Which Rear shocks to use?
 

The SLS system in my 300TD was needing way too much rehab, and I really had no interest in maintaining that messy and completed system going forward.

I bought springs from the SLS conversion guy...not super happy they are just cut springs, but hopefully they will work ok.

Question is: On my Euro 300TD the PO had removed the hydraulic shocks already, and replaced them with Bilstein B46-0511 (old part number, new part number is: 24-05111), which I looked up and are HD shocks for the W126.

http://i61.tinypic.com/29wqowg.jpg

As, you can see the studs on the top of the shock are a bit long for fitment into the 300TD, they poke the metal plate that covers them, and also covers the front section of the cargo area.

Stud poking up even with the nut removed.
http://i60.tinypic.com/wlujap.jpg

Metal tray, showing signs of the shock stud bang it, and even splitting the metal.
http://i60.tinypic.com/314az3q.jpg

The heavy duty shocks for the 300D which oddly, the Bilstein site also lists the 300TD as one of the cars under fitment of this shock. Bilstein, Innovation and High Quality Since 1873 (you have to click on "view vehicle applications".

That "old" part number is B46-0714 (new part number is: 24-007146)

My question is would the shock intended for the W123 which shows the 300TD as a "fitment" model fit and not bang the metal cover?

I ask because the B46-0511's look to be very new, and seem to be perfectly functional.

Thanks...

Anyone????

I'm certain you won't find any SLS-delete fans on here.

I'm with you though, sometimes it's either delete it or scrap the car, rather than pour in more money than the whole car is worth.

I can tell you that you'll have to cut the top off the sedan shocks once they're installed, and then you still might have to pound a dimple into the metal covering under the carpet. That's about the only way to get it to work and look decent. I'm not aware of any shock that will fit cleanly.

-Rog

x2 what Roger said, oem sls seems to be favored. I dont have advice to offer but Im going to follow your efforts as this conversion really appealed to me while cursing under the rear end of my wagon.

I picked up my 87 300td today from the mech and noticed a big difference with new accumulators, after unsuccessfully trying to change them myself. Getting the passenger side LCV line to the accum on defeated me.

Treetops

Yeah, I know there's a general attitude of the awesomeness of the SLS system. I agree, it's cool as hell, but as it ages it's just a super complicated system that leaks, makes a mess (the engine bay of my car looked like the Exxon Valdez thanks to what must have been a leaky tank or hose at some point). One of the cars I looked at had $6,000 in receipts for repairs to the SLS system over it's life, where it was rehabbed around 3 times. I just really don't want anything to do with it. As I put each part of it in a box, after having usually been bathed is a disgusting black and caustic hydraulic fluid, I breath a sigh of relief knowing I'll never have to touch that nightmare again. If anyone is so in love with it, I've packed everything up in a nice box (except the lines).