Tuning suspension for heavy load in 85 300TD wagod
 

I was wondering what suggestions anyone would have regarding the suspension on a 85 300TD wagon (123) if I am to be hauling quite a bit of weight in the back with me. I plan on doing a long haul soon. I have a SVO kit and plan on taking about 30 12 Litre Jugs along with me to keep me fuled up. Im a bit concerned bout the suspension though. Any experiences or Ideas if there can be some adjustments made to compensate for the extra weight? (raising/increasing travel) It will be going down steadily as I travel.

If your wagon has the SLS system...which I assume it does...
I would just make sure it had new fresh correct fluid at the correct level and check it before starting to drive off... place some weight in the back end while it is running and see if it compensates for that..... and put the correct amount of air into your tires ( when cold) ... see the max load psi rating on the side of the tires....

It does have SLS. I just hope not to over do it with the weight.

I hope you do not overdo it also.....

There is a hydraulic hose coming off the high pressure side of the hydraulic pump that is notorious for bursting on these if you add a heavy load and it's not been replaced. Search the sls strings and you're bound to find it. I haven't done this yet, but it's on my list.

Your SLS will adjuste for the weight, assuming it works. You'll be golden. Replacing the high pressure line at the pump would be a good idea.

Calculate the weight of the veg oil
 

What is the density of vegetable oil? You should calculate the total weight that you'll be hauling. I think the max load capacity according to MB is 1000 or 1200 lbs... I can't remember, but it should be stamped on the red tag near the locking mechanism when you open the tailgate.

I hauled a used 617 motor and enough gear for a 2 week roadtrip in my trunk from Ohio to Alaska. The SLS was sub-par in the first place - it desperately needed new accumulators and a rebuilt valve. Probably a risky venture, but the wagon performed like a champ.

You should be ok, as long as your SLS works well and you don't exceed the max load. As others suggested, you might want to take a spare SLS hose. It's expensive (~ $100), but might be worth it in a jam.

In addition to these other things... I would sure work hard to carry those containers as close to the front of the car as possible. This would work the SLS and rear suspension less.

But since the front suspension does not compensate for load, wouldn't this be counterproductive.

A spare piece of replacement Gates hose runs about $15.

I assumed that he would not be able to get it further than the back of the front seats.. which simply shares the load more equally.... and all of it will not fit there... so it was just minimizing the torque effect of being all at the rear....

And spare fluid.

There is a thread that covers rebuiding one of these from 15$ in Napa high pressure hose.

Just looked it up. Search forum member Kerry for posts including the words SLS and Hose.