dont know how far you are along, but as you said, you should drop the rear. I did on my w116 (our rear suspensions look very similar) and all the rubber had perished (subframe mounts, diff mount, axel boots..) . Rust also likes to collect in the lower spring seats on the control arm, and on top of the main subframe. If you drop it, its easier to do, rustwise and rubber , and its just a much better result all together. be very midfull if you order the diff side seals, as there are 3 different differentials with 3 different sized seals for the mercedes models of the 70's. so make sure they fit. good excuse to do the brakes. the difference in ride quality was worth every penny. Its extremly time consuming tho.
I would not do the upgrade I have downgraded mine due to the fact that mine is a 75 practically nearly end of production so I have put the mirrors on the doors kept the back lights though and put a 1968 steering it looks more beautiful.
Hi I am sure engine and transmission will be fine, I am also restoring one from ground up! Same state as yours series 114073 280c
dont know how far you are along, but as you said, you should drop the rear. I did on my w116 (our rear suspensions look very similar) and all the rubber had perished (subframe mounts, diff mount, axel boots..) . Rust also likes to collect in the lower spring seats on the control arm, and on top of the main subframe. If you drop it, its easier to do, rustwise and rubber , and its just a much better result all together.
be very midfull if you order the diff side seals, as there are 3 different differentials with 3 different sized seals for the mercedes models of the 70's. so make sure they fit.
good excuse to do the brakes.
the difference in ride quality was worth every penny.
Its extremly time consuming tho.
I would not do the upgrade I have downgraded mine due to the fact that mine is a 75 practically nearly end of production so I have put the mirrors on the doors kept the back lights though and put a 1968 steering it looks more beautiful.