R129 SL500 Suspension & Oil Cooler Conversions

[sideject]

Mat,
Fat Lady hasn't finished singing yet, correct front struts and strut top rubber mounts haven't arrived, hoping they will be here before Xmas so can install and test over the holidays.
Shouldn't be any problems but you never know.  

[sideject]

Redundant hydraulic suspension parts for sale, see "Parts & Accessories Section For Sale" section of forum

[sideject]

Correct front struts and top rubber mounts and rebound stops fitted, drives beautifully, takes all but the largest pot holes easily Would drive the beast anywhere now.
Had trouble with the double claw spring compressors, they did not nest properly on the coils due to different spring diameter, tended to slip off, very very dangerous, ended up using a 20 ton press to compress the springs then carefully wired them in the compressed position at the correct lenght..
Still looking for a filter housing off an M119 with oil cooler outlets, any help tracking one down appreciated.

[MB Novice]

Sideject

I am full of admiration for your skill and work.

Can you tell me what the total cost was for you to replace your suspension. Also, do you know how many hours it took you.

[sideject]

MB Novice
Total Cost of parts including air freight, all genuine OEM or MB brands was under AUS$2,000 labour, and I'm no mechanic but I do have my own 2 post hoist was about 3 x 8-10 hour days plus about 4 hours of water blasting clean up of underbody / wheels etc.
You do need good quality tools but no more than my rather basic mechanical skills.
Most difficult and dangerous part is removal and replacement of the coil springs.
Only advantage I have over other people is a good understanding of hydraulic systems which gave me the ability to work out how to modify the dual pump to negate the suspension side and thereby retain the power steering function.
Anyone wanting advice on this conversion can contact me directly at geoff@treeinjectors.com

I'm still looking for a second hand engine oil filter body or assembly with take off ports for an oil cooler

[MB Novice]

Sideject

Thank you very much for the reply and info.

It looks like, even alowing for a reasonable, non dealer rate for labour, at say, $125 per hour, that the cost should be about $6500.

I think I had better hire you to do any such work!!!

My own independent MB service man does not want to have any part in it.

Alternatively, you could sell me your car??? You do seem to have very nice cars!

[sideject]

Hi MB Novice,

I think $6,500 would be a bit rich, as I would expect a competent and experienced MB Mechanic to do the job in 16 to 18 hours. Jobs worth total around $4,500 tops including your supply of the parts.

The jobs no big deal and you really don't need some self promoting MB "expert". Apart from the pump modifications any competent suspension mechanic could do the job easily. Also any competent hydraulic engineer could easily do the modifications as I have described above, if you need one in Sydney I can put you in touch with one with over 40 years experience.

Sorry but neither of my SL's are for sale and you are correct they are both in excellent condition, the old "boiler" between the two cars below is not bad for her age either.