WTB - W123 300TD (2.88ratio?) diff - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joeywarren · #1 02-08-2005, 07:04 AM

Hi all, I'm looking to transplant my 3.xx diff with a taller gearing diff from a 300TD.

Does anyone have the part-code for the unit, and any ancillaries required to fit it? It's be a good idea to change the mounts etc I suspect ;-)

I would look to a factory original, re-conditioned or VERY good condition lowish mileage one!

This will be for a 230TE, UK.

thanks!

R Leo · #2 02-08-2005, 11:05 AM

Here in the colonies, the 2.88 diffy wasn't available on diesels (W123s at least) until the 1985 model year. At that time it wasn't confined to the wagon because all diesels with automatic trannys were equipped with 2.88 gears.

All my pre '85 W123s have 3.07 gearing and my '85 wagon and '85 parts car (a sedan) have 2.88 gearing. FWIW, the '87 SDL has 2.88 gears.

Also, it may be possible to use the diffy from a properly geared W126 if you have access to a rear differential cover from a standard 123 chassis. I say this because while replacing the axles on my 126 I noticed that the cover (probably not useable on most 123s because it had a anti-torque arrangement) had a 123xx part number cast into it. This leads me to believe that the main diffy cases are similar between 123 and 126.

joeywarren · #3 02-08-2005, 05:23 PM

"Also, it may be possible to use the diffy from a properly geared W126" - really?! Does anyone KNOW if this can be done?

Tell you why... the number of W126 going to the crusher here because of V8 expensive rebuild requirements (and nothing else wrong) is quite amazing, plus the rarity of W123 with low ratios... means I may just go down that route instead - after all if they are the same component...

Would I need 1/2 shafts as well?

R Leo · #4 02-08-2005, 06:57 PM

Joe,
Be on the lookout for any 5-speed 280SELs (W126) at the crushers. They WILL fit on the OM617 or 616 engine.

Regarding the 126 diffy, maybe a search in the diesel forum would reveal more...I seem to recall a thread in there about 'easter eggs' where diffy interchangability was discussed at length. I'll see if I can find it.

joeywarren · #5 02-08-2005, 07:01 PM

Thanks for that.. trouble is is running the M102 engine (230TE). Any further thoughts on that?

Thanks for the diffy search!! Obliged to you, sir!

MTUpower · #6 02-08-2005, 08:54 PM

Slight modification of the W126 diff is needed to insure proper spacing to accomdate the W123 widths. do a search using the words "easter egg" and you will find what you are looking for.
William

joeywarren · #7 02-09-2005, 09:46 AM

ok thanks I'll do that

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