126 rear dif question
 

Hi all I am thinking of installing a rear diferential from an 84 126 gasser in my 81 300sd.Dose anyone know how this would effect performance?both axles are shot on the sd and the gasser rear package just happened to be available.

You need to look at the differential ratios...

ALso are those the same size diffs? 1.3 liter?

I'd grab the used axles and spend 3-4 hrs installing them.


Michael

the 126 gasser
 

if v8 is prob a 2.47. if a six it is prob a 3 something. is the sd a 126 bodie? if so it shold be a 2.65. if you get the info i will look up the stuff for sure. year and model, please.

tom w

i just checked my book
 

the 126 bodied 280 is not listed in my book but a 116 bodied 280 is a 3.69 gear. i am guessing that the newer one is a higher ratio such as 3.46 or so.

hope this helps a little.

tom w

Here is the information you seek...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/85165-well-i-have-found-mb-diesel-easter-egg.html?highlight=easter+egg
Please use the search feature next time - this has been discussed many times.

Aren't SDLs equipped with a 2.65:1 axle?

The SD's have a 3.07 up to 1984. In 1985 it was reduced to a 2.88.

All the SDL's have a 2.88.

thanks for all the info you guys.the gasser is a 126 '500 series sdl the diesel is an 81 sd. I am going to see about pulling those axles tomarrow.was someone saying something about axle ratios or were you talking about dif gear ratios? also I do attempt to use the search thingy my skills seem to be inadiquit I will keep trying though ............thanks...........john

i think
 

i have seen in one of my books that some of the 86 and 87 sd's have the 2.65.

back to the original poster. the 500 should be a 2,47 gear ratio in the rear diff. the sd should be as brian said a 3.07. the 2.47 has been used in the diesel by some folks that post on this website. they were very happy with it. it will reduce your ability to get the car going by making the gear ratio have less mechanical advantage. the trade off will be that the motor will turn a lower rpm at highway speeds and be quiter and get better economy. if you change the rear end you should also change the speedo so it will read accurately. everything as far as i know will interchange wo modifications.

good luck. it is a job.

tom w

There were no SD's in the years 1986 and 1987.

Better check that book. ;)

well I pulled the axle from the 500sel,fast lane lists the same part number for the 81sd but I noticed a big plastic clamp on the axle boot nearest the diffon the sel,this isnt on the sd axle .Do you think this is a problem?.thanks........john.

brian
 

well, that could be the problem.

tom w

I believe you are looking at the '87 300D. It has a 2.65 ratio.

yeah
 

i guess so.

tom w

well, brian
 

my mercedes factory service manual shows sd's for 86 and 87. are you saying that there only were sdl's? if so the axle ratios are the same are they not?

tom w