Just wondering if this is an "ok" thing to do, and is there anything to look out for? I did a search and found a couple people talking about it but nothing specifically stating it's ok and would work.

I have an 83 300D and I'm starting to work on the suspension/steering to fix it up. I have an 85 parts car that my engine/transmission came out of. The parts car only had ~130k on it when it got in an accident. Rear of the car is untouched, only front of car was hit.

The 85 had new axles put on it prior to the accident, and has the 2.88 diff. I need to replace the coil springs on my 83 so I was thinking maybe I could just swap the entire subframe from the 85 into my 83? This would save me time I'm assuming since I wouldn't have to disassemble both cars to remove the diff/axles and then put them both back together. I have to be able to roll the parts car so I can take it to the junk yard once I'm finished.

Other question is how often do the subframe bushings usually last? I suppose I should just replace them while I have the subframe down. I was going to replace the diff mount anyways.

Thanks in advance!

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'98 E300 Turbo "Juliette"
'85 Federal 300TD

Make sure you have the same diff ratio if that's important to you.

There are different spring perch bushings available to fine tune ride height. Keep the ones you prefer or get new ones.

Sixto
87 300D

The 85 rear suspention will swap right into the 83, both the same chassis.

However, if you use the 2:88 Diff, then swap in the spedometer as well, then it will be accurate. the spedo`s are geared to the Diff.

If it was me doing the swap, I would just go ahead and replace the Sub Frame bushings as well as the trailing arm bushings. figuring the miles as well as the years, they do deteriorate with time as well as the miles.

I replaced all my rear bushing on the 85 300D, but I was at 360K as I remember, made a world of difference. really tightened up the rear end.

Drop the whole Sub Frame as a unit, slide it out from under the car.
after it is out, remove the axle Hub bolt, and the 2 24mm trailing Arm bolts, then the arms will pull off the Sub Frame and use a brass drift, tap the axle out of the splines of the arms. this way you won`t have to take the Diff apart.

JT20 raised up his car enough, so then the assembly could roll out with the tires on it. pretty cleaver.

Hey Charlie! {subframe}

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

There is a whole dissertation in the FSM about aligning the subframe. I am not sure if you can simply swap them between cars.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Let him try. We need the data

Sixto
87 300D