I finally got around to replacing the nasty Monroe shocks on the 280 this weekend. Nasty job, as Monroe doesn't supply a shock with the correct sized rubber on the bottom mount, only a standard size with a steel sleeve. Needless to say, they didn't fit and had been forced on with the bolt -- had to heat them red hot with a torch to get them off.

The "new" used Bilsteins (from a 67 230S) fit just fine, and ride like new (probably aren't actually the originals, but how could one tell?). Rear sits a tad lower, and the ride! No more crashes going over bumps (the Monroes hit so hard the cheapo radio face would fall off going over railroad tracks!). Very nice.

The only real problem is that I found both rear calipers have the outside piston stuck from cheap brake pads -- they still had some life to them when I did the fronts about a year and a half ago, and I negelected them (15,000 miles ago) -- the nasty aftermarket pads have a very thick backing plate at it hit the spring. Inner piston goes back fine, outer is jammed solid. Needless to say, I'm going to pick up a pair of caliper rebuild kits Monday or Tuesday and tear in. I already have new pads and rotors -- didn't install them as the ones on there looked fine last year.

Sigh.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Cool! I also thought about putting some new Bilstein's on my car soon. Hopefully when it gets a little warmer.
Tim

psfred, everybody,

I am getting ready to do the front end of my car well, as soon as I find a garage. But, one of the thigs I am going to have to get are Bilstein shocks. They seem to have couple different kinds. Comfot and HD, I think. Which do you think I should get? I am thinking comfort but, educate me please.

Also, I would like to find some good source of those and other suspention parts. (sub-frame bushings, tie rod ends, drop link bushings etc..) so, if you guys would share....Q1@lo$-->GOAL!

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72 W114/M130

RedMeat cartoon

Mz:

Good prices on FastLane, any independent is probably going to be higher. I believe you can get all the stuff you need, may need to call for parts, some aren't listed. Some may be dealer only, too.

Comfort shocks are about what comes on the car from the factory. Ride is wonderfull -- the wheels make noise and move, but the body just floats along nice and level. HD (Heavy Duty) are stiffer, and if you don't like a stiff ride, you will be disappointed. If you like slightly better handling and prefer the suspension stiffness, the HD will last just as long as the comforts.

I put HD on my Volvo TD, and would rather have had the comforts -- too rough and noisy in the highway.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Comforts/Heavy Duty..... a/k/a - one stage vs. two stage shocks.

Kinda like gettin a good jackknife - You can go with one good hollow ground locking blade.... or you can settle for two blade non-hollow ground, non-lockback knife.

And just like the jackknife... 2nd stage of two-stage HD shocks never sees any use.

if the comforts came with the car that's probably what i'll go with. I am used to trucks and stiff suspention but this is my first sedan so not sure how it supposed to handle etc.. the 'stang's a whole different story (beater, 2x4wheelin' beast )...i tend to drive many gravel/rutted roads but will probably stay away from those in the benz.

I'll check fastlane.

Thanks psfred.

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72 W114/M130

RedMeat cartoon