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· Premium Member
1984 380SL, 1973 450SLC
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I am going to replace the front sub frame mounts and engine mounts, maybe the control arm bushings, ect...........I want to just drop the front sub frame out, and do it all, and install the reinforcement gussets for the subframe at the same time.
I read all the posts I can find about it, I have all the tools, parts, ect....


Has anyone used the engine support bar or beam that rests on the front fenders to do this??????????????????

I can't find the picture of one anymore, and really have a hard time convincing myself to use the fenders for support.

Any input, dimentions. ect.... would be greatly appreciated.....

RC
 

· Outstanding Contributor, Vintage Moderator
450slc5.0cab 280sl5sp 280se4.5 500seAMG +250seStkW108 350sl4spdX3 500secEuro 300sel5spd R+C107galore
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I thought I remembered that the oil pan was the way to support the engine. Or maybe that is just an auxiliary support.


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· Premium Member
1986 560SL with M120 V12 Engine, 1988 560SL Stock
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Good question.

I have the universal support beam from Northern Tool. Ive only used it for my Ford Taurus V6. It works good. But I feel that it I were ever to remove the subframe on the V8 or especially my V12 I would play it safe and use on in front and one in back.

I would love to hear from people out there who may have used this on an iron block 107 V8.
 

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1986 560SL with M120 V12 Engine, 1988 560SL Stock
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Yep

Thats the one I got. I diffident get it from HF but I bet its the same thing except mines painted blue.

My concern is not the tool collapsing. Its the MB fenders collapsing???
 

· Premium Member
1984 380SL, 1973 450SLC
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2,177 Posts
Discussion Starter · #7 ·
With the lift I have , I could support the engine, disconnect everything, raise the car, pull the sub frame...do the work then lower the car back on to the sub frame.
I could have one built at work, but with the new paint from the garage fire, it's really hard to place the support on the fenders. It would really make it easy though,

There was a pic somewhere, seems it was about 8 inches wide but I don't remember how it was curved up. Still working on trying to design one. if anyone has a pic of one it would help me decide

I guess with a good pad, and carpet or something on the support lower surface should be ok
damn it's hard to decide. It would be easier on someone elses car...... LOL
 

· Premium Member
1984 380SL, 1973 450SLC
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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Hey Rowdie, that one might work, I'll have to look into it......

The one I remember was flat plate I believe, laid over the fender, had a bow to it that gave it clearance and made it possible to tighten the turnbuckles for the lift chains.

might have been the crown royal also.................. :)
 

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'85 380SL (155Kmiles), '82 240D stick, '80 300SD, '77 240D, '89 BMW 535i, 3 VW Diesels, 2 Triumphs
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I have the one Rowdie posted. I haven't had to use it on the R107 yet, but that's why I bought it. I think the fenders will hold it. Remember, we are only talking about 250 lbs/side.

I did use the bar to install a diesel engine block on an old VW Cabriolet I am repowering. I had the block on the ground and just screwed the holders up to raise the engine to the right spot. Worked a treat for that.
 

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I have used the universal on my volvo V70/xc, while not a iron v8 it did have to support the tranny and transfer case as well as the engine. Did this job to replace the tranny so there was a lot of jostling around. It's what it's made for.
Hey didn't Nobby use one when he did his subframe ? He posted a bunch of pics.
 

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1984 380SL, 1973 450SLC
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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
I think nobby pulled the hood and used a hoist or something..................

lets wait for him to chime in..
 

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1984 380SL, 1973 450SLC
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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
early to rise, early to bed....

will check bak in the morn........................

thanks for the input
 

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I can't find the picture of one anymore, and really have a hard time convincing myself to use the fenders for support.
The very reason I did not use one. Got two sets of heavy duty ratchet straps (did not use the ratchets due to lack of room, just the 4 long sides with the hooks)



Placed the hooks on each side of the engine shocks, wrapped twice around the bolt of the engine support bracket and twice around the exhaust manifold. It held the engine beautifully.
Once the subframe is removed provided additional support with a floor jack under the oil pan to relieve stress on the straps during the subframe overhaul. Those straps would lift the engine off the car if required.









 

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Doesn't the FSM specify using the bar for this purpose?

Edit: Yes it does, but the FSM seems pretty generic and is written for several models of the day. The web version also does not clearly show where the legs of the support rest. However, it also presuposses that an iron block engine can be supported.

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/11883/PROGRAM/Chassis/33-100.pdf
 

· Outstanding Contributor , Bob's Your Uncle!
83 280 SL- 5 speed-The PIG
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I think nobby pulled the hood and used a hoist or something..................

lets wait for him to chime in..
Nope. I changed all the bushings the old fashioned way. Upside down on my back on a cold garage floor.
 

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Has anyone used the engine support bar or beam that rests on the front fenders to do this??????????????????

I can't find the picture of one anymore, and really have a hard time convincing myself to use the fenders for support.

RC


Post seven



The stand portion of the beam actually rests in the channel on the inner fender, not the fender proper.
 

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I've had the engine in and out of the car so many times its almost second nature. I'd pull the engine and be done with it.

I'm not recommending this only suggesting that you think about this as an option if you've got the tools and possibly some engine work that would be easier with the engine out.

I hate to be working around a car on jack stands and having the engine out reduces the risk substantially.

Just a few thoughts...
 

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· Outstanding Contributor, Vintage Moderator
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Post seven



The stand portion of the beam actually rests in the channel on the inner fender, not the fender proper.
Interesting. It looks like just a piece of unistrut (HVAC units hung with it and all thread bolts from ceiling) with some chains hanging from it.


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1984 380SL, 1973 450SLC
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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
Thanks Dave, that pic helps give an idea of the actual size of the beam. I think that is what I'm going to get..

Thanks all...

Will try to take some pics and post them..

RC
 
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