Can anyone tell me where I can order new GKN CV axles for my 82 300SD? I saw an earlier post that referred to Performance Products ($552 per pair on sale), but I can't find them on the web. Also, is there a consensus as to the best axle for the money? Thanks, Big Mac

wow, $550 that seems high. i just priced some half-shafts for a 300d (not an sd) from auto-zone for $100 each. they are reman, but still if they only lasted half as long that's the route i'd go

__________________
'93 300D 200k (since Aug 04)
'82 300TD 205k (since March 04)
'02 Ford Escape 192k (bought new)
'90 Ford Festiva 310k (since '92 with under 10k)
'01 Jeep TJ Wrangler 278k (since 07 with 235k)
'76 VW Westfalia van 150k ? (since '90 with 100k)
'72 Chevrolet Corvette conv. (base not a LT1) 175k (since '84 with 100k)
71' VW Squareback (since '72 with under 9k, odo turned over, then stopped then replaced. maybe 250k)
'87 Yamaha Riva 125 scooter 7k

The GKNs were brand new and also a redesign. Well, actually the redesign more closely matches what Mercedes did on later cars beyond the W123.

You just missed a Performance Products sale, which was 15% off like the deal I got.

www.************************

It can be a slow and fault-prone web site, especially if you try to look at their catalog scans. For some (idiot) reason, they break down a catalog page into about 100 little bits, and store it on a database server. It fails lots of times. I wish they'd just scan it into PDF. If I were you I'd fill out the request for a printed catalog.

The Performance Products Part No. is 35-008 at $325 each. Definitely nice to get 15% off on a pair of these.

My apologies to FastLane but these GKN axles are awesome. I trust you saw my picture of one in the other thread?

Ken300D

Ken - thanks for the steer. I will have to call these guys - their website didn't even recognize the part number you gave me. Still have to decide if I'm going to take the Space Shuttle quality approach like you did or go for rebuilts. Thanks again, Big Mac

Yes, the price of the new axles represent a good portion of the money I've got in the car. But I'm looking for long reliable service from them. In fact, if I should ever trade into a nicer low-mileage 300D, the axles are staying with me when the current car is sold!

But, as far as I can tell, the limiting factor on a 300D is rust cancer if you maintain the engine & drivetrain.

Ken300D

1982 300D 320K Miles
1987 300D 332K Miles

I found Phil's Inc., Automotive Warehouse in Evanston IL - their webpage listed GKN axles - they called GKN for me and found the part number for the 126 chassis axles is discontinued and not available. Their rebuilder no longer reworks 126 shafts, either. I'm back to looking for a good brand of remanufactured axles - any favorites out there? Big Mac

Have you looked around at local rebuilders to find one that offers a lifetime warranty? I found one that only charges about $160 per axle... Greg