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1988 Bmw E30 Diff

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    #1

    1988 Bmw E30 Diff

    Hello guys i am new here, I am 26 live in england and im trying to re-build my car. i came across the forum when i was searching bmw diffs on google.

    So i have a 1988 bmw 320i

    Right the diff, i have taken my old one off as i purchased another diff which is the same just better condition..

    Now my problem is am i putting it back on the car wrong?

    I can get the prop shaft bolted up and the left hand side bracket bolted but there are 4 bolt holes on the top of the diff which wont line up at all, I have tried loosening the bolts on the prop and the bracket, if i dont put my prop shaft bolts in i cant get it back on as there seems to be no room.. it as if there is no room for the diff to move forward to line up the holes it must be half an inch off.

    I really need some advice how to get it back on..

    Cheers :mrgreen:
    Tags: None
    #2
    Here is how I do it:

    With the diff balanced on a floor jack I raise it up until I can slip the four studs on the drive shaft into the holes the differential input flange, at the same time making sure the differential bushing slides into its bracket. I leave the diff about 1/2" to 1/4" below the subframe so that I can see the front diff holes on the subframe to help line the diff up. From there you just line up the holes and drop the bolts in. Do not tighten anything down until you have all the bolts started otherwise you wont have the flexibility to move things around. I tighten down the drive shaft and axles last.

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      #3
      When I change a differential I disconnect and lower the subframe a couple of inches to gain better access to the top differential mounting bolts. When removing the differential those are the last to come out and the first to go back in when installing the differential. It helps to loosen the collar nut on the drive shaft and put the rear section forward a bit when lining up and bolting the differential in.

      It may seem that there isn't room to install the half shafts with the differential mounted, but they will go in.
      The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
      Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

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        #4
        I am going outside in a minute to give it a go again lol..

        Right everything you have said i have tried, I had to bolt the prop shaft first otherwise i couldn't get it on any other way. Now this causes a problem as it seems the diff needs to go forward but you can't push the prop shaft at all to get the extra half an inch to get the top bolt holes lined up.

        From what i have seen searching google all day i now have a medium case diff instead of a standard one that was on my car.

        Now does this cause a lot of trouble for me and should i just put my original back in?

        Or can you shorten the prop shaft to take this diff?

        I am in bit of a pickle! Doh :(

        Comment

          #5
          The driveshaft can telescope, it is probably extended further back from removing the old diff. It should be fairly easy to push it forward again
          Originally posted by priapism
          My girl don't know shit, but she bakes a mean cupcake.
          Originally posted by shameson
          Usually it's best not to know how much money you have into your e30

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            #6
            Interesting, By telescope do i need to push it or do i need to undo something?! This might be the bit i need to do! lol

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              #7
              It should just telescope on the splines right behind the CSB, just push or pull, there is nothing that locks it in place besides from dirt and rust. Whacking it with a hammer might break it loose but that is not the greatest for the universal joint.

              I'm not familiar with the euro spec models but I think your 320i should have come with a medium case since its a 6cyl model. Either way though small and medium cases are 100% interchangeable and the mounting points are identical. The differences are purely internal so it does not matter which diff your car came with. I put a medium case 4.10lsd from an automatic 325i into my 318is which originally came with a small case diff.

              Are you saying that the diff is too far back and it needs to slide forward more to line up with the bolts on the subframe?

              Comment

                #8
                I am soooo happy i got it done :)

                I need to explain this, So the prop it wouldn't just move up and down the shaft on its own, There is a nut where the spline (the middle joint where the rubby doughy is) i had to undo that then it just moved freely and pop everything went into place :D then once you have your diff bolted etc then slide back under the car and tighten this nut up again an shes done :)


                I appreciate all your help..

                Yeah thats exactly my problem i couldnt get the 4 mounting holes lines up because my shaft was to long.

                You realy have to have some patients doing it though lol

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