Winter project- suspension advice

[DaveDUk]

Hi, I’m looking for advice on what suspension projects I could take on this winter. 1966 230sl auto. I am handy and have garage but only limited height clearance. The car is currently sitting a bit low and it looks like rubbers are quite worn. I’m not sure I want to take on springs and I don’t want to take out rear axle. Any advice in order of easy jobs which I could take on while the car is away for the winter. Rubbers etc Cheers Dave

[tobacco]

I replaced my factory Pagoda springs in 2003 with a set of five custom, progressive-rate springs (including the rear swing axle compensation spring) from John Olson in Minnesota.  I recall they were part of a joint order among a number of W113 owners, several of whom may still be members of the Pagoda SL Group.  It would be good to get their perspective on your winter plans, but these springs were fundamental to my restoration.  John's still around, so it might be worth contacting him about both his product and the installation process in general:

      https://slmarket.com

Good luck on your project, Dave.

~ Bill

[DaveDUk]

Bill thanks for the reply, useful information dave

[stickandrudderman]

I'm not an advocate of changing out suspension parts piecemeal; new parts working in conjunction with old parts will never give you the full benefit.
Neither am I an advocate of changing spring rates without proper data. I've never heard of anyone comparing known good original springs (by measuring spring rate) with after-market springs and reporting their findings. Swapping old, tired, sagging, original springs for new after-market springs is always going to give a significant change in handling.
At my place I recommend changing ALL suspension rubbers (including axle pivot bush) at the same time along with a physical check of spring rates and shock absorber function and renewing those too where necessary.
Only this way can you hope to restore the original and excellent ride quality of these cars.
Dave, I see you're in Lane End. Pop by to Booker some time and I'll show you what a fully restored pagoda drives like.

[afibbe]

I also plan a winter suspension project. I plan to drop the entire front suspension, clean, power coat, and new bushings kits.  I am thinking about changing the old springs. Is there a good resource to determine the correct springs and components required?