High Front End

[harleydan]

In an effort to improve the soft suspension of my 1970 280SL, I brought it into the shop where I had it service for 8 years.  They replaced the worn front shocks for brand new Bilstein shocks.  Upon receiving the car, I noticed that the car appeared to be about 1-2 inches higher in the front.  I went to another shop and had them replace the rear shocks and steering damper...to get new shocks around.  No change to the geometry..still higher in the front which I do not like.  In fact, the second shop measured the front axle to be about 1 inch higher than the rear.  I want to install John Olson progressive/sport springs and new bushings but before I do, I want to find out the cause for the higher front end, or make the correction via the springs.  I did talk to Mr. Olson.  Any suggestions or comments?

Danny
1970 280L Euro 4 speed silver

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Danny,

I put the Olson springs in my 1970 280SL.  The front ride height of the car is determined by the springs and spring pads.  I understand worn subframe bushings may cause the car to sit a little lower.  I have not replaced the sub frame bushings nor shocks but can not imagine the ride height changing much at all due to the gas pressurized shocks.

It's possible that when the front shocks were replaced the top spring pad may have shifted somehow and the spring may not be sitting as it was prior to the work.  The subframe mount may also be defective and when the front end work was done it too may not have come back to rest in the original position.  There is a simple test to check subframe mounts.  Do a search and then the test to see if they are defective.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Bob G ✝︎]

Danny.
I also have the John Olson progressive rate springs on my 280SL. When they was installed I had no idea about the size spring pads, so I ordered 24 mm for the rear and 25mm for the front. I wouls highly recommend you talk to John and give him details about your ride height and options like AC or Auto transmission. I replaces all the bushing in the rear and the subframe donuts as well as sway bar bushing kit.
What I learned was when the springs were put in had I left my orginal pads which were in good condition in 18 mm rear 32.5 front I would have had the height just right.
Do your research before you put the springs in. The coil are color coded and you can fine out what height they are from the Technical passenger manual or from some oneon line.
I think you will enjoy them.
Bob Geco

[norton]

Hey Dan you may want to check out this old thread about ride height  http://sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=3903,height  it might help you to figure out if the front end is high or the rear end is low.

Mike Halleck
Chesterfield Mi
71 280SL
68 250SL (parts car)
94 E320 Coupe