Please help, cant connect drive shaft to differential.
 

Hi I have a (euro)1985 500 SEL I'm attempting to change the rear SLS to springs and shocks. I ordered the rear sls delete kit from Bekkers. To enable enough clearence to install the new springs I diconnected the driveshaft from the differntial. There is now a 2 or 3 inch gap between the drive shaft and differential.? Does any one have any suggestions? :confused:

Is the driveshaft a two-part shaft?

Do instructions in the kit address this issue? Have you looked in the FSM?

Assuming you put the diff back where it belongs
 

and you're remembering the Hardyscheibe (rubber flex disc), then the most likely cause is that the driveshaft is telescoped in. Presumably you pushed it in during disassembly. You need to loosen the big nut in the middle of the shaft to make it easier to extend back out

Wow, thanks for such quick replys.
I will try that as soon as I get home, I am at work now. Thank you so much!!
Answers to the other replies:
No the drive shaft isnt 2 part.
And:
The parts didnt come with any insrtuctions, I got all my information from reading threads from others.
I'll let you know where I'm at, as soon as I get home. thanks again!

Yevette, are you referring to the driveshaft which goes from the tranny to the differential? Or the axleshafts that go from the differential to the wheels? I am having trouble figuring out why you would take the driveshaft out to take out springs. I can understand taking down an axleshaft.

Check this:
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126RearShocksSprings

Helped out alot when I did my 420SEL.

Thanks, I wouldn't have gotten as far as I have with out the thread mentioned above. I disconnected the drive shaft because it seemed to be bottoming out and I didnt want anything to snap or break off...uh, I don't know what I am doing is probably a more accurate answer. But I'm sure learning by my mistakes! I'll keep you posted on my progress, thanks for the input.
Yevette

I've been under the car for the last hour, I don't know what the problem is There is no big bolt in th center to loosen there is just a hole.?at this point I'd like to drive it off a cliff, good thing its not driveable.
Thanks again,
Yevette

Agreed, it must be the axle shaft
 

The CV joints compress and extend axially. You should be able to pull it back out. If you can't, then take a picture and post so we can understand your problem.

Pictures would be great if you can. One thing not mentioned in that DIY link is the fact that when you unbolt the subframe and try to get it to drop, it catches on the muffler hanger brackets. The ones that the rubber squares go on to hold up the mufflers. I had a bear of a time shoving everything down until I noticed it. Once it goes by, the spring will practically fall out. Getting that big bolt back up in the subframe bushing mount is a PITA. Let's hear from ya in the AM.

Yeaaaaaa! I got it togeather, I did it!!!
I'm done, my rear end is up, mabey a little too up but it's up!!!!
Thanks to all, this sight is the greatest! I really apprieciate all of your input,
I (my car) kind of looks like a stink bug on wheels but the tires aren't scrapeing!!!
Thanks again,
Yevette

..and the problem was ???????

"and you're remembering the Hardyscheibe (rubber flex disc), then the most likely cause is that the driveshaft is telescoped in. Presumably you pushed it in during disassembly. You need to loosen the big nut in the middle of the shaft to make it easier to extend back out"

Hirnbeiss was right it had telescoped in, only I couldn't pull it out by hand so I took two nuts and bolt that were longer then original and tightend down a little on each, alternating sides until it came togeather. The I took them out and put th original bolts in.

Now to figure out what to do with the old system, The front end still uses the SLS so I cant use the plate and ditch the system completely. I'm going to put the accumulator back on,hook up the lines and hopefully the front continues to work.?.
Anyways thanks again for all the help, I'll keep in touch.
Yevette
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