Originally Posted by BirthdayBenz

I was able to swap the rear diff in my 83 240D without removing axles. There is enough articulation in the CV joints to rotate at an angle at the wheel side and plunge in at the diff side.

I hear there are two different types of axles.

One that looks like these: (Portal?)


Or have QUALITY XZN tool, and an impact wrench... or, just open the diff and pull the clips... easy.

And one type where you cannot remove them without opening the diff.

I am however now stuck with a diff sitting on my floor with axles still attached and the bolts that hold them on secured with no way to easily loosen them. If you have the type pictured above and you're planning to take the axles off the diff loosen the bolts while its still mounted in the car.