Those of you who have done a cross platform/brand swap..
 

What have you done for a rear end/ driveshaft?

I'll be putting a SBC into a w124, and the last thing to figure out is what to do about the driveshaft/rear end. It looks like the 300Es rear end is pretty stout, though I dont know if I trust the rubber isolators in the driveshaft. This motor will be around 350chp/425ftlbs tq. Do I trust the vette rear end and find a way to make the axles work?

When you say rubber isolators are you talking about the driveshaft flex disk? If yes, they should be ok.

Someone on this site used a diff yoke from a Dodge 8 1/4" , they just had to remove the slinger ring and cut the nub from the Mercedes diff. MB makes something like 5 different diffs so you will have to confirm. They are designated by ring gear size and oil capacity.

Also have a look at a place called "the drive shaft shop" They are making aluminum discs that will allow you to use a Ford bolt on style drive shaft. They didn't show a direct replacement for MB but they do make them for BMW , Caddy CTS , and a few other cars.

If you are using a slip yoke on the trans, you probably can delete the center bearing and use a one piece shaft but check clearances first.

I actually found a place locally that will take driveshaft a and driveshaft b, cut the necessary ends off of each and mount them on an aluminum tube shaft, balance the whole deal for $2-300. They actually judt called me back from last week so the timing was perfect.

Price sounds about right. On a side note did you know that the newest Camaros utilize flex disc?

You didn't state which 300E you have or what year. The M104/M119 powered W124s have a 8 1/4" (210 mm) rear which is indeed stout enough, but the M103 powered 300Es only have a 7 1/4" (185 mm) rear which is not stout enough. In America, a 92 300E is still a M103 car, but a 93 300E is a M104 car. Same name, same look, totally different powertrain under the skin, except for the trans. Then there are the 93 2.8 liter M104 powered 300Es. I don't know which rear-end those have.

I just saw your sway bar thread and in there you said it's a 93.

OK, I hope you appreciate this cause it took me FOREVER to relocate these links. Dave's (gsxr) site is wonderfully informative, but it's also hard as Hell to navigate.

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/other/differentials.pdf
Index of /images/W124_diffs

According to the info there, the 2.8 powered 300Es had the 210 mm diff too so it appears you lucked out and are golden.

Yep, along with a handful of Chrysler products.


I apologize for not providing more information, I was posting from my phone and was admittedly lazy in doing so. My car is infact a 93, It is also a 3.2L m104, as opposed to the 2.8. I absolutely appreciate the information. I've been there (to the site) before and made it about two clicks from my brain frying before leaving.

That's a relief.

Hopefully this swap goes as smoothly as I imagine it is going to.