Engine Shocks, worthwhile investment??

hello all,

first time benz owner and first time poster here. i have a '73 450slc. she is mostly original with the exception of some parts i have been tending to such as diff. mount (what a difference that made), subframe and mounts (both engine and sub mounts, a long story), shocks etc.
my question: are the engine shocks worth replacing? i know for certain that mine are the originals, what is the life span on these units?

dave g.

[psfred]

Dave:

Lifespan on the engine shocks is considerably less than the age of yours ---- if the motor mounts are gone, the shocks have usually been beaten to death. One of mine was bent, the other empty of oil and non-functional.

You will notice an further improvement in vibration -- if I didn't have a bad muffler and cracked manifold, it would be hard to tell the engine was running now!

I hope you had a better time with your engine mounts than I did -- I had to jack the engine up until the wheels were almost off the ground to get to the center bolt! It was easy after than except getting the driver's side center bolt back in -- had to pry the engine over considerably. I think you are supposed to start with that side.....!

Peter

peter,

thanks for the advice, i believe i will change 'em out any recomendations on brand and best source for prices? i notice they are shielded by little sheet metal covers, would you recomend replacing these also? re: motor mounts, mine were replaced courtesy of an insurance company funded repair at a merc/benz dealer which involved new subframe and all sorts of new parts, the bill was equally impressive...........

dave g.

[psfred]

Dave:

Fastlane has them, so will any independent with access to WorldPac parts distribution. About $35 each, will never have to replace them again unless you keep your car another 30 years or so....! Get new rubber mounts too -- they are about a dollar each and well worth the money. The metal sheilds are re-used unless corroded or bent.

Peter