by Guest Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:52 pmI've got a few 2nd gen E200's that are all currently bone stock. One is a '73 solid blue chateau 123 E200 passenger that is in very nice original condition. I'm thinking about doing some pretty significant modifications to it in order to personalize it to my liking. The van is surprisingly nice with shiny original paint, great brightwork and near mint interior. I want to keep as much of the basic look of the van original as possible (paint, mirrors, trim, etc) while upgrading performance to modern specs. Doing it right the first time is my priority. My first goal is to lower the suspension and get the van to stop better.
The first thing I want to do is lower the van about 3" and convert the drums to 4 wheel disc brakes. I've read some of the great articles here showing a variety of disc brake conversion options. However, I have been considering using a set of DJM dream beams and they may allow the use of later model truck disc brakes. I'm obviously open to aftermarket parts and I plan on upgrading the wheels and tires. I will be upgrading wheels to 16" or 17" which should allow bigger rotor options.
Has anyone here tried the DJM or AIM setup on an E200? I can't get a straight answer out of either company. Are the OE beams the same for vans and trucks?
I have some good friends in the high-end suspension business and their strong advice is to gut the front chassis and build a real IFS. I may go that route. However, for now I am looking to get a 3" lower ride height with modern disc brakes. Combined with a nice set of sway bars and decent shocks I think it might work. Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.
The first thing I want to do is lower the van about 3" and convert the drums to 4 wheel disc brakes. I've read some of the great articles here showing a variety of disc brake conversion options. However, I have been considering using a set of DJM dream beams and they may allow the use of later model truck disc brakes. I'm obviously open to aftermarket parts and I plan on upgrading the wheels and tires. I will be upgrading wheels to 16" or 17" which should allow bigger rotor options.
Has anyone here tried the DJM or AIM setup on an E200? I can't get a straight answer out of either company. Are the OE beams the same for vans and trucks?
I have some good friends in the high-end suspension business and their strong advice is to gut the front chassis and build a real IFS. I may go that route. However, for now I am looking to get a 3" lower ride height with modern disc brakes. Combined with a nice set of sway bars and decent shocks I think it might work. Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.
