DRBC43AMG

Thanks I am determined to get well asap and manage to go over to see Olly one day (soon I hope....). Also get to see other 43 and MB aficionado over on the Island.
I'll probably do a similar write up on the "other" forum when everything is finished. Shh, nobody saw me and don't say a word to the missus, but I managed to assemble the front brakes on the other side I just have to connect the SS pipes and I can get on to other things, probably in the engine bay.
Keep tuned
P.S. A 55 conversion remains my dream mod

KJI3jflarryfe93

feeling young again lad?
your AMG keeps pumping your vains with rich blood.

gotta have a hobby so people can feel happiness and joy.

popey24

Quality is perfect and even the spring is stiffer, comfort is better. The double pipe shocks make installation rather easy. You dont need to hold them squeezed during mounting.

But ride high adjustment is a little tricky... 5mm windings maybe results into 20mm car level. First it was to high, then I lowered a little and it was much to low... And you need to tighten the spring every time.

DRBC43AMG

What do you mean by squeezed during mounting? Are you talking of keeping them compressed? In any case you need to compress them a little bit to get the top through the mounting hole in the body.
If you have this set up, where to you start with the adjustments on the spring perch pad? 1/4, 1/2 distance? I don't want something too low as some roads I drive are pretty bad and I don't want to scrape underneath

DRBC43AMG

This afternoon a parcel arrived from Australia.... Yes the K-Mac kit for the front and rear suspension. This will probably wait till next winter for installation as I don't have the time and I want to drive T Rex before dinosaurs become extinct.

The bushings look FIRST class stuff and come with a removal puller too, special grease, etc. The orange ones are for the rear and the BIG ones for the front

DRBC43AMG

I also managed to shred the brake fixing bolt to the top of the flexpipe on the passenger side
Agrrrr , that puts me back some more in my timing

DRBC43AMG

Hi everyone!
Before taking off for 2 weeks of cardio rehabilitation, I mounted the rear springs. Nice to see the flat finish on the top side of the spring so as to fit snugly on the adjustable pad. I have dialed in 10mm to start with as I have no idea what that gives. No specific instructions in the technical details either. I also added a bit of plastic tape so as to avoid possible movement of the adjusting ring. I doubt it will move but better prevent than having to cure.
Next up will the the front springs, then I will have to get the brake lines repaired. My trusted technician who was going to do all the fluid changes (engine, tranny, rear diff, cooling, etc.) is taking off on vacation tomorrow until June 29. That gives me some time to finish all things on the vehicle.
See ya all soon and keep the driving cool

cm60k

You well do a great long job,, You're BRILLIANT Maaaaaaaan........

ZAYED,,

DRBC43AMG

I'm back in business and for a very long time I hope...
Assembled the front springs this afternoon and started to dismantle and remove the front passenger side brake pipe so as to get a new screw to replace the one which was cross threaded and trashed. It is a bit fiddly to get out because it routes under the engine block (rather oily under the pan and to the front = a small oil leak somewhere?) Will get some pictures posted asap

popey24

I tried to raise my car just a little... I adjusted at winding by +3mm but car raise about 10 to 15mm.
So you need to calculate a factor 3-5.

DRBC43AMG

Thanks a ton Popey24 That's excellent info and a ratio I will keep in mind when I do my fine tuning. What value (clicks) did you adjust your shocks?
Just a quick question:
When installing the front springs, I managed to place the front left (driver side) perfectly on and in the recess of the lower wishbone. The end of the spring is snug against the end (see 1st photo). However on the right hand side, I cannot manage to place the spring snug against the end of the grove because it is 180° on the inside and on the higher side of the wishbone. I just placed the end of the spring in the same position as the left side (see second and third photo).
Is this the normal position ?
P.S. No problem on the rear, both springs sit nice and snug in the lower position groove

popey24

Yep... its a little stuipid that spring end is in rear, so you dont see. Just turn the spring clockwise until it stops. Take care there is no dirt.
Another suggestion to comress the spring... If you compress the spring you will come to a point the spring begins to turn and it is difficult to hold it manually. Just use a second car lifter and raise the arm so the spring is compressed again... In the end you can lower the lifter and the spring comes out.

