Verdict: Cutting springs - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

OlBrenner · #1 05-18-2008, 09:35 PM

I've had some recent spring cutting adventures, and figure I'd share the knowledge. To start... When done right, cutting springs can be an effective way of lowering a vehicle, it is not always ghetto. Those Hondas you see bouncing around on their bump stops with blown shocks give it a bad rap. The main advantage for us W123/W126 guys is we have huge amounts of suspension travel where as most other cars have a very narrow range. Also when cutting springs the ride is only affected when you go too low and exceed the damping range of your shocks and/or start hitting your bump stops. Here's my experience with my W123 300d... When I bought the car I had 4" of front wheel gap and it drove me NUTS so after much research and thought I decided to cut some coils and see what happens. I bought the correct spring compressor on eBay (quality tool!) and replaced my lower control arm bushings while I was at it. I decided to take 3 coils off the front (2 nub spring pad) and 1.5 off the rear. The handling was quite compromised and my new Bilstein (comfort) shocks could not suppress the bounce on rough roads. It sure looked nice though... I bought a used *uncut* set of front springs on eBay and they came with a set of 1 nub spring pads. I chopped 1.5 coils and used the 1 nub pads, the lowering was not nearly as extreme but it is now level (measured the bumpers) and rides quite nice. So here's my verdict, 1.5 coils off the front and 1.5 off the rear with new Bilstein shocks will give an OEM ride while lowering the center of gravity to improve handling slightly. The non-4x4 look is just an added bonus.

If I get bored I may try taking another half coil off the front to get it even with the top of the tire, but I'm concerned that may be pushing the limits of the shocks.

I know there are many of you out there that will not be a fan of this, but let's keep this positive and informative.

OEM, 2-nub front pads and 2-nub rear pads

Cut 3 front coils w/ 2-nub pads and 1.5 rear coils w/ 2-nub pads (sub-standard handling, looks awesome)

Cut 1.5 front coils w/ 1-nub pads and 1.5 rear coils w/ 2-nub pads

TheDon · #2 05-18-2008, 09:53 PM

very nice. I want to do that.. But me I'd cut two in the front and two in the rear

wis · #3 05-18-2008, 10:11 PM

look good ! my cd will be getting the chop soon. nothing wrong with cutting linear rate springs if done correctly (without overheating the spring) and within reason. the rate will increase slightly but the total load of the spring will conversly decrease.

lutzTD · #4 05-18-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlBrenner

I've had some recent spring cutting adventures, and figure I'd share the knowledge. To start... When done right, cutting springs can be an effective way of lowering a vehicle, it is not always ghetto. Those Hondas you see bouncing around on their bump stops with blown shocks give it a bad rap. The main advantage for us W123/W126 guys is we have huge amounts of suspension travel where as most other cars have a very narrow range. Also when cutting springs the ride is only affected when you go too low and exceed the damping range of your shocks and/or start hitting your bump stops. Here's my experience with my W123 300d... When I bought the car I had 4" of front wheel gap and it drove me NUTS so after much research and thought I decided to cut some coils and see what happens. I bought the correct spring compressor on eBay (quality tool!) and replaced my lower control arm bushings while I was at it. I decided to take 3 coils off the front (2 nub spring pad) and 1.5 off the rear. The handling was quite compromised and my new Bilstein (comfort) shocks could not suppress the bounce on rough roads. It sure looked nice though... I bought a used *uncut* set of front springs on eBay and they came with a set of 1 nub spring pads. I chopped 1.5 coils and used the 1 nub pads, the lowering was not nearly as extreme but it is now level (measured the bumpers) and rides quite nice. So here's my verdict, 1.5 coils off the front and 1.5 off the rear with new Bilstein shocks will give an OEM ride while lowering the center of gravity to improve handling slightly. The non-4x4 look is just an added bonus.

If I get bored I may try taking another half coil off the front to get it even with the top of the tire, but I'm concerned that may be pushing the limits of the shocks.

I know there are many of you out there that will not be a fan of this, but let's keep this positive and informative.

OEM, 2-nub front pads and 2-nub rear pads

Cut 3 front coils w/ 2-nub pads and 1.5 rear coils w/ 2-nub pads (sub-standard handling, looks awesome)

Cut 1.5 front coils w/ 1-nub pads and 1.5 rear coils w/ 2-nub pads

looks very nice. may i ask about the spring compressor? did you have to grind out the hole in the fendor for it to work? I have a set of lowering springs and an ebay compressor but it wont fit through the fender.

herring · #5 05-18-2008, 10:50 PM

Me, I want as much suspension travel and ground clearance as possible. Glad you're happy with your car, though.

cg487 · #6 05-18-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herring

Me, I want as much suspension travel and ground clearance as possible. Glad you're happy with your car, though.

Yeah, Amen to that! Me too. If your going to do this though, better do it right.

yellowbenz · #7 05-18-2008, 11:58 PM

I like the ground clearance of these cars stock but somehow with the different wheels the lowering really looks good. Nice mod.

rcounts · #8 05-18-2008, 11:58 PM

Funny, but I was kinda thinking the opposite myself.

My 300CDT is at stock height, but the rear looks a little higher than the front (haven't gotten around to measuring it. I was thinking of either lowering the rear a little - or more likely raising the front to match the rear.

I'm a 45 year old fatboy though, and I'm more concerned with making mine comfortable (nice ride, easy to get in & out of), than I am with the "cool looking" factor....

Anybody got any suggestions on how to raise the front an inch to an inch and a half?

Hatterasguy · #9 05-19-2008, 12:28 AM

Nice! I want to do that to my W126 eventualy, its on my very long "to do" list.

Ara T. · #10 05-19-2008, 12:44 AM

It looks like it has a saggy worn out suspension now .

the heap · #11 05-19-2008, 01:01 AM

So, what does the ride look and feel like with 4 people in it? Does it still go nose-up at hiway speeds?

Gerry
'77 300D

cg487 · #12 05-19-2008, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcounts

Funny, but I was kinda thinking the opposite myself.

My 300CDT is at stock height, but the rear looks a little higher than the front (haven't gotten around to measuring it. I was thinking of either lowering the rear a little - or more likely raising the front to match the rear.

I'm a 45 year old fatboy though, and I'm more concerned with making mine comfortable (nice ride, easy to get in & out of), than I am with the "cool looking" factor....

Anybody got any suggestions on how to raise the front an inch to an inch and a half?

The rear is supposed to be a little taller than the front so you get better traction at high speeds.

P.E.Haiges · #13 05-19-2008, 01:40 AM

Ol,

Just wait until U bash in the oil pan. U will be putting new springs in it

P E H

BoomInTheTrunk · #14 05-19-2008, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

Ol,

Just wait until U bash in the oil pan. U will be putting new springs in it

P E H

i like the looks but he makes a point, make or get a guard for it. those pans aren't all that cheap if that happens. And by the look of those roads it looks like something that need to be of high priority.

RUN-EM · #15 05-19-2008, 01:57 AM

Do not use a torch as it overheats the steel and you might wind up with more of a drop than you intended. Use a sawsall or air powered cut off wheel. Even a hack saw.

My car has been lowered with H & R springs however, and yes, it has a stock oil pan bash protector.... it is good steel too

Ask me how I know

Regards

Run-Em