i've done a lot of searching and have read a lot about the SLS, lots of helpful threads...

anyway,... this is what i gathered:

stiff ride at the rear MAY mean shot accumulators.

Shot accumulators eliminate the "damping" capability, thereby also eliminates normal suspension travel, effectively locking up the struts, this also eliminates spring action. Correct? so the bouncing is caused by the TIRES only.

I don't think i have shot accumulators because with the engine running i can push down on the car and it definitely still has suspension travel... so what can be the cause of my stiff rear ride?

Another thing, some people correct their ride height by adjusting the control rod at the controller, is this the right course of action? From what i understand, the SLS is supposed to compensate for added weight at the rear, so if there is no extra load, the car is supposed to be in equilibrium height-wise WITHOUT help from the SLS. IF the car is unladen and it still sits too low then adjusting the CONTROL ROD is just covering up for the sagging. This situation causes the SLS to activate ALL THE TIME just to maintain normal ride height... correct? I'm under the impression that the SLS is only supposed to kick in when there is EXTRA weight at the rear.

So... what should be done to properly correct ride height? or is this an acceptable way to do it?

Lastly, with the engine running, if i can bounce the rear of the car with the suspension system and not just the tires does this indicate my accumulators are still ok?

What exactly is the definition of normal ride height? when the car sits at the driveway with 2 passengers at the front and 2 at the rear?
How long does it usually take the car to rise to normal ride height?

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85 190E 2.3(SOLD)
86 230E (-->300D) sold
87 300D (-->300TD) sold
68 250S w/ a 615 and manual tranny (RIP)
87 300TD (SOLD)
95 S280 "The KRAKEN" (Turbo 2.9 602 transplant) traded
86 190E 2.3... current project