Bye,
Stephan

DRBC43AMG

Thanks Stephan
Simple and I should have thought about it. And it's no excuse as I have 2 hydraulic lifters available

DRBC43AMG

Today, I changed all the dry and brittle oil vent pipes. What a PITA as the space back in the intake area is small and the old pipes where stuck on very solid. I removed the MAF which gave me some extra space. Made sure to cover the intake so as not to let "gremlins" in the engine
Tomorrow I will finish the rear brakes assembly, before attacking and routing back in the front left and right brake pipes. New copper pipes with new end screws but I have to do all the bends myself

DRBC43AMG

Both new copper front brake pipes back in place. I have ordered a set of Goodridge SS flex hoses as the ones I had and purchased in the UK have a different threading. That was the reason why I cross threaded the SS attachments and screwed the pipes
Reassembled all the missing parts in the engine bay. Putting back in place the carpets and linings, battery in the trunk/boot
Just need to wait for the new SS hoses and then I can finish the brakes, flush and bleed with some new ATE Super Blue
I still need to figure out the assembly of the rear passenger side e-brake shoes, springs, etc.
I posted and requested some WIS instructions for the e-brake but nobody came forward for the moment, so guess it will be touch and go until it fits

503C43 ////AMG

Whooops, I totally forgot to post the WIS stuff. Sorry















Hope this helps

DRBC43AMG

Jason, you are a CHAMP
I owe you a case of beer

503C43 ////AMG

I wonder what the shipping cost for a case of beer from Swazyland is

DRBC43AMG

Last afternoon on axle stands (for the moment....)

A view of my new shoes in PS3 format on my 18" Monos


9 months of dust....


Made a little door on each side of the rear boot lining so as to be able to access the top of the shocks and fine tune rebound

So what do you think of the initial stance?
I guess it could be a tad lower, but I think I'll let things settle in before touching the adjustable pads. Initial ride is very firm but still acceptable and not spine jarring.
Rear wheel:

Front wheel:

KJI3jflarryfe93

you feel like a kid again don't ya?
drop looks gorgeous.

rotors/brakecalipers looks great but the yellow pad contrast color looks somehow weird to silver I dunno?

I think you've done a great job to your car, lots of money spent, make sure you keep your C43 in the family 4-ever.

Btw.
Having a great mod doing to my car this week, make sure you keep updated.................
what ya going to do with your monie if you don't spend it on your car?

DRBC43AMG

Yes lots spent on the car and the missus doesn't know all the details , but I'll be keeping it even after I die, as I want to drive through those "Pearly gates" in style...

I'll be moving on soon to a new project now: building an Ultima (480bhp to drive 980kg)

503C43 ////AMG

The drop looks good, I think the front could be a tad lower but the rear ride height looks like mine.

I wish I had gone with the KW suspension but I guess that just leaves more mods for the future

Take a picture from farther away so we can get a better view if the stance.

Please keep us updated on the ride quality and which settings you are using.

nd4spd13

Gorgeous Monos! Hopefully mine will be that clean soon. Love the mirror polished lip.

And fantastic idea on the boot lining. I'll have to do that soon when I put on the Konis

DRBC43AMG

Sure will make some photos when she is nice and clean and when the suspension settles a bit. It is lower because I scrap slightly the exhaust clamps on certain speed bumbs which cleared no problem before. That is also a reason why I don't want too much lower. I drive some bumpy roads on my passages over the Alps, so want to preserve the underside too

DRBC43AMG

I purchased in the US of A and received (too late as the job is finished) the MB special tool for removing or installing those b**ger springs holding the rear brake shoes. Impossible to obtain as the dealer refuses to sell it saying it's not in stock The job will be sooooo much easier now and I tried several variants previously (string, thin rope, wire and other special brake tools) with disappointing results. Anyway, I now have it for both my w202's and I could lend it out selectively but expensively (just kidding). If anyone is interested I can link the seller
Enjoy: