Hi folks,
Got what may be just a half-axle problem, but I am very suspicious of large amounts of play/slop I find at the rear end.

So, I found a local fellow selling the whole rear end out of his gasser, a '78 280ce. He doesn't want to part with just the half-axle; and I wonder about compatibility.
both W123....

Is this a differently geared diff? Are the half-axles even compatible?

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

Half axles will swap and differential will too, but the gearing is much different. I don't think you will like the 0-60 times with the gasser's 2.47 gears. The Diesel gear is at least 3.07 I believe.

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'83 300D Turrrbo 295K miles

yeah, i figured they might be way different, but never hurts to ask. Maybe I can talk him out of those axles...

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

The diff in the 280e should be a 3.58.

This is half way between a 369 240d and the 346 300d na. So for your car it will give a little more acceleration at the sacrifice of fuel economy.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

That is interesting...
I could use both more acceleration and better fuel economy, so I guess choose one, eh?

__________________
Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

Get the 2.47 and a Jato rocket.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=179661&page=2&highlight=differential+swap

Here is a good pictorial on the job.

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'83 300D Turrrbo 295K miles