I definitely want to know if the crown and pinion swap is possible. I took a look at my diff and I will do some serious maintenance while being down there, so every minute is worth gold. Currently my benz is my daily driver, and I can't afford having it off the road during the week. I need to do all the job in saturday and sunday.

All this means that if the swap is possible, I would like to have everything ready to save time...

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1982 W123 300D NA Euro, 300K Miles, 4-speed manual, 3.46 rear diff, early W126 front brakes, Penta rims with 205/60R15 FH900's, custom fitted (by me) audio system, more to come into the money pit... Soon to be installed: Bilstein HD, R107 front discs and 4-piston calipers, HD Suspension springs, wagon front swaybar.

You need specialized measuring equipment and a set of suitable shims and the knowledge to properly setup a ring and pinion. It's generally best left to a professional shop, but, some members do have the experience. Personally, I'd advise against it.

You're right Brian, however I have decent skills and I've done quite a lot of differential work on other cars. I'm really hoping this is a task I can do.

BTW, in mercedes diffs how is the gap between the crown and the pinion adjusted?

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1982 W123 300D NA Euro, 300K Miles, 4-speed manual, 3.46 rear diff, early W126 front brakes, Penta rims with 205/60R15 FH900's, custom fitted (by me) audio system, more to come into the money pit... Soon to be installed: Bilstein HD, R107 front discs and 4-piston calipers, HD Suspension springs, wagon front swaybar.

There's an Wikipedia article on the 617's. Lists power output, bore and stroke etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM617_engine

Regards,

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Tomas, Sweden
1966 Mercedes Benz 230S with OM617.912, automatic. Disk brakes from W108
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD grey, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD blue 7-seater, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual

The later 617s had a diffrent cam profile that gave more power. I belive only the early 116 diesels had the lower power cam.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

So no words about the compatibility of the crown and pinion??

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1982 W123 300D NA Euro, 300K Miles, 4-speed manual, 3.46 rear diff, early W126 front brakes, Penta rims with 205/60R15 FH900's, custom fitted (by me) audio system, more to come into the money pit... Soon to be installed: Bilstein HD, R107 front discs and 4-piston calipers, HD Suspension springs, wagon front swaybar.