Clear up transmission to driveshaft option

[matt]

If you choose to swap output flanges then you'll have to use 3 bushings to attach the eta driveshaft to the ZF320 flange, because the bolts will be undersized.

Matt, did you use off the shelf bushings, or did you machine some with a lathe? I'm thinking matching the thickness of the guibo would be preferable when it comes to pressing in a bushing...

Or, you could just use a E36 325 driveshaft! But you have to replace the center bearing support with one from an E30. I believe this will cause the center joint to operate at a slight angle, which may or may not affect driveshaft longevity. I've forgotten which type of swivel, u-joint or CV, allows for greater angle during operation.

Off the shelf, they were very expensive... about $15 for the set. Matching the thickness of the guibo is not that important, since the nuts press against the sleeve in the guibo anyway. They just need to be thinner than the guibo.

I need an e36 driveshaft. Then every single piece of my drivetrain from my radiator to my diff will be from a different non-e30 BMW model.

[nholm325e]

[quote=FredK;718250]If you choose to swap output flanges then you'll have to use 3 bushings to attach the eta driveshaft to the ZF320 flange, because the bolts will be undersized.

What do you mean by 3 bushings(3 guibos side by side together??)

So then because there 3 of them side by side i will obviously need a longer bolt that extend through all 3 of them, ----or am i misunderstanding what you mean by 3 bushings??

Sorry for all the questions just trying to get a better understanding of exactly you guys are referring to..thanks

[thuibers]

here's my 2 bits worth, I put in a m50, e36 Getrag tranny, used the e36 drive shaft with a e30 center support bearing. [everything from a 1993 325i] everything lined up nice and easy. although my tranny does not like to down shift into 2nd without grinding, but that is another issue

[FredK]

What do you mean by 3 bushings(3 guibos side by side together??)

No, not 3 guibos side by side by side.

You use a single E36 guibo. It attaches to the E36 transmission with 3 M12 bolts and 3 M12 locknuts.

The guibo then attaches to the driveshaft using 3 M10 bolts and 3 M10 locknuts. Because the holes in the guibo are 12mm in diameter, the M10 bolts would rattle around inside the holes because they're 10mm in diameter.

So, you need to take up this extra space with some bushings. I saw some plain bearings on McMaster that looked suitable for this purpose, and they cost around $3 each.

[nholm325e]

ohh duh, thanks alot FredK and guys for the helpul information

[nholm325e]

What car and series was the ZF320 transmission in??

[FredK]

The ZF310 and ZF320 are functionally identical transmissions. The 95 M3 has a ZF310. The 96-99 M3 and 328i have a ZF320. The E46 328i also has a ZF320. There should be other cars with the transmission, but this will give you a good head start on finding the right transmission.

[nholm325e]

thanks alot fred

[nholm325e]

Damn expensive for something so small and simple, $130 from www.realoem.com

[matt]

Damn expensive for something so small and simple, $130 from www.realoem.com

You can't buy anything from realoem, you know...

[nholm325e]

...oh really i didnt even read that far i was just trying to find the part and get a price range, so i would prolly have to get somethin like this from a BMW dealership or somethin then??

[matt]

I dont even know what you're talking about. What is this part that's $130 on realoem?

[nholm325e]

Oh sorry i assumed you read the previous messages in the thread, Its the output flange on a ZF320 transmission

[FredK]

haha, I read the entire thread and I wasn't sure if you were talking about the guibo or the output flange! Anyway, you should try to source that piece used if at all possible, maybe from a junk transmission.

[Mr.SWISS]

Uh oh.....

I just bolted the the manual e30 shaft to the e36 guibo. I wonder it that's where the clunking is coming from on take offs. :ohsnap: