Leaf springs? You no longer have an MB front suspension if that is the case. All W108 suspensions are pretty much idential except for the springs.

Don't confuse the strap spring for the subframe for a weigh bearing spring, the coils are between the lower control arm and the subframe, behind the shock.

If someone DID put leaf springs in there, you are on your own, alas.

A chevy 350 normaly has a rear sump, and even the front sump pan has a rather deep pan, so someone may have either installed a custom made front suspension, bastardized the Benz one, or substituted a complete suspension from another vehicle for clearance.

That's the other reason for using a Ford engine, front sump, no suspension modifications needed. Ditto for a Chrysler 318, if you can find one these days. With the Ford, you can even use one of the newer OHC ones.

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!