2.47 trouble...help
 

Hey guys,

I thought that I had this swap thing all figured out. Searched several local wreckers but had no luck in finding a 2.47 for my 300sd...Ebay to the rescue!!...2.47 out of a 560sec for $175 shipped to my door. Well, after I paid the dude, I discovered (thanks to Thorsen) that my new diff has a different mounting scheme than the one in my SD. So I called the dude, and he has already shipped it. What do I do? Is there a way to make it work, or do I pay $75 to ship it back to the guy and chalk it up to stupidity? Does anyone want it?

HELP
BH

Not my area of expertise, but how different? I know many Jeep owners get an 8.8 axle out of a Ford Explorer and weld it to fit, because it is a stronger axle for off-road use than the Dana 35 jeeps normally come with.

If thy weld it to hold for off road, it would work IMO for your Mercedes if you can make it fit. Depends on how dfferent, though.....

Dunl,

He bought the one on the left, he needs the one on the right.

Bravo - where are you located??

I've got the same scenario
 

Have 300SD, want 2.47 for same.

Also have complete subframe from 420SEL with 2.47. Complete down to the brake calipers, diff, shafts, mounts, the whole thing. Thought it would go into the SD. I was mistaken.

Anyone want anything from the 2.47 420SEL setup?

Did they make any limited slip 2.47 diff's that have the 4 stud mounting system like pictured on the right?

Yea, good question. I was told that some of the 2.47 diffs has different covers, but that the cover would be swapped. Without the 4 studs though that is a no-go.

-Tad

It appears to me that the difference lies in the model year. Through '85, the diff used the four bolt mounting and the diff was the load bearing member and attached directly to the differential mount.

From '86 forward, the new rubber mounts were utilized and the subframe was the load bearing member and attached directly to the differential mount.

The diff in the SD is currently a 2.88 (from an '85) but it certainly will not exchange with the diff in the SDL.........also a 2.88.

So, you fellows need to be careful on the model year, AFAIK.........it's got to be 1985 or before.

Thorsen - I am located S of Seattle.

OK, so it looks like I am screwed and stuck w/ a large paperweight ....how about swapping the internals into my pumpkin?...is that doable?

I would think that it would work to swap the innards....though I am not sure if the changes on the outside mounting would have any effect on the insides....I would doubt it, it would likely work fine.

If you were located in Chicagoland I would have been able to help you out.

Switching the internals is not something I think you want to do. You have to set the mesh of the gears which is a precise alignment, requiring an assortment of shims it get it right.

The other problem is that the 3.07 you have now has a 185mm ring gear, the one you are trying to use has a 210mm ring gear. I don't believe it will physically fit in the case.

If I were you, I would sell the diff you have now on eBay (surely someone needs a post -85 diff) and buy the correct one. http://car-part.com/ will help you find one. There are 6 differentials for a 1982 380SE available in the NorthWest, priced from $300-$400.

Otherwise, keep watching eBay. I bought the one that I have in my car for $75, shipped.

Setting the gears and bearings on a differential is very time-consuming, but really not all that difficult. I've done it several times on Saab transmissions (FWD car).

The hardest part is getting the pinion projection set. That can be done with dye to check the gear engagement if you have a lot of time, as it will take assembly and disassembly of the whole unit several times. Otherwise, I suspect that there is a factory tool to check this dimension, as on the Saab.

You will probably end up buying shims if you go this route, as you will be unlikely to get all the shims you need for one mixed unit out of the two originals.

Here's a 4 bolt:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8041142548&fromMakeTrack=true

Nice ratio for a 300SD. Ignore the ABS.

I think he's got the ratio wrong. AFAIK, the V8's used the 2.47.

Damn good price, however............

I might have found another diff. Does anyone know what the ratio is on an '84 380se?...is it a 2.47? And this one should work since it is pre-'85....right??

Help me guru's :)

BH
'84 300sd

Funny you mention the '84 380SE. I just received a diff from a '84 500 SEL and it was indeterminate if it had the 2.24 or the 2.47. Seems that there is conflicting information out there.

So, I check it yesterday, after getting it out of the shipping box, and sure enough........it's the 2.47!!!

So, I'm very sure that the 380 also has the 2.47 and it will work perfectly in the '84 SD.

BTW, I've got the 3/4" drive socket for the nut that secures the yoke sitting here on the desk. You'll probably need to switch the yokes because AFAIK, it's larger on the gasser. LMK if you need to borrow it.