Check out this 1923 Studebaker, look at the photo of the rear axle, whats that piece that joins the drive shaft to the diff? Look familiar? Was this common of Benz in the same era too?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1923-Studebaker-Touring-car_W0QQitemZ320292293788QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320292293788&_trkparms=39%3A1|65%3A7|240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245#ebayphotohosting

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-Randy Wakefield

1969 220D 4 speed (parts car)
1976 280C
1976 280S
1981 240D 4 speed (parts car)
1982 300D
1983 300TD (Ivory)
1983 300TD (gold)
1985 300TD (gray)
1987 190D 2.5
1970 280SEL (sold)
1977 240D 4 speed (sold)
1974 280 (rusted to death)
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1927 Chevy 4 door sedan
1938 Chevy 2 door sedan
1950 Willys Jeepster
1955 Studebaker President 4 door
1977 Ford F250
1979 Glastron 17'
1948 John Deere A
1960 John Deere 2010
1979 Satoh S650G
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2000 Bichon (Doby)

it's called a flex disc.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

Looks like the original 1923 pinion seal too.