Springs and shocks from other vehicles to stiffen up these 108's - soggy ride

Started by callum_b_concord, 03-07-2023 05:14 PM. 7 replies. 287 views.

03-07-2023, 05:14 PM

callum_b_concord Member

Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Concord NSW
Posts: 41
Car: 1976 W116 450SEL 6.9 (project)

Just wondering if anyone has found or is using any other springs and shocks from any other vehicles to stiffen up the ride in these 108's? I do have plans to go air in the future but would like to drop the ride a bit in the mean time but with a little stiffer than the current soggy springs/shocks in it. ( yes I know I can cut coils to drop the height )

03-07-2023, 07:42 PM

david_v_o Rising contributor ★

Could put a hydropneumatic compensator in replacement for the spring over the rear axle

04-07-2023, 09:18 AM

tong_l_burwood Member

Can't help with dropping the ride (not my thing), but I just put in some new springs and new bilstien shocks on my 3.5 and woohoo - floats along the road as she should.. nothing soggy about it..

04-07-2023, 02:42 PM

Vasilios_Billy

Lifetime Benzer

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 2,118
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 2020 AMG GT C

Callum - listen to Tong. dont cut coils until you know if springs are tired or shocks are dead.

Most soggy W108s are shocks, not springs. daily driver answer is Bilstein B6 dampers 108 320 16 30 / 108 320 13 30 plus Lemforder factory springs 108 321 02 04 front / 108 324 01 04 rear. about $880 ex Niemoeller for all four of each.

It wont be stiff. W108 was never meant to be stiff. it will stop floating.

If you want firmer, Eibach Pro-Kit W108/W109 drops 25mm and adds about 18% rate, about $460 landed, HVS ok.

If air suspension is definately coming, buy good shocks now and save spring money for bags later.. dont pay twice.

05-07-2023, 11:14 AM

callum_b_concord Member

Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Concord NSW
Posts: 41
Car: 1976 W116 450SEL 6.9 (project)

David, Tong, Billy - thank you. Going to test the existing shocks tonight per Billy's first principle (90 degree bounce test - if she keeps oscillating shocks are dead). If shocks are gone I'll do Bilstein B6 + factory springs as Tong did. Air kit is 18-24 months away anyway..

Won't be cutting coils. Promise.

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