Hi,

suspension in rear is weak and I would like recomendations on remedy options. two ideas come to mind please let me know if eather of these or other methods are applicable...

1) new rear springs - where to get and is spring compression tool needed ?

2) height leveling system as factory installed on wagon retrofitted ?




thank you

HD Shocks.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Thanks.. but I feel I need to do more than that as I am also wanting to add a hitch and the sag while not extreme is noticeable and has been for a few years... btw I have in the last couple of years put new bilstein standard stiffness shocks on it.

Retrofitting SLS would be expensive. If you want to tow, get the HD's and some new spring shims. No need for the spring compressor on rear, just support the control arm at the body, release the bolt and lower.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

thanks.. the HD shocks - would you recomend the HD bilstien... I have always held bilstien in high regard
and
regarding the spring shims would this be adding additional new shims (and if so how many per side is desirable) or replacing what is there with new ?

thanks again

Shims are available in various thicknesses. You only use one shim per spring. You need a spring compressor to replace original ride height springs and to install springs. Some performance springs that provide a lower ride do not require a compressor. But you still need one to remove the original springs.

IIRC Brian Carlton had a set of springs custom wound for his SDL. Ask him how they compare price- and performance-wise to MB replacement springs.

Sixto
87 300D

to clarify,
though it is the rear springs I will need a spring compressor to R&R ?

can you recommend a ideal spring compressor for this application ? - ( I had a universal one in the shop but last use was its last effort )
and
do you know if MB makes a stiffer spring than OE or for this would it be a custom after market effort as in your reference to Brian Carlton's SDL ?

thanks

You need a compressor to replace springs and/or shims. Don't think of shims a giant washers. They're formed rubber cups that go between the spring and the control arm (or maybe on the top end of the spring). MB offers them in various thicknesses.

You want a Klann spring compressor or one that works the same way of having an upper and lower plate and threaded rod that pulls the plates together by the plate centers. Other designs are not appropriate for these springs. You'll see them on eBay for about $180.

Talk to Brian first. If Phil can't help you with HD spring options, don't bother with the dealer parts counter unless you're already chummy with them.

Sixto
87 300D

what is the best way to communicate with Brian... email.. Private message..?

Thanks
Chris

Put on some popcorn, read this - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/124073-rear-suspension-ride-height.html , ask questions by adding to that thread.

Sixto
87 300D

I went to the link as directed and as Brian himself had mixed reviews of his own efforts I can see this is a daunting task... also the thread is old .. last post was 2008 but I posted and will wait to see if Brian responds

thanks

Chris

The 124 is a different beast than the 126. One approach is to rebuild the 5-link suspension before messing with taller springs. Get all this out of the car and have at it -



At the very least you should check the 4 subframe mounts at the hard points.

Here's more reading for you - http://www.w124performance.com/images/W124_subframe/STAR_multilink_rear_suspension.pdf

Sixto
87 300D

Ok will do ... also what do you think of the notion of lowering just the front and say adding the HD shocks to the rear for a net relational front to rear gain..in principal I do not like the notion as the front is where the primary weight is carried but barring longer rear springs I do not feel that there are many viable options... that said I will check carefully all the link ends and the subframe mounts as suggested.

thanks again


Chris

I'd be concerned about tire wear.

Measure the vertical distance between the center of the wheel and the fender lip all around then poll 2.5 owners and compare ride heights. There's a strong correlation between owner age and owner belief of what ride height should be with younger owners preferring to be closer to the ground. Conversely, older owners probably think they'll be underground soon enough

Sixto
87 300D

I am getting to the point of underground consideration though only 45

good point regarding the tires

I will do the height comparison.. and see how much is imagined vs reality

regards

Chris