I am preparing to install new bilstein's on the front of a 1984 380sl but the directions tell me to put the shock in an appropriate strut vise. Do I have to unlock the shock as I cannot seem to move the piston by hand, or do I put the shock on just as it comes out of the box?

with my 1986 560SL - the shocks were simplly bolted in.

Top and bottom were easy, as were the shocks in the rear.

The only thing that required some "thought" was "when" to remove the shock - that is - how high to jack the car to get the shocks off.

So to answer your question - I took no action but to bolt the news one on.

Bill Fisher

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Thanks for the help
Bill Fisher

'86 560SL (186K) - Now a 'classic' : Registered as an Historic Vehicle
02 E430 in the stable
'14 LS460 (Lexus)
- - - - -
'95 E420 (198K) found a new home
'99 E320 (80K) (gave it's life for me as we hit a bumper)
'95 E420 (231K) Sold to a happy buyer, new to Mercedes
'90 300E (65K) Sold to an Mercedes Lover
'92 190E (215K) - retired to the salvage yard
'93 500SEL (214K) - Moved to another family, still runs like a young pup

Bill I sent you a private message.

As for your questiona bout shocks. I have done mine yet on the SL, but it's easy. I have done it on my '83TD. I was just changing out the subframe mounts on my SL and had to disconnect the 2 lower bolts of the shock. To remove the shock I would just need to remove the top and then I would be done. Bottom nuts are 10mm. I am going to guess the tops are 17, maybe 19 mm

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

no special vise needed.u just have to push the shock together and than quickly install them

I use zip ties and the cut them right before the bolt goes in.