cutting springs in a w126

[MacNizzle]

anyone ever done it? just curious.

[Pete Geither]

I've cut a lot of springs on 124's,,, 4 inches in length of the coil usually gets me about an inch lower.

[hispassion]

Originally Posted by Pete Geither

I've cut a lot of springs on 124's,,, 4 inches in length of the coil usually gets me about an inch lower.

A few questions...

Any noticeable affect on the alignment? How does this change the handling or does it? Are the shocks and shock bumpers unaffected? Can you do this with oem wheels? What's the best way to cut the springs (torch or saw)? Yes, I know to take them out first.

Thanks!

Michael B.

[speeddemon2008]

why cut the springs? as it is I have issues getting over bumps with the car so long( I tend to rub the pavement or driveways). Oh and I have a 300se

[Johnhef]

I cut all 4 on the 500SEL I used to have, one full coil off the bottom of each, together with 1 bump pads gave a it a nice look. The exhaust scraped over speed bumps though.

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by hispassion

A few questions...

Any noticeable affect on the alignment? How does this change the handling or does it? Are the shocks and shock bumpers unaffected? Can you do this with oem wheels? What's the best way to cut the springs (torch or saw)? Yes, I know to take them out first.

Thanks!

Michael B.

Cut them with a cut off wheel on a die grinder,,,,, wear a face shield, gloves, all the other protection you can find !! If anything,it will make the handling better, and will not affect the shocks. Oem wheels are fine, but I like a wheel with a little more offset for even better handling, and better looks. Alignment should always be checked after any suspension alterations.

[MacNizzle]

well from what I understand there are two ways to do it, if you have springs with pigtailed ends you can just cut the end off with a grinder and if you have coil springs with flattened ends you have to cut a section out of the middle and weld it back together so it will sit right. The second method is supposed to give you a bouncier ride because heating the springs up increases their spring rate... seems like bs, because I mean people have done it without that happening.

[Johnhef]

MB springs on these old things are only flat on top, you can nip off the bottom. Not so sure I would want a spring on my car thats been welded back together. Then again you can also buy lowering springs as they are available for 126 models.

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by MacNizzle

well from what I understand there are two ways to do it, if you have springs with pigtailed ends you can just cut the end off with a grinder and if you have coil springs with flattened ends you have to cut a section out of the middle and weld it back together so it will sit right. The second method is supposed to give you a bouncier ride because heating the springs up increases their spring rate... seems like bs, because I mean people have done it without that happening.

Oh boy,,,, we do a lot of specialized welding, but would never attempt to weld a coil spring in the middle,,, Yikes

[MacNizzle]

oh golly, johnhef's ride could use some euro lights, that would look epic.