Swapping out a W124 diff?
 

Can this be done without dropping the exhaust for a 500E?

I have 6-ton jackstands, ramps, two 3-ton floor-jacks, and a transmission jack as well.

Am I fool to try this on my back without a lift?

How about for a W124 wagon?

:-) neil

I am assuming you have 6 one ton jackstands right?

Neil, this is a tough one without a car lift. I believe that the 500E has clips on the inside of the differential housing to keep the axles inside the differential. However if you took the bolts going from the CV joint area to the axle spline shaft off, you might be able to drop it down. That differential is very heavy in the 500E. The person to really ask about this is Tom (Subman) because remember he did the 2.82 Diff into his E420.

Do you have a limited slip for your 500E now??? That would be cool.

I was looking in the service manual library, it seems pretty difficult for the 500E, but you should really ask Tom becaue he has specific experience with those differentials.

I think your Wagen differntial is much easier to change. The differentials are not the same, but Im sure you know that.

Good luck,

As one who butt welded MB exhausts together for years on cars up on jack stands I can say that youth can accomplish anything.

I wouldn't recommend that job on stands to anyone, but I now speak as the professional.

I did the job on the wagon in 4-hours using a Harbor-Freight scissor tranny-jack to position and support the diff. No need to drop the exhaust or loosen any driveshafts. I think I can do it in 3-hours next time.

Also, I'm going to get the rear diff bushing tool since I go through these every year with my aggressive driving and C36 engine.

I took the wagon to the drags the next day, and everything worked well and is still nice and tight.

I may venture and do the 500E as well, but dropping the exhaust is something I just won't do, if it's necessary.

I hope Subman reads his emails. Too bad the link to his 2.82 diff swap is not working.

:-) neil

so what did you think of it? how much better were your times? thinkin about doing this on my car. Nice job man

Have you tried to get the mercedes bushings, then have polyurethane bushings made to the mercedes dimensions? It might help out a lot for you.

I'll call subman for you and ask.