i posted this in the diesel forum. anyhow my indi said the diff on my 84 300D 187k is shot
car makes fast 'clunking' sound at about 25-30mph on and off the throttle. at one point left rear wheel locked up (very scary) but has not done it since . drove her back from the indi and did some test driving. floored car from stop thru all gears - still get the clunking but no lock up , also same in reverse. parking brake works. 1/2 shaft boots all intact/no leaking. diff does not appear to be leaking. i suspect my indi did not take enuf time for a proper disgnosis. any other thoughts out there - i really don't want this car to die but finding a used diff may be hard and many $$ to repair? need expert advice! she's parked right now..

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Hard to say without seeing/hearing it. The description sounds more like an axle problem. Clunking differentials don't " floored car from stop thru all gears " and then drive away.

An axle that klunks is harder to prove (if its not obvious) than the differential. With the diff the cover can be removed and everything is easily exposed.

Used differentials should be plentiful and cheap. (and a pretty good value as they do last a long time - usually)

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

thanks steve, i took the car today for a '2nd opinion' at another
local mechanic so will see what they say. On the drive over no lock ups so it really has me puzzled more now. will post results. if anyone else has a comment / thought i'm all ears!

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

well, the 'new' mechanic drove the car and made it back to the shop in one piece. He wasn't angry (as no wheels locked up ..) but just puzzled like me. Left the old girl with them so they can diagnose. Film at eleven..
will be back to u with more on this soonest i hear from them - in the meantime keep ur fingers crossed for her ! and thanks again for your reply

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

yep, a bad diff. - thanks for your replies. have posted the
'evidence' on the diesel forum if you care to look - it's amazing the car could even move...
she'll be back on the road asap tho, ah garrrunteeit

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP