I'm gathering the parts necessary to rebuild the rear suspension on my '86 300E. It currently has all the original struts and mounting hardware. Due to changes over the years it appears that I need some hardware kits to update the nuts, bolts, sleeves and washers used to attach the various links.

Can anyone tell my exactly how many of which hardware kits (with part numbers, if possible) I'll need to replace the links pictured below?

I've so far acquired the 1st, 3rd and 4th links pictured, as well as 2 of the 210 350 45 06 hardware kits that contain 2 bolts, 2 nuts, 1 sleeve, 1 narrow flat washer and 1 large tri-lobed washer.

When I replace the hardware will it be self-evident where the different washers go?

Is this same hardware kit used on all the link attachments?

Thanks again for any help and enlightenment.

Gary

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Have you considered replacing the rear subframe bushings and rear differential mounts, while you're at it?

They can make quite a difference. Look HERE how bad they can get.

Freestyler

__________________
Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes. That way, when you do, you're a mile away -and you have his shoes!


'86 300E optically converted to '95 E300 (Sold)
-Blauschwarz on silver
-Black leather
-17" AMG & 15" AMG for winter

I'm sure that mine look every bit as bad as the ones in that post. The giveaway is that when the car is accelerating under a load, especially going uphill or rounding a corner under power, and I let off the accelerator I can feel the back end of the car change direction suddenly, as if the whole subframe is shifting around, which it probably is. Very unsettling, particularly at speed!

I'm planning to install a complete Sportline kit in the relatively near future as well as replacing all of the suspension and driveline rubber parts, bushings and ball joints, front and rear.

I'm in the process of saving the $$ and gathering the parts, info and tools that I'll need to do the job myself, as much as possible. I'm thinking that I'll put the car up on jackstands and drop the subframe to get the best access to everything. Whatever I can't do by myself I can then take the individual parts in to be refurbished.

I'm pretty sure that I can rent the spring compressor and some of the other tools from Performance Products and I have access to a hydraulic press, if necessary, through my brother who's a machinist at Cal Tech.

If time permits I'm also hoping to document it with my new digital camera and post a DIY article on the project.

Any tips, info or suggestions on any aspect of doing this job will be gratefully received!

Gary