PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Volvo overdrive splice into a Mercedes Diesel

54dan · #12 02-05-2013, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

You wouldn't add it to the transmission-you would splice it into the driveshaft.

Trans->DS->OD->DS->Diff

The trick is that the installations in the links above show the OD in a torque tube closed driveline, as in the Model A and T. These (and many old cars up into the 50's) have a sealed tube from the back of the transmission (slip joint in the tube and a single u-joint at the trans) all the way back to the diff. The rear axle springs on these cars carry no torque, only weight. (this is partly how the 'A can use a single elliptical spring on the rear axle)

So to install an OD like this on those, you cut the outer tube, remove a section of the tube equal to the length of the OD unit, install flanges on the tube halves that bolt up to the OD unit, cut and spline the inside driveshaft to fit the unit on each end. The OD unit replaces a portion of the torque tube and carries the driveshaft torque.

I once owned an MGB that had a 4-speed manual with a similar electric Laycock OD, and this was bolted to the back of the trans, and then an open driveshaft from there to the diff.

In the Mercedes, seems like you'd have to somehow attach the unit to the trans and perhaps eliminate the center bearing (maybe come out of the OD unit with a u-joint?). If you did a divorced (trans-ds-od-ds-diff) setup, you you need to seal both ends of the unit and affix it in an appropriate way to the undercarriage, as it would be carrying torque.

Just some thoughts ... a very interesting idea.

-Dan