A relatively new member is over on Open Discussion inquiring if there is any way to increase ride height on a W123 240D, as he apparently is bottoming out on country roads. Did DB offer any variability on the ride height of the W123 outside of any air or hydro mechanisms on wagons? Were models sold in less developed countries offered with an increased ride height, and if so, how was the increase accomplished?

He could install thicker spring pads, but that will not help by much.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

I'd say his shocks are shot. I drive on country roads with no problem. His roads can't be worse that the gravel in rural TN unless he's driving through a field.

Start with looking up the stock ride height & comparing with what he has.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Someone actually wants to increase their W123's ride height? That's different.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

I would also like to raise my 240d a little as I use it a lot on dirt roads, and I have had to replace a couple of oil pans from bottoming out. I put on a little taller tire, but another inch or two would be awesome. In the fsm it lists different spring combinations for countries with underdeveloped roads, but no actual lengths and how much lift you would get. Would wagon springs raise a 240d???

I've toyed with the idea of getting a junker w123 for rallycross racing, seeing as I'm familiar with them...I'd be interested if anyone has any more info.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

Contact "Blurg" - he is the one who owns and drives the 300TD in 300TD.org which is an expedition vehicle driven across all kinds of terrain.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/300tdorg/

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Holy moly! Those are some great photos, thanks for the link! These cars are awesome.

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1984 300D, 228k, Light Ivory, Java MB-Tex

Dang you beat me to it, I was just looking this up.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/4wd-overland-tech/another-kind-rtw-vehicle-83-a-51436

you can get to his flicker and other links here.



this is amazing, look at all the 123 taxis
Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Wasn't able to get the specifics, but Jurgen did modify his 300TD suspension (changed coils F/R and shocks too perhaps) to lift it up some more with the belly pan sump guard for extra protection.

You can see his TD is slightly higher



There are cases where ground clearance presents itself naturally

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

one sure-fire way to increase ride height is to get the thickest spring pads, install 4-wheel SLS and set it to the highest ride height.

a friend of mine stacked spring pads on his 190e

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I have a set of front springs that came on my 84 280e euro that makes the front sit about 2" taller. I am not sure if the rear springs result in different than stock ride height or not.

Mark is right though the 185 60 tires make it ride about 1" lower than the stock height 195 /70 tires.

Putting very large tires on a 240d will really negatively impact acceleration (such as it is on a 240d).

I would start with correct size tires and thickest spring pads available. I cherish the excellent basic handling of a 240d too much to monkey around making is sit like a lifted pickup!

You can drive on the high points of the lane you are driving on too.

An inch will make a large difference with the tire sizes but if your shocks are old, new bilsteins will raise it an inch or nearly that much.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

his springs could be tired as well. I replaced the rear springs in my 81 240 a couple years ago since when I attached a trailer to it, it dropped to the ground. The new springs with the thickest pads and HD shocks as well as tall tires increased the height of the vehicle 2-3 inches.

Personally, putting tall tires on a 240 does not really adversely affect the acceleration in a really noticeable way IMO. I did this on mine, and since the acceleration is so slow anyway, the difference off the line is barely felt.

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If it had sls you could just adjust the height valve control, I did it on my old 300d, raised the back end a few inches. If your on rough roads all the time, you you need high profile tires. They do a better job of ironing out the shocks to the car.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Springs, shocks, subframe mounts (if applicable). All easily DIY and not extremely expensive. Also, making sure the correct spec tires are on there...

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1989 300E 144K