2.88 Diff: Use it, or sell it???
 

Pulled a 2.88 ratio diff out of a wrecked '85 300D a few weeks ago. Car had low miles (I think?) and diff was tanked and cover removed to examine/clean out. Everything is tight and in great shape. Was thinking of swapping in my 300D, but I like the accelleration I have with the current ratio diff.

I have some new side cover seals, pinion seal/nut that I thought I'd install in this diff and try it out in the car, but maybe I should just sell it as-is and save myself the work? Anyone in the Denver area have a 300D with a 2.88 I could test drive?

Opinions from those who've done this swap???

I've never driven in a car with a 2.88 so I can't help you there.... but I'll gladly take it off your hands if you decide to sell it! :)

Oooohhh!!! I'm second if you want to get rid of it! Cash in hand! RT

You don't really notice much difference in acceleration, but you do notice less RPM at highway and internet speeds. I installed a 2.88:1 differential in the 1982 300D (old one worn out) and also moved to 15" wheels and tires.

Better highway car because of it, and I don't really notice a difference around town.

Not enough of a difference to make it worth replacing a functional differential, but if you ever have to replace a worn one, that's the way to go.

Ken300D

OK. That's kind of what I figured. Might try 15" wheels and get as much as the 2.88. So...., if I do decide to sell it, what's a "fair" asking price for the diff to a forum member?

ROFLMAO!! What exactly, is internet speed?? Anyway, it seems to me that you'd want higher numerical ratios for better internet speed. :p ;) :D

I'm using the 2.88 in my 240D, automatic tranny. I love it, except for the 25% speedometer error.

"Interstate" speeds. Those internet speeds are only theoretical. :)

Ken300D

Errr, internet speeds? Got to have an 2.88 to improve those. BTW, I've got an 85 300CD and don't notice any difference in my internet speed. :D

rear diff 2.88
 

I am interested in buy that diff also,cash in hand and will pick up if it ia within a 200 miles of long island

when the whine in the diff started bothering me in my '83 300D I replaced it with a 2.88 out of an '85. All I can say is I wish I had done the swap sooner! The acceleration is still the same or about the same, but the car just seems to take on a new character especially over 65 MPH where it now cruises effortlessly.
Your's is a stick shift though, isn't it Tomj? I would think that car is begging for a 2.88 to marry up with its manual tranny.

Markings Question
 

Where are the markings/ how do you verify what the ratio is on the rear differential?

This change may be of interest to me in the future. :cool:

This is good news. I have a 2:88 in my parts car that I'm itchin' to stick in Marlene.

Yes, I'd try it before you sell it Tom, I think you'd like it. I expect it may build boost a bit sooner, and you'll get more useful torque down before you have to shift. On another subject, if you come across a pan and valve body for a turbo automatic tranny ('82 300CD), let me know -- I'd like to get mine repaired before my 240D auto goes south on me.

How about a 2.44 diff? Some W126's had it. I'm sure it'll bolt in the same as any other MB diff.

Here's a pic of where to find the stamping, bottom LH corner of housing as you look from the back. Took a bit of cleaning to see, but this one is clearly 2.88:

http://home.comcast.net/~dehlta/images/diff6.JPG

the W126 diff is slightly wider, measured from the faces where the half-axles fit, O/W the housing looks the same. The end result is that the spacer rings for a W123 have to be thinner, I believe that is the direction we had to go after stuffing a 126 diff into my 300TD. THe camber was out and tire wear set in before I figured it out. After the right spacers were installed it is OK, in fact right on, and I still drive the car with no unusual tire wear (after replacing 2 rear tires :mad: )
Here's a Ratio list I made up:

R107
380SL,SLC RATIO 1:2.47

380SL,SLC,560SL RATIO 1:2.47 ABS

450SL,SLC RATIO 1:2.65

450SL,SLC RATIO 1:3.06

W116
280S,SE RATIO 1:3.69

300SD RATIO 1:3.07

450SE.SEL RATIO 1:3.06

450SE.SEL RATIO 1:2.65

W123
230,240D RATIO 1:3.69

280E RATIO 1:3.58

300D RATIO 1:3.46

300DT 85 RATIO 1:2.88

300DT TO 84 RATIO 1:3.07

W126
300SD 85 RATIO 1:2.88 ABS

300SD TO 85 RATIO 1:3.07

300SDL RATIO 1:2.88 ABS

300SE,SEL RATIO 1:3.46

380,500 RATIO 1:2.47

380,500,560SEL RATIO 1:2.47 ABS

420SEL RATIO 1:2.47

W124
260E RATIO 1:3.27

300D 1987 RATIO 1:2.65

300E RATIO 1:3.07

Well, decided it won't go in this winter and I'll find another one by next summer so...., this one's gonna go.

Anyone interested, email me. Was hot-tanked, cover removed, everything checked, nice and tight. Comes with a flex-disk I couldn't get off at the yard (and don't feel like taking off now), cover was separately cleaned then re-painted while off. Installed with Ultra-black sealer.

Here's pics

http://home.comcast.net/~tomj/images/diff1b.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~tomj/images/diff9.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~tomj/images/diff3.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~tomj/images/diff4.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~tomj/images/diff10.JPG

Will also post in the Parts for sale forum as the more appropriate place to sell something.