W108 pulling front subframe as an assembly

[Mechagon]

I want to rebuild the entire front suspension on a 1972 280SE 4.5, and it would be easier if I could remove the entire front subframe for painting and accessibility. Detaching the steering, lines, etc is easy enough. It looks like I can get enough clearance with jack stands to drop the subframe. I am wondering what is the best way to support the engine while the subframe is out and if anyone who has done this before could share the best way to go about this.

[Mike D]

Something along the lines as this:

https://www.otctools.com/products/engine-support-bar

If you are going to have the engine suspended for a while during the rebuild process you need to consider a way to "lock" the vertical legs to the body. I use 2"X 2" angle with holes drilled to attach to the fender/wing's existing bolts.

[cth350]

I've swapped out the front springs on a W108. The ideal way to do it with the axle in the car and having a small V shaped saddle for your floor jack welded together.

You put the saddle up against the inner control arm support to take the tension from the spring and then remove the four bolts that hold it to the sub-frame. As you let the jack back down, the spring expands safely. With a little planning, you can position yourself so that the kingpin stays between you and the spring, lest something go awry.

When you go to put it all back together again, a really long 3/8" extension rod can guide the inner support back to where it belongs if you first thread it into a bolt hole for the inner support and then the hole in the subframe. It's been about 20 years since I did that little trick. I kinda recall putting a socket on the end of the rod so that stayed in place with gravity taking over.

-CTH