Hey everyone. I'm looking for a good used differential for my 1977 240D (pictured below).

The current unit is a 3.69, and I'd like to keep that ratio, if possible.

I'm in Seattle and would be happy to pay cost for shipping, if it comes to that.

Thanks in advance!

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Nice-looking car, so definitely worth putting money into it. I have the whole rear-end from a 1983 300D I stripped a few months ago, stored out of the elements (though no rain since). I don't know the ratio. I also never drove it, so don't know if the diff is good. If you know how to check one for play, let men know. Also research what it would cost to ship to Seattle. I'm guessing >$200. Around 2003, I shipped a 200 lb transaxle 2 states over on DHL for $70 and went via air, but they don't offer shipping to the public anymore. Better to just throw in the trunk if driving down I-5 thru Sacramento anyway on your next SoCal vacation.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

Thanks for the quick reply! Most likely the diff from the '83 300D is a 3.07, which is probably a bit too tall for the 240D. But I'll let you know if I am not able to find one with the matching ratio!

The 300d non turbo rear end is 3.46 so its close

A 3.07 (which I have in stock) is an excellent diff swap for a 240D. I have personally swapped this into a couple of customer 240D's. I believe Uncle Kent Bergsma has a video of him doing this diff swap on youtube and you can actually see the acceleration.

It will be slightly slower on the takeoff, but the 240D is already one of the slowest vehicles on the road, so a second or two off acceleration is not too noticeable.

The benefit of this swap is that freeway/highway cruising RPMS will be lower and the car will be considerably quieter/tolerable at 70 mph than with the 3.69 differential

I agree on the ratio problem. My 1984 300D spins ~3000 rpm at 65 mph. When I return to driving it after my other vehicles, I often look to insure I have it in "D" because it seems like there should be another shift. My 1985 CA supposedly has a slightly taller rear, but it still seems to spin too fast on the highway, maybe 2900 rpm. My 1996 Plymouth Voyager only has 3 gears but the engine feels comfortable at 70 mph, so probably spinning 2500 rpm (no tach). Seems like the M-B designers could have been smarter in spreading out the 4 gears they had to work with. Heck, the early 1960's Corvette only had 2 gears.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans

I have a good 78 300D 3.46 from when I changed to 3.07

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97 e300d, 78 300Dt, 95 E300d, 94 E320 estate

Thanks for all of the responses so far. The current status is that my mechanic now thinks the issue (rear end noise) is a problem with the emergency brake rather than the diff. Thankfully that's a much simpler fix. But all of your replies have me considering a diff swap anyway!

If you do end up needing one, I have a 3.69 up for grabs.

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'84 300D Euro 5 spd
'83 240D 4spd
'83 300D/5 spd manual/Lifted+28" AT Tires
'83 300SD
'10 E63

Parting out- '79 Euro 280TE Green/Green & '89 300SEL White/Grey

I may have one too....disassembled.

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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.

Contact Raphaelpete71@gmail.com he had one for sale

Sent from my Infinix X650 using Tapatalk

scammer

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0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

I have a 3.69 with about 165K on it. dif seals don't leak. I replaced it with a 3.07. Mistake. Now looking for a 3.46. I am in Wyoming and might be coming out to Seattle soon.

not slightly slower. Way slower off the line! Been there done that. 3.69 or 3.46 are the ticket.

Let's bring another 2 year old thread back from the dead