85 into 82 rear diff swap. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rrgrassi · #1 08-07-2007, 01:43 PM

I am in the process of buying an '85 rear diff to put into my '82 300D.

Does the '85 300D use the same mechanical set up, or is it electronic? Also, is the speedo gear in the tranny end housing the same as the '82, or do I need to look for an '85 speedo head?

I will be replacing all the seals and gasket on the '85 one when I get it in my possesion, and replace the flex disks.

Oh, one more question. How can I line up the the drive shaft and new diff to avoid driveline vibrations?

Thanks!

vstech · #2 08-07-2007, 01:47 PM

if you change the speedo/odo cluster with the rear, you will have a matched system. nothing else is different. good luck.

rrgrassi · #3 08-07-2007, 01:51 PM

Oh, ok. Now I need to find an '85 cluster. I just want speedo head, and I'll swap out the needle to maintain the "unchanged" look, except for the MPH dial.

vstech · #4 08-07-2007, 02:31 PM

why change the needle?

rrgrassi · #5 08-07-2007, 02:34 PM

So I can keep the chromed caps. I do not need the entire guage cluster, at least I do not think I do. All the guages and clock work, believe it or not.

vstech · #6 08-07-2007, 02:37 PM

your 82 D has chromed caps? Hmm, I thought they dropped that in 82...

rrgrassi · #7 08-07-2007, 02:46 PM

My 82 was built in 10/81.

vstech · #8 08-07-2007, 03:00 PM

ahh

vstech · #9 08-07-2007, 03:02 PM

I think you can pull off just the cap, and swap them, ya gotta be carefull with the needle.

rrgrassi · #10 08-07-2007, 03:04 PM

Oh, ok. I also need to repaint the needles. I can't find the Testor's orange that was posted months ago. Any other ideas?

#11 08-07-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

My 82 was built in 10/81.

My 82 (built in 3/82) also has chrome centers, I thought all the 82s did. I swapped needles when I got rid of the silly 85 mph speedo and installed a 83/84 speedo.

arcticathlon · #12 08-07-2007, 03:27 PM

i have a 85 300D that is just now being parted out. i have a 2.88 rear differential and my instrument cluster is for sale. make me an offer.

dan

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=196389

vstech · #13 08-07-2007, 03:28 PM

does the tach work?
My 85 D needs a good tach.

rrgrassi · #14 08-07-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcticathlon

i have a 85 300D that is just now being parted out. i have a 2.88 rear differential and my instrument cluster is for sale. make me an offer.

dan

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=196389

I have a diff coming, but I do need the speedo out of the cluster. I was quoted $95 for the diff, but the speedo was already sold.

How much for the entire cluster? Maybe VS and I can make a deal.

#15 08-07-2007, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

How much for the entire cluster? Maybe VS and I can make a deal.

I'm not certain, but I don't think the 85 tach will work in anything but an 85. I believe the fuel/temp/pressure will work in your 82, but the chrome dot is missing and the labels on the face will get in the way of installing the dot in the correct spot.