cars were built as a V8.

If you want to remain with MB parts, the most direct route would be to use a ML frame and drive line.

If you want to use a manual trans, a Ford Ranger / Chevy S10 frame would be better. Dodge Dakota / later Ford Explorer was a larger truck so that might be a better for for a W124 .

Computer control is a non issue if you use everything from the donor truck.

In any event, start looking at track widths for frames that would be a good donor then sort them by wheelbase. Wheel bases can be altered with varying degrees of difficulty.

Thank you for all the input guys, so the more I think about it, maybe I don't need the 4WD, would be really nice and useful but as I research and from what I see in pictures it has me thinking I would be okay especially after seeing the forum member (I can't remember his name atm) where he had his w123 wagon and drove all through Africa and the middle east with 2wd, so I would imagine with high clearance I too should be ok but another thing is, are parts going to fatigue faster with them sitting at different angles lifted? The manual transmission I would just feel more comfortable with because I feel it's much more reliable than the auto trans the w124's come with. I do have a good buddy in Germany who is a mechanic and knows cars so he could source me a manual trans but shipping? Plus all those little pieces I have to get...hmm

I want to know it's capability lifted with BF Goodrich All terrains haha I'll have to do some testing on trails out in the desert, maybe with the money I save from not putting her on a truck chassis or custom fitting a 4x4 drive train I can refurbish the engine and trans. Would you all recommend a trans cooler?

Why dont you start with a 4matic and just lift it and put big wheels on it.
4matic is already 4wd