...major suspension work?

[khule-1]

Taking suspension work one step at a time ('87 300D-Turbo), can anyone tell me in order of importance the major pieces that need maintenance, both regular & long-term as I probably need both. Thanks.

Ex. (shocks & springs; rear suspension links; etc...)

[pkmaven]

Originally Posted by khule-1

Taking suspension work one step at a time ('87 300D-Turbo), can anyone tell me in order of importance the major pieces that need maintenance, both regular & long-term as I probably need both. Thanks.

Ex. (shocks & springs; rear suspension links; etc...)

The first suspension upgrade is usually the shocks/struts. This change makes huge improvement in the ride. The next noticeable improvement would be in the front end. If all ball joints are good, replacing the idler arm bushing kit tightens up the steering. If you decide to keep your o.e. sway bars and not upgrade to the Sport Option ones, replace the front sway bar bushings with the newest o.e. ones made from synthetic compound instead of neoprene rubber. The most significant improvement comes from replacing the top rear control arms called "strut links". MB has upgraded the control arm with a more heavy duty one and replaced the bolt with an allen head top so it can be tightened correctly. These links bear the brut of the weight when cornering. P.

[khule-1]

...awesome reply, I appreciate it. Is it possible to give me an idea of how much the above mentioned work should cost (item by item) and if I can save any money by maybe doing several of the jobs mentioned together? Peace

[pkmaven]

You can get all the parts dicounted from Rusty at 800-741-5252 or from his site:buymbparts.com . Plan one project at a time to keep your budget in order. Rusty is the lowest cost on new Bilstein shocks, sway bars, control arms, etc. It would be a good idea to replace the flex discs which mount at either end of the driveshaft. After almost 17 years, the o.e. ones are history. The tiny shock absorber on the front of the engine, is part of the belt tensioner system, and it is shot after almost 17 years. Remember to never use green antifreeze in your car, it's poison to MB (Behr) radiators. Your car uses a unique radiator which gas models don't use. carradiator.com (800)228-8068 will sell you an original Behr radiator with reinforced neck and a lifetime warranty for $269! Ask for extension 249 and speak with Nate. ONLY buy "Behr" radiators for your car. At 200,000 miles replace the vacuum pump on the front of the engine. Don't wait for it to fail, the repair is costly. Throw away the Becker Grand Prix tape/radio and replace it with a today technology CD head unit. Removing the radio takes five minutes. The aweful paper faced speakers should be replaced with same size coaxial speakers which woul match the impedance of the CD head unit (4 ohms). P.

[uwe]

How many miles on the 87?
Some of the sugestions make alot of sense, but I would consider the mileage factor also. If it's very high miles, then go for it. But things like shocks and struts last a very long time on a Mercedes and are usually not needed.
Also, the Becker is a very fine radio, if you like radio. The tape section sucks, but the radio is far better than any of the modern offerings. I am talking about reception and radio sound.
I replaced mine with a late model expensive Kenwood CD-Radio, and the reception is definitely not as good as the Becker.
pkmaven, you sound like an ad agent for mbparts.com

[pkmaven]

There are many places online who sell part for every type of car. Those of us who partake in membership of several Mercedes forums including diesel, have learned that there is one supplier who consistantly, rapidly provides o.e. Mercedes parts is famous omong many. Rusty Cullen in Ga. has been supplying Mercedes parts heavilly discounted for years. He has agreements with several large Mercedes dealers around the country and has your parts shipped from one closest to you. He also makes a point of stocking o.e. parts made by the same company who makes them for Mercedes. He guarantees the lowest price and takes returns without complaint. He consistantly provides Bilsteins at the lowest cost, and while he cannot beat the prices on everything, like Behr radiators, he is so consistant that thembz.org forums all have proclaimed him the official part supplier. P.

[uwe]

I went to the website you had mentioned, buymbparts.com
I agree with you, the parts selection is fantastic. I have been away from the pricing issue for a few years now, so I can't judge his deals, but i am impressed with his inventory and choices. The prices seem very good to me, though. 124 brake rotors for example, or pads, eventhe hydraulics "shocks" for the rear of my wagon, very nice to know someone does his job, and not only carries oil filters and spark plugs.