To shim or respring? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Turbotojo · #1 11-13-2008, 01:23 AM

I have searched the net and this forum and can't find a straight answer.
I have a 1981 300TD UK version for Australia and it has the sags. I was reading through posts on the level control and that the springs should take all the weight when empty but mine don't. The level control doesn't droop at all it only sags when i do work on it like a motor rebuild. So the springs would seem to be shagged out. I was thinking of shims as parts service is not too good or cheap here in OZ. But shims will still let the springs down. I have the rear end set up pretty high with the struts doing all the work and it's very stiff back there. i need to get the bloody car off the ground as high as I can get it as I do a lot of off bitumen driving on the farm so to speak. The front springs are in the same boat and go as far as hitting the front fenders when cornering over rough terrain or going through a gutter on the road. The car will also be getting extra batteries and a fridge and water tanks for touring etc....

To make a long story short I need HD springs for front and rear. I can't find any. And HD front shocks to boot as it is very sloppy.
Where do I look. I have bough from some US based parts shops and they are very good compared to here but they don't have what I need. I was thinking of buying direct or from a distributor of Lesjöfors. They have listings for what I need it seems, I just have to work out how to get em.

S o if anyone knows of any place that has them or similar in stock or maybe can guide me on a different path it would be appreciated.
This is not ass simple as upgrading the springs on my Landcruiser...

compress ignite · #2 11-13-2008, 02:56 AM

(If you can't find anything closer to home)

http://www.speed-autoteile.com/

tarnbarn · #3 11-13-2008, 07:09 AM

Hi turbotojo
Yea, I know what you mean - tho I'm in Europe...
I've got a daily driver 1983 240TD and I live a couple of kms down a very rough track. I haven't found the best solution yet although if you want a front end that will not bottom out, try fitting the springs used in the taxi/ambulance version if you can find 'em! Uncompressed they are slightly shorter than standard, but they are way stiffer - they just won't bottom out. But I removed them after a while cos they were just too stiff over the rough stuff!
You could also try changing the rubber pads at the top of the springs, from memory the thickest for the front give +22 mm and it is possible to add a home brewed spacer to gain a few more mill.
I'm less sure about the rear. If it's very harsh that'd be the spheres I think. I know that this forum feels that the springs should hold the weight of the car unassisted, but I dunno if that's really true. Might be. Anyway, the ride height is goverend by the sls not the springs.
Another useful way of gaining a few mill is to run 15" wheels/tyres...
Just my thoughts, not much solid info... good luck
Giles

Turbotojo · #4 11-15-2008, 02:07 AM

That's what I thought about the level control. They are just hydraulic struts, the same as found in pure hydraulic suspensions. I also thought about home brew spacers as I had my brother in law make up 2 30mm spacers for my Landcruiser. Maybe ha can make up some thinner ones. It's just the height of the spring seat that will limit how high to go.