Work it out before you spend good money for stuff you may not need. It is pretty easy to switch differentials on these cars, so talk about it, try to find out exactly what gearing you have and do you want to keep it. That 380SE had a high speed rear axle, higher then the diesel and some one will come up with the numbers. I think it would be easy to live with either rear axle, one would give a little more top speed, the other would be a little better off the line. Regarding the speedo, you can keep your dash pod and just insert what ever speedo in there that you want. They are held in there by three screws on the back. But remember your speedo is tied in with your rear axle ratio, so use the correct speedo that matches the rear axle. You probably have a blank indicator spot on the bottom of the 380SE dash that could be used for a glow plug indicator light, but you would have to bring the wire along - not to much of a problem, and I think a person could live without the indicator light. You would have to remember to give it some glow time, especially in very cold winter weather. That can be difficult for people if they are impatient. I don't think the motor mounts or the motor mount legs will have to be modified. I think they will work out just fine. The cable on the diesel transmission is the "bowden cable" and it ties in to the throttle linkage and manages the transmission shift points. If is is cut or broken you will have to get a new one. It probably has vacuum for a modulator to soften the shifts.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!