W123 CV Axle Lengths
 

Looking at replacing the axle halves on my '83 300D, and I'm noticing two different lengths: 26 1/16" and 24 13/16" total length. Is there a way to see what is installed on mine BEFORE removing them?

Thanks,

Lance-

26 is the axle for the SD/126 24 is the axle for the D/123

The two different lengths depend on the differential and axle combination. From what I've found, the W123 came with the narrower differential (185mm) and therefore the longer axles.

The more absolute method would be to compare the markings of the axleshaft to what is in the FSM but it takes some time to sort it out.

Here are a couple of links to help:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/248948-mercedes-service-manual-source-cd-dvd-paper.html (35-500)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/249673-2-47-1-2-88-1-axle-116-120-a-5.html (post#68)

Go with what VSTech tells you on this as he has had more dealings with this, especially the different models.

I went through this on the W126 and it took quite a bit of sorting to figure out what replacement combinations I could use from salvage cars to replace the differential and axles simultaneously.

Hmm... I suppose a 210mm diff would require the 24... and the 185 would be the 26... I wonder.

what is measured? distance between cans, or distance between axle stub ends... compressed, or extended, or centered...

Some of the Part Sellers list the Axle length measured when the Axle is compressed.

Thanks guys....we'll see how it goes this weekend.