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  #1  
Old 05-24-2019, 10:23 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Northern New Jersey
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300SD Front Springs Elongated/Expanded?

Yeah, this is a weird one. Have had ol' Brunhilda ('83 300SD) for 25+ years now. The front end has always seemed a bit higher than it should be - my wife says 'like it's taking off...!'

I've recently replaced shocks all around (2nd time I've done so) - including front lower ball joints and tie rod ends - and did a major rear overhaul a few years ago. Shocks, springs, subframe bushings, diff seals, half-axle rebuilds, etc.

One things I've never replaced/even though of is the front springs...

Do springs in these cars relax, or expand, to a length greater than original spec?

Seems more reasonable they'd shorten with age, not lengthen, but whadda I know? Anybody have any measurements/specs on how high they should raise the car?

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'68 Triumph TR 250 - The only car I ever loved more than the Mercedes; who needs electricity, anyway? - Damn, why did I sell it?!
'59 Jaguar 3.4 'Le Chat Noir' - Damn, why did I sell it?!

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  #2  
Old 05-24-2019, 10:46 PM
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Extremely unlikely that the springs "expanded". They may have the wrong rubber pads installed, or the rear may be sagged enough that it makes the front look high by comparison.
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Old 05-25-2019, 09:19 AM
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As I recall, we replaced pads with highest (thickest) available when I replaced the rear springs. Are there any dimensions published on what the clearances/'raise up' should be on these cars?
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'83 300 SD
'68 Triumph TR 250 - The only car I ever loved more than the Mercedes; who needs electricity, anyway? - Damn, why did I sell it?!
'59 Jaguar 3.4 'Le Chat Noir' - Damn, why did I sell it?!

It's difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.
- Niels Bohr
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  #4  
Old 05-25-2019, 11:00 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,924
I believe Mercedes always published suspension height measuring points. From the ground of course. I do not have the factory manual to look them up unfortunately.

I also do not know if and when the practice was ever dropped. It strikes me they would have continued it.

Springs never to my knowledge grow stronger with age. Rear springs are more likely to shorten with age. You really need those measurements.
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  #5  
Old 05-25-2019, 11:15 AM
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differiental mount can go bad,I modified mine on my sd,with shim's.
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  #6  
Old 05-25-2019, 09:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrLou View Post
Are there any dimensions published on what the clearances/'raise up' should be on these cars?

I remember seeing height specs in the FSM. It would be iin the body section of. I posted a link to dropbox if you don't have the FSM and want one.


The pads used to be available in 3 thicknesses. It seems some were NLA when I went to order some. I don't remember the details but you could call the parts guy on this forum. Some members changed to thinner pads and liked the result. That may have been Brian Carlton but you'll have to search.

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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.
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