I have a bad banging coming from under the rear of the car when pulling away which I have determined to be a bad axle. The parts stores sometimes mention very small differences in axle length. They also offer rebuilt axles and new axles.

I am not worried about keeping the car all original, but are there details on the axle purchase anyone can warn me about?

The sooner you fix it the better. There are many, many threads on the subject of axle replacement.

One big thing is to always loosen the fill plug at the top of your differential before you drain it. Its a 14mm allen.

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1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Again, thanks. I read that somewhere else. I guess there is a problem with the plugs seizing in the housing leaving you SOL when it's time to refill.

Always make sure to remove the refill plug before draining the diff.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

They are easy to replace, either long or short versions, get one from pick-a-part cheap

My local yard charges $25

__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."