shocks and or springs
 

I just bought a 82 300sd nice cali car the back end is a little low i'm not sure if i should get new shocks (witch i know are bad) or springs also maybe bushings also?

Mine is low also.
I did the rear diff mount, not too bad, helped a lot. And was told shocks would help, but have not got to them yet...

Start with the shocks and steering dampner (your springs probably aren't bad, bad shocks will make the car sit low in the back) You can do the shocks and steering dampner yourself. For shocks, Bilstein Comforts work best on the SD, don't settle for another brand of shock to save a buck. You can get a good price here on Fastlane and good advice from Phil - just click on the "Buy Parts" selection on the home page. If he can't get them, try Adsits they also have good prices.

There is a variety of things that could account for your rear end sag. I've never noticed shocks to make it sag to where it was visible (at least while the car's stationary). The steering damper is probably not going to help anything, as its the rear end in question. I would start with a new differential mount and subframe mounts. The parts for these jobs is not too much $, and it's where most of you issues probably lie. I would look toward the springs next.

Shocks will make a huge difference in ride height. Also the springs will wear over time, there is a spacer that sits between the body and spring and comes in three sizes. When measuring the car, the edge of the hood and trunk should be the same height.

Yes, shocks will absolutely make a 123 or 126 squat and shocks are a good place to start on a car with unkown mechanical history, because they probably need changing anyway and once he changes shocks, he may find that he doesn't need springs which are a pain in the butt to change. You're right about the diff mount and subframe mounts, they may be a problem and wouldn't hurt to change them. Most front end and rear end problems start because all of the parts are taking a beating from bad shocks. Shocks on 123's and 126's need to be changed around 90-100K miles for best results. I threw in the steering dampner, because it's a $25 part and 15 minute installation that can make a big difference.

subframe bushings
spring perch rubber 1,2 or 3 nub by height
springs...hd springs do not make the car sit higher, just sag less w/ a load

Correct - but bad shocks make the car squat and new shocks restore the height lost - not jack it up.

On both of our SD's we opted to just shell it out and have all three replaced. I got new OEM springs, the second thickest spring pad (dealer recommended it) which is 14mm....and new Bilstein HD shocks. I think the rear of my car was raised about 4+ inches after. Big difference. Also the new springs and HD shocks make it able to carry more without having it sag to the ground....aka....a few people in back and stuff in trunk....or heavy load on our utility trailer hitched up to the car.

Well worth it....looks so much better and rides better too.

IIRC 1nub is something like 1.4cm diff in height.

Well thanks it looks like i will look at the shocks first and go from there.

Thanks again for the help i just went to adsit and bought 2 new ones at a great price!