w163 diff interchangibility
 

Saw some other posts regarding swapping out diffs for W124 and W126 among others. Lots of choices.

How about the W163? Early ones came with 3.46 R&P; post '01 came with 3.70. I don't think my '02 V8 needs that much rear gear, so I was looking to go taller. Would a 3.07 or 3.27 from an E series 4matic work? Can any of the W124 or W126 diffs swap in? Hard to believe MB build special ring and pinions just for their SUV.

Any other limitations, or are the ring and pinions pretty much swappable across different series, even if the entire diff isn't? Thanks.

Regards,
Jerry

Can not say for sure, but I surmise not. I have changed a rear pinion seal on my 99 ML 320. It was very easy.

Was going to change the pinion seal on one of my 124s a 92 300D 2.5 turbo. I gave up after discovering that the drive shaft did not separate from the rear diff. as easily or in the same manner as my ML. Basically I think you need a proper lift to deal with the driveshaft on the 124. I have a scissors lift which makes it to much trouble.

Not much info, but thanks for responding.
Regards,
Jerry