More Restoration Work on the 114

Hello and happy Monday!

Well did a boatload of work to the 114 this last weekend. I changed the engine mounts, engine shocks, Transmission mount, transmission pan gasket and filter, rear differential mount, rear subframe mounts, front subframe mounts and front and rear shocks. The engine mounts were collapsed and rotted so the engine was sitting on the frame. I did the right front first by removing the right engine shock jacking up the engine after loosing the bolts retaining the mount. Re-installing the right front engine shock was a trick to get the top nut on but all went well. The left side was a bit more evolved as I did the left sub frame mounts at the same time. As there was little to no access to the mount I removed the left subframe mounting bolt and the shock. While supporting the frame from under I drop the subframe far enough down to access the top bolt on the engine mount and removed the left engine shock. I then jacked the engine up and dropped the subframe down at the same time, and removed the mount and subframe mounts at the same time. I then worked my way back from the transmission mount and filter and gasket to the rear subframe mounts. These were pretty easy and straight forward to replace. While in the rear I also replaced the differential mount. I installed KYB Gas adjust shocks in the front and rear. The rear subframe mount made the biggest difference to ride quality and ride height increased about 1 ½ inch higher. I had no idea that the mounts were that bad! I still have a slight harmonic between 70-80 but also found that the rear ratio is 3:92 and not the 3:69 I previously thought. I have the 3:06 ratio and will install it to lower the drive line rpm and hope that it cures the problem and improves the MPG.

Regards,
Bryan


[Edited by Channel1 on 07-20-2001 at 01:03 PM]

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Bryan,
I've been enjoying your restoration updates. (In the DC area, it's sometimes a chore just keeping my 250 on the road due to rust, hit & run drivers, etc...) Was it alot of trouble doing the rear subframe mounts? I haven't tackled mine yet.
I've found the KYB shocks to give a very stiff ride. I had them on my 1972 250 for 7 years until the fronts started to loosen their lower mounting plates and rattle. I'm switching back to Bilsteins now.
Will you be replacing the whole differential or just the gears and will you have to change the speedometer cable drive gear or recalibrate the speedo for the new axle ratio? What year / model used a 3.06 ratio?
Good Luck,
Mark DiSilvestro
3 Benzes
2 DKWs
1 Sunbeam

The rear subframe mounts were easy to do! much more easy than the fronts! I will be repalcing just the differential center section. The rear came from a 1978 450SE. Reaserch shows that 114, 116, & 123 should interchange (not confirmed until I install). I have not got the unit in my hands as of yet, but will be picking it up this weekend. I will have to get a new speedo gear to match the ratio, havent figured which speedo gear I will need yet.
Regards
Bryan

[Edited by Channel1 on 05-01-2001 at 09:29 AM]

[dpatterson]

Bryan,
By any chance did you find out during your research if the diff from a W126 will fit a W114. I have a '73 250C with a shot diff. Have opportunity to get low mileage diff from a W126 for a reasonable price. Any info would be appreciated.

Regards,
Daryl

I found only 114/115 and 123 bodies rear differentials swap between the models. The 116 and 126/129 bodies do not interchange. I used a 123 body 82 300D turbo 3.07 ratio and got better MPG and reduced the engine roar at 70 mph.
Read My other post for details on the swap.
Differential Ratio Swap on the W114
Regards,
Bryan

[Edited by Channel1 on 07-20-2001 at 01:07 PM]

[gmask]

I'm preparing to install new front subframe mounts and maybe engine mounts. Reading your post it sound slike you put the car on jack stands and then were able to do the work of lifting the engine with a floorjack rather than a hoist? Could you give me some more detail on how you did this? Where are you placing the jack to raise the engine?

TIA

I placed the jack under the front oil pan to change the engine mounts. I had a piece of plywood on the jack in order to evenly distribute the weight. sorry I didn't responed earlier but I was in Canada for the last month. I still haven't finshed the rest of the car as it still needs paint and some trim but the mechanicals are all done as is the interior.

Regards,
Bryan

[gmask]

Originally posted by Channel1
I placed the jack under the front oil pan to change the engine mounts. I had a piece of plywood on the jack in order to evenly distribute the weight. sorry I didn't responed earlier but I was in Canada for the last month. I still haven't finshed the rest of the car as it still needs paint and some trim but the mechanicals are all done as is the interior.

Regards,
Bryan

So I guess you left the roadsprings in while doing this?