on my 1985 cali 300D, the rear axles make a horrible clunking noise pretty much all the time. i bought the car this way and the PO told me they needed to be replaced, and that was about 6 months ago. anyways i'd like to finally do it before the axle breaks and ruins the car.

i would prefer to get junkyard axles rather than spend $300+ for rebuilds. ive seen some good ones that have newish looking rubber boots and was wondering if they would work. i think it was a 380sel but i could be wrong?

so my question is: what models/years will have compatible axles? do i need to find another 1985 300d or can i get them from any 300 series cars? i.e. w126 body styles?

ive tried searching for this but all i see discussion of is the cheap china axles which seem to be junk, and the cvj rebuilds out of denver that are quite expensive.

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1981 300SD, 270K, two tank wvo system
1985 300D, 288K, california version
1985 300DT wagon, 315k, broken odo