We have the rear subframe with diff and links mounted to the body.

Hubs have wheel bearing and spherical joint pressed in and mounted on the links.

Question is, to what height do we jack the hub up to, to tighten all the suspension bolts to spec?

The various guides online say the proper height is when the axles are level, but the car gets lifted off the stands before that.

My understanding is to tighten the components when the full weight of the vehicle is on the wheels as in the car is sitting level. This would be easiest to do on a drive on lift if you can access one.

Good luck!!!

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

^2x
That’s what I did when I did mine. I put it up on ramps in the rear to tighten everything underneath. I put the final torque on the axle nuts with it sitting in the wheels

__________________
Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

The goal is torque/tighten each component when it is in its' most centered neutral position. I preferred to put the vehicle weight on the wheels and bounce the car a few times with nothing torqued and after the neutral position was found torque the fasteners. This is to prevent the bushings from being damaged from torsion if tightened in a non-neutral position.

I would not recommend bouncing the suspension while on ramps. Lower it to do the bouncing but use ramps on a level surface if needed to torque the fasteners.

Good luck!!!

__________________
"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Thanks, all, for the insights!

Car is on a frame contact lift at the moment.

We lowered the lift till the front wheels hit the ground, then jacked up the rear hubs till the car started to raise itself off the lift, thats when we tightened the links.

Will try it with the wheels on ramps, will get the new drag link and tie rods on first while the car is on the lift.

the correct drive height is when the rear cv axle shafts are in straight plane from differential to the hub.

Another way to measure is to use a tape measure from center of wheel to edge or body panel.

I use both measurements and eyeball the axle shaft and if the car starts to lift off the jackstands then a couple of heavy cement bags in trunk can weigh down the car and compress the suspension just enough to get your desired height.

OR

you can remove the spring and wheel, tighten everything up - once done then install the spring link arm - and then drive it on ramps backwards and tighten that down - its the lowest point of the rear suspension.

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

Gotcha. Will look into that. We just go the car off the lift and drove it around. Very happy to get the Mercedes magic carpet ride after all that work.

On a side note, I was ready to replace the rear shocks, they looked to be original from 1990 (marked "Made in Western Germany). While they were out I checked and they compressed and rebounded like the new Bilstein comforts I had on hand, so I re-used them. Wow. They sure dont make them like that anymore!

now that you have the magic carpet ride - you are spoilt forever. It was entertaining for me when my SO was shopping for a new car (Toyota Avalon) and trying to compare the ride to our old W124 - whose undercarriage was redone with new rubber parts all the way.

She told the salesman - This new car drives so vague and bumpy - my husbands ancient 90s car drives a billion times better. LOL

__________________
2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

So true! I've always wanted to keep a W124 around. My user name is my car from when I joined on here lol!

My previous 1990 260e was unfortunately totalled, and been looking for one ever since. Even looking at shells to transfer my 260e into since I still have it stored. But I lucked onto a 1990 300D through my indy last Christmas and have been busy with it ever since.

Really happy to have a sorted W124 back in the stable again!