You might have to remove the aluminum shield between the exhaust and drive shaft to drop the diff enough without removing the flex disc.

Sixto
83 300SD

Thanks everyone! I crawled under the car to layout a plan, after pouring over the FSM many times...overall it doesn't look too bad of a job, of course I haven't started to remove anything

After the advice from babymog I will replace the flex disc, as it has a few very small cracks. Nothing I am worried about, however the stress put on it from lowering the diff might do some damage to it (thanks babymog) so I'll just replace it.

First, I'll remove the flex disc, but not install the new one yet.

Next, I'll remove the mount toward the front of the diff (will replace as well).

Then, then I will remove the two bolts attached to the mount and slowly lower the diff using a jack and block of wood combo. I will lower it enough to see if I have acces to the mounts.

Next, use the special puller to replace the mounts.

Put her all back together and install the new flex disc.

Anything I am missing? There is the speed sensor attached, but I think the line is long enough to allow the differential to lower...if I remove it, will oil come out of the hole?

Thanks for all the help! This has turned into, what I think, s a manageable job!

Update on the rear differential project... Everything went well and the girl now has new (4) differential bushings and a new rear flex disc. If any one is thinking about attempting this job and is nervous, please don't worry! This was a pretty easy, straightforward job. It was time consuming, about 6 hours, but not hard. I was surprised how easy the bushings came out of the subframe! They were much easier than getting the bolts off of the flex disc! I did use the tool from ktc after reading how difficult it was for other people who made their own tools... The most difficult part for me was supporting and lifting the differential so the holes lined up and I then put the bolts back in...that part took over an hour. The differential moved forward and rear once dropped, which I didn't plan for, but makes sense ex post facto. If anyone wants a write up let me know! Thanks for all the help on this forum, couldn't have done it without you! And the fsm, that was essential as well!

There are 4 differential bushings? I was only aware of the two rears! please do share info on the other 2! I want to do this very soon. my 95 drives great but the thump is a drag!

I also had an 87 300d.. with a #22 head. I had a lot of issues with that one, went through a lot of radiators due to the low clearance between the fan and radiator, and motor mounts failing and coming loose!

here it is dieselbenz25

1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D Base Sedan - Axles, Bearings & Differential - Page 2

it is on the forward part of the rear diff...you need 2...I don't think these fail often, but when you're in there, might as well replace these since they are probably original.

Part# is 124-351-13-42

I like my 87! She's quick and incredibly reliable...have something fail once or twice a year, but I love the $0 car payments!

If new mounts don't fix a 6-cyl 124 fan hitting the radiator, the radiator lower support is probably bent from hitting a parking barrier.

Sixto
83 300SD
98 E320 wagon

Thanks for the link! 87 is pretty good. I think mine was just a little troublesome. no car payment is the best!

I actually had them replaced, and a year or so later they had come loose.. what a PITA!