How bad would a 2.47 be in a 300D with a 4 speed? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jarod · #1 03-27-2016, 09:58 PM

So with my grey car diff failing more and more, I've stopped driving it now that it leaves a puddle of gear oil anywhere I stop...

Anyway, I'm now more intently looking for a diff, I'd love a 2.88 but don't have $600 to drop on a diff.

I'm having a hard time convincing my wife that around 200 seems to be a going price for pretty much any ratio thats gonna be usable, higher than 3.07 is going to murder my engine around here, highway minimum of 80.

I've found a pretty good deal on a 2.47 from a early 80s 380 of some kind, which should fit according to what I've read.

I'd like a little lower cruise rpm, but do still use the car around town, which northeast tennessee is pretty hilly and the roads are windy, so I'm uncertain if a 2.47 will be drivable around here.

with the 4 speed, 1st gear seems useless, parking lot speeds is it, beyond that it has no purpose, if I'm rolling at all trying to start in 1st is silly, i go straight to 2nd.

which makes me think significantly lower diff would be A-OK, but I'm not convinced. now and then I do tow a jetski, but I'm still leaning towards the 2.47

I figure if I'm gonna drop a bunch of cash, I may as well attempt to improve drivability, I've looked for a 3.07 nearby but no junkyards seem to have any, and anyone who will ship wants about $250 including shipping.

If I can get my pontoon boat sold then I'll have a little more wiggle room, could go pick one up somewhere. Sorry for rambling, I'm just trying to determine what I should do to get my car usable again.