Mercedes TN & T1 vans

is anybody interested in buyinh a 1989 308d mwb van in need of restoration, would be open to offers

I have a T1 based Hymer and I had similar ideas about the 5 speed merc box. A bit of digging about indicated that nothing is to be gained in cruising speed by swapping in a 5 speed box as the additonal gear is a crawler. I'm trying to understand the diff ratios as have heard mention of later axles giving better top speed.

As for your steering woes, make sure your tyre pressures are correct and that your kingpins are greased (jack the front to get grease right into the pins)

Hi,
I am also looking for a workshop manual for a T1 208. Did you find a source?

I have a 208 petrol devon poptop camper which needs a bit of work. Im looking for advice and a manual, as the Russek manual only covers Diesels. The good points are the engine, 2.3 with less than 80,000 on the clock, I am told they`re not run in until 100,000 miles and are pretty bulletproof, and the Devon interior, the seats fold to a double bed and the roof will sleep another two when lifted. The bad points are; the steering is stiff at slow speeds and Im told it needs balljoints to make it easier.The fan keeps cutting in as an aftermarket radiator has been fitted with its own fan, which apparently affects the cooling of the engines one, the solution to this Im told is to refit an original rad and hoses, which may be hard to come by- does anyone know of one or a new one that would fit for a reasonable price? The rear springs have sunk but still function and I could get them upgraded, however I have heard of inflatable spring assisters and I am wondering how good they might be. The poptop roof looks like someone had a party at a festival on it, it sags in the middle and one of the hinges has lifted up, Im concerned about how to tackle this as its brittle material- could it be pushed back and braced? Its also juicy on fuel and looks like I`ll need a mortgage to tour it at the moment, though if I solve the cooling problem that may be one step. Would the addition of a 5 speed gearbox help(if there is one to fit) and would alloy wheels slightly bigger than the wheels on now, help? I would appreciate any advice on these things.