Rear axle spring base position??

[erickmarciano]

Hi guys sent my rear axle to powder coat and lost the picture to re-position the spring base anyone know the Factory position thank you

[WRe]

Hi,
maybe this picture can help you (Workshop Manual 32-6).
...WRe

[JimVillers]

The spring setting is determined on your spring.  Attached is the table from the 1966 Technical Data Manual; the 230SL uses setting I.  The detent position is determined by the stripes on the spring and the top buffer is based on the color of the stripes.  Measure you old buffer and then guess if your springs are already painted.

[Scottcorvette]

If it helps these were mine before they were stripped, car is a 64 230SL

top two are Left side, bottom two are right side

[Shvegel]

If you don't have a picture of the paint markings on the springs you can always examine the lower spring perches for tell tale signs of where the bolts were.  There are only two bolts and 6 holes in the lower perch so hopefully at least 1 hole shows some distortion or scratches.

[erickmarciano]

Thanks guys for all the replies

I should have taken pictures before powder coating
The stripes were yellow
Was yellow stripes  a color for late 280sl?
Thanks

[Shvegel]

Not sure of the coding color but there should be 2 lines of markings.  The top line is usually 6 marks and the lower will have 1,2 or 3 which corresponds to which setting you use on the lower mount.  If you look closely there are markings stamped into the lower spring perch(either 1,2 and 3 or I, II, III I can't recall).

[erickmarciano]

Here is a picture of the part number
With other marking
Dont see a I II III but IV
Thanks

[Shvegel]

Erick,
Position 1,2 or 3 refers to the spring lower perch.  There are numbers stamped in the perch near the holes.  See photo below for reference. The numbers are reversed from a normal clock rotation the right is number 1.  the middle is number two and the left is number 3.   I am trying to sort this out because something isn’t making sense.  More later.

[erickmarciano]

I found a reference in the BBB , the l280sl with the springs I have should be in position 2
Thanks

[Shvegel]

OK, here's the rub.  according to the Big Blue Book my car having one blue mark should have the lower spring perch set on #1.  It was on 3 and I am pretty sure that was factory since none of the other holes show and scuffs or dents from the bolts.  Scottcorvette's lower perches are also in the 3 position.  Any chance you have a picture of the spring markings Scott? 

[erickmarciano]

My marking were 3 yellow lines
My car is a end production march 71
There is no reference for yellow in bbb

[Shvegel]

Erick,
There should be 2 rows of marks.  The top one where you see yellow is the spring rate and the bottom row in red, white or blue is the perch position.  These are my marks before restoration of the springs.

[Scottcorvette]

Mine have 4 yellow marks and 3 red marks. I am pretty sure it was original and not messed around with.

I have new front coils from SLS, I will probably replace the rears as well, so where should the cradles be set then?

I guess they alter ride height?

[Shvegel]

I think the perch position is compensation for different lengths of springs at a rated load which meant that they would have consistent ride height without having to adjust the spring perches on the assembly line.  Much fussier than anyone would probably be for a sports touring car today. Ride height would be a function of the upper rubber perch which is or at least was available in three thicknesses although I don't see why you couldn't use the lower perch as well if needed.  A lot of thought went into the suspension of our cars including the design of a revolutionary tire the Firestone Phoenix which unfortunately didn't work out so well.  All this was to make our cars maneuver "Like a Whippet in a herd of Buffalo".

 https://newspaperarchive.com/oxnard-press-courier-apr-29-1968-p-10/