fitting back suspension springs on a W108/111 front axle

[GGR]

Hi all,

the front axle is out of the car and I'm rebuilding it. Once complete I will put engine and trans on it and put the whole assy on the car from underneace.

I dismantled the springs using the donor car's weight but it's now gone. I can't use my car as I'm currently driving it daily. Any idea how I should proceed without killing anyone?

Thanks in advance!

[cth350]

Gael, You've got two options.

1. Use a spring compressor that slips inside the spring and can grab the coils.
2. Mount the new axle then add the springs using the car's weight.

Surely that 2nd option is easier, except that it won't be done to quickly.

For option #3, you might get lucky and find a dead 108/109/111 handy that you can temporarily mount your new axle on long enough to get the springs in.

-CTH

[GGR]

There is also the option of a long threaded bar screwed in the underside of where the axle mount goes, a big washer of some kind on the bottom side of the lower control arm hole (in the center of the spring) and screwing a nut on the treaded bar until the control arm is close enough to fix it on the subrame. I did it once and really freacked out as that threaded bar is not that stong and could well brake under the spring's pressure with ballistic consequences. I also saw pictures of people using that method but using additional threaded bars in the A frame's fixations as additional security.

I will first go to Autozone and see ig they have a spring compressor fitting my bill. If not I will use the threded bars method.

[GGR]

BTW, are the stainless steel threaded bars and nuts stronger than the regular steel ones?

[cth350]

You would want a "grade 8" or better rod. It will not be cheap. -CTH

[twinockchef]

use the spring compressors. I have used them before.

[Tomguy]

If you have a harbor freight around you:
http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html
It should fit with the whole thing out, and you can google for a 20% off coupon.

[mercmad6.3]

What I do is have the axle in the car with the lower arm bolted to inner trunnions. I put the spring in place with a trolley jack . I lift up againt the weight of the car. With the engine in place it will compress the spring enough to allow the king pin to connect the top arm together .

Without the engine, I use a spring compressor on each side of the lower arm hooked under the lip on the arm and onto the axle with the top hook.
I screw them both at the same time evenly,together and the arm moves up enough to connect the king pin. With the jack underneath it's perfectly safe and quick and preferable to the Mercedes method of using a couple of long bolts and guides to pull the lower arm (connected to the king pin ) to the trunnion bolt mount .
Pontons are dead easy,I just use a steel bolt 18" long x 5/8" thread. The top end is turned down to fit through a hole in the top of the axle where i screw on a nut with a washer.
The bottom end is threaded for about 6Inches. I put a plate (a toyota land cruiser leaf spring actually, 100 mm x 50 mm x 10 mm ... ) on the bolt and screw a nut so the arm and spring are compressed up enough to connect the king pin.
You can use mild steel althread although Hi tensile rods are available It's not necessary,just use light oil to lube the threads and you will be OK.