Here is the other side of the gear holder. The gear axle has dropped out of its support and is starting to wear down through the gear support in the direction shown by its movement.
The replacement was from a 1985 W123 that exibited no such wear at all. The driveline is nice and tight now with no slack, and the car is a pleasure to drive. Additionally, the 1985 W123 differential gear ratio was changed a bit to gear the car higher. Not all that noticable in driving - and I also went to 15" wheels and tires - resulting in an odometer error of approximately 10%.
Guess I'll have to state "True Miles Unknown" on the title?
Ken300D