Changing self level suspension to normal

[Phil_H]

Is it possible to remove the self leveling suspension on an 87 W124 Estate and replace it with standard shocks/springs?

If so is it a big job?


Cheers
Phil

 

[Phil_H]

Nobody know??

 

[Bolide]

Is it possible to remove the self leveling suspension on an 87 W124 Estate and replace it with standard shocks/springs?

Anything is possible

If so is it a big job?

Bigger (and less sensible) than repairing what's there already

Do a search for this topic - it's been covered lots of times before

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[television]

As bolide a massive job and not worth while

 

[jibcl500]

I cant see what the big deal is the coils are there but wouldnt be able to take any significant weight, there should be some upreated coils available from mercedes police spec or ambulance etc.
The shocks will be the hard part as the length could be different to saloon but should they be the same then why not go for some from a 300d or something.

Or am I talking poo.


jib

 

[Phil_H]

I only ask as I thought about uprating the shocks springs and giving it a slightly lower stance...say -30 to -40mm, i presume this isn't possible with the current set up. Theres actually nothing wrong with the suspension itself.

Cheers
Phil

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
I remember when I had a Daimler with self levelling rear suspension, the recommendation from the main dealers was to convert self levelling to normal type as it had caused them so much hassle.
It involved direct replacement of the self levelling units to the normal type and just blanking off the pipe on the pump.
As others have said there "should,nt" be any reason why this should,nt work for the
w124 as well.

 

[Bolide]

AFAIK the "normal" unit for an estate is self-levelling and there was no shock absorber & spring version

The "proper" way to do this would be to fit Sportline rear springs, legs & etc

Alternatively you could shorten the rear springs by the required amount and readjust the height corrector to give the appropriate ride height. Bear in mind that this will reduce the suspension travel on bump and may cause the car to bottom out

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[turnipsock]

I've noticed my pipes have started leaking. It may be my next project.

I would think changing the pipes would be a lot simpler and cheaper than anything else.

Can you make up you own pipes?

 

[Emerc01]

Is it possible to remove the self leveling suspension on an 87 W124 Estate and replace it with standard shocks/springs?

If so is it a big job?


Cheers
Phil

I recall watching a tv programme recently on discover "Wheeler Dealers". They were restoring a 190 cosworth that had self levelling suspension. They replaced with standard shocks at what appeared to be minimum costs. Looked fairly straight forward.

 

[ben12345]

It is a straightforward swap, assuming that none self levelling shocks and springs from a saloon are the same fitment.

Change the springs and shocks, blank off the pipes, and peg the height regulator valve to fully raised.

I've converted a couple of cars, and its really quite easy.

 

[Bolide]

It is a straightforward swap, assuming that none self levelling shocks and springs from a saloon are the same fitment.

Change the springs and shocks, blank off the pipes, and peg the height regulator valve to fully raised.

I've converted a couple of cars, and its really quite easy.

But why would you want to? Why convert from a self-levelling system that has a beautiful ride, huge carrying capacity, rising-rate springing and supple damping?

You want to change to single rate coil springs and dampers??

You should buy a Volvo if you really don't care about the niceties of W124 ownership

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk