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NOPEC
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Feb 2008
Location: Babylon, Long Island, NY
Vehicle(s): 1985 Mercedes 300GD
Posts: 374
| Shocks, Springs, My Ride
Hi all, after being distracted by fixing up my house and building a 3 car garage, I'm back to working on the G-Wagen.
Since I am no longer using it to regularly haul lumber (remember, I have have the LWB pickup), I want to soften out the ride. I have 33" tires on 18" rims, and while I know that is contributing to the stiff ride, I don't plan on changing them. I have yet to clean my springs to see the color striping but I'd rather not change the springs right away. An option for me however is to replace what looks like the almost 30 year old original shocks. I am certain this would help smooth out the rattling bumps.
With that being said, I've read all of the threads and saw that a lot of people like the Konis... but are they appropriate for me? I drive on pavement and on sand (the beach). If not, what other shocks would work? Could I get the OE's in America? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.
-Tom
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bimmerc
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2009
Location: Alta, Norway
Vehicle(s): 1992 300GE swb Portals, 85 300GD STT Cab swb
Posts: 102
| RE: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
Though I am not an expert, I do believe that you need to change springs if you want to soften up the ride? |
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NOPEC
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Feb 2008
Location: Babylon, Long Island, NY
Vehicle(s): 1985 Mercedes 300GD
Posts: 374
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
But if my shocks were completely dead, I would assume that is why the ride is much stiffer than is should be even with stiff springs, right? |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
NOPEC - 1/24/2015 1:23 PM
But if my shocks were completely dead, I would assume that is why the ride is much stiffer than is should be even with stiff springs, right?
If your shocks were dead, you would bounce up and down.
Also, 16" wheels would allow you to put more rubber between you and the road for the same overall diameter wheel and tire combo; and this could also contribute to a gentler ride. I see a set of 16" Atiks on the For Sale Forum, even as we 'speak'. |
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diesel_jim
Veteran
Date registered: Jan 2014
Location: N Wiltshire. UK
Vehicle(s): LR Defender 110, 1989 W460 SWB
Posts: 114
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
^^^ +1... ride would only be stiffer if the dampers (aka "shocks") were siezed up solid.
If they were totally duff and not giving any resistance, then you'd just be bouncing up and down and up and down and up......and down and up..... |
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NOPEC
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Feb 2008
Location: Babylon, Long Island, NY
Vehicle(s): 1985 Mercedes 300GD
Posts: 374
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
When I was looking for wheels a few years ago, no ATIKS in sight. Then I found 18's on ebay for $600 with tires... a great deal. So those are staying. I guess I need to explore the spring route or just deal with a stiff ride for a while. Thanks for the info. |
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
The other issue is since your truck is the LWB open top pick up, it is much lighter than the standard LWB 463. This will result in a stiff feeling spring as well unless you have a softer spring like a one stripe green.
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=16194 |
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H1LM002G55
Expert
Date registered: Mar 2010
Location: S Florida / Geneva / Jeddah
Vehicle(s): 500 GE, G55, LM002, H1
Posts: 1796
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
If your truck "nose-dives" when braking you need shocks/struts. I like the Koni option for their longevity. |
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Otiswesty
Administrator
Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
Posts: 3004
| Re: Shocks, Springs, My Ride
If you are not carrying much weight in the back most of the time, then the greens (?) are for you. Guido has a set for sale for the rears, 2 stripe.
http://offroad-world.com/shop/en/mb-g-w-463/fahrwerk-und-achse/208/...
These would not be the best if you are hauling a heavy load in the back, but other wise would be fine for your apparent uses.
If you look up your VIN on the data card, it will tell you which springs your G was delivered with.
edit: not sure about the greens as they are listed as a stock G55K spring, so that would imply they are very stiff. Better ask the experts (not me).
Edited by otiswesty 1/26/2015 2:03 AM
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