Hey alls..


So I just replaced the rear springs and spring buffers on my '83 300SD. It had the heaviest springs and the thickest pads in it originally.. so I ordered Bilstein springs and the thickest pads to replace them.



After installation, the rear sits a little higher.. but it is still too low with anything put in the trunk and I can't stand it.


With that said, I've ordered some stubby "HiJacker" air shocks with standard eyelets on both ends. They were originally for a mid 70s beetle with a compressed length of 10" and expaneded length of ~16".


My plan is to compress the suspension as far as I want it to go that prevents tire rub (car has larger than factory tires)... compress the shock and make mounts. A simple "U" mount that will weld to the top side of the trailing arms right next to the spring base... then do the same to the top except with a larger plate to reinforce the area they will be mounted to.


From what I can see under the car, there is plenty of room. This will give me the ability to adjust the firmness of the ride and carrying capacity on the fly.


The car has a hitch installed by the previous owner so the idea of pulling my little utility trailer has crossed my mind. Also, I like to be able to carry tools between jobs and I don't want to keep stressing the stock springs/shocks. I figure this may be a cheap way to prevent premature failure of the new springs and shocks.. along with maintaining suspension geometry/alignment while loaded (reducing tire wear).


I've seen a few people who've done this on the wagons but they used the stud type mount air shocks and had issues with the sheet metal tearing. I figure the eyelet type and a reinforced mount would solve that.


Am I overlooking anything? I also plan to lengthen the bump stops.