Howdy,

Does anyone know which W123 has the longest front section drive shaft? Pretty sure the rear section (longer section) is pretty much the same across model numbers.

I need a front section which is at least 23" long. I need it to modify it to match the front section of the 240D which goes to the 717.400 Getrag Five Speed.

I have a similar thread out there. Just wasted $41 on one which was represented to me as being 23.25" long when it's not even close.

Something tells me that any of the 240D's, either auto or stick, will be too short (except the rare one I temporarily have in my possession). Just took a quick stroll around the forums last evening and the 240D line-up was the most promising, but theirs might be too short no matter what.

Thanks in advance.

Wish I knew you were looking. I just took my 240D (4 speed manual) and 300 SD (auto) shafts off to the scrap yard. One of 'em might have been longish, probably the 300 SD shaft. But they're gone.

If you have the two ends of a manual shaft it's not a big deal to have a driveshaft shop re-tube it to any length you need. They'll chuck the old shaft in the lathe and part off the ends then cut the tube and weld it in - not a big deal for folks who do driveshafts. Should be about $100-$150 at least at our local shop.

Dan

Some information here =>

Gearbox comparison & drive shaft lenghts & colour codes - Mercedes-Benz Forum

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

The W123 240D 4 speed drive shaft has the longest front section. I can measure one for you tomorrow.

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1969 220D 5 Speed (OM616)
1983 240D 4 Speed
1985 300D Auto 376K
1985 300D Auto 275K

Thanks Sir !

I measure approximately 23 3/4 from the flange mounting surface to the back of the hex on the shaft. This doesn't include the length of the locking nut. This shaft is from a 1980 240D 4 speed. I've included a few pics to show how I measured it. If you need any more info let me know.

Attached Thumbnails

     

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1969 220D 5 Speed (OM616)
1983 240D 4 Speed
1985 300D Auto 376K
1985 300D Auto 275K