New 1983 380SL

[ttownthomas]

IMG_9385 by ttownthomas, on Flickr

Just bought this 1983. My wifes dad had one just like it when she was a teenager. It will look good in the garage next to my W126.

I have a pretty good handle on everything it needs but I am wondering about the rear suspension. It seems to sit low and is bouncy. It surely needs shocks but do these springs frequently go bad like the W126 rear springs?

W126 '90 300SEL
R107 '83 380SL

[ttownthomas]

Still hoping for feedback about the rear springs.

Here is another shot after I put my old 300sel wheels on it.
w chrome - 1 by ttownthomas, on Flickr

[Dubyagee]

23.5” from the ground to the highest parts of the rear wheel arch seems to be where these sit. 25 to 26 for the front.

[ttownthomas]

Originally Posted by Dubyagee

23.5” from the ground to the highest parts of the rear wheel arch seems to be where these sit. 25 to 26 for the front.

This one sits at 25.5" in the front but only 21.5" in the back. I guess I'll have to see what shocks do to it. 2" seems like a big jump from just shocks.

[Diseasel300]

I've not heard of the springs needing replacement on these. Shocks can definitely be a factor, the shocks were original on mine when changed at 114K and totally dead (We're talking pogo sticks!). The ass end raised a good 1/2" just from replacing the shocks. YMMV as they say though, mine's a 500SL Euro car and has the anti-squat rear end on it so the geometry will be a bit different from your 380SL.

[JHZR2]

Jealous. Nice car!

[ericdee]

Yes, the springs sag over time. It's worth replacing them you'll feel the difference.

I'd go with Heavy Duty Bilsteins too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAumtlBeWI

[carock]

Bilstein shocks carry a lot of pressure and can definitely elevate a car 1 or two inches.