3.46 LSD .. what else? *DELIVERED*

[Mercury[BKM]]

SO ive got a minty shiny 3.46 LSD on the way and should be getting here tuesday that im going to put into my 87 325e

only problem is, Im new at this and trying to learn as much as possible so attempting to DIY everything that I feel capable of doing.

what else do i need to do this swap right; and if i switch covers will that be enough to get it installed with relative ease?



(if there is anyone in dallas with some free time and can maybe walk me through it, im good for a case of beer and funny banter :) )

[LJ851]

If it is E28 the output flanges need to swapped as well.

[Mercury[BKM]]

i can just cannibalize them from my current, pop the ones on the 3.46 out and mine in and call it good?

[shiboujin]

I could have sworn the E28 flanges worked fine. But regardless, yes, you can canibalize off your existing diff. The axle flanges simply pry out, no unbolting necessary.

The general diff swap is easy:
unbolt drive shaft
Unbolt both axles
unbolt the diff mount bushing from the chassis
unbolt the 4 bolts that hold the diff to the subframe
remove diff
reinstallation is the reverse if uninstallation.

[Wanganstyle]

I could have sworn the E28 flanges worked fine. But regardless, yes, you can canibalize off your existing diff. The axle flanges simply pry out, no unbolting necessary.

The general diff swap is easy:
unbolt drive shaft
Unbolt both axles
unbolt the diff mount bushing from the chassis
unbolt the 4 bolts that hold the diff to the subframe
remove diff
reinstallation is the reverse if uninstallation.

many e28 is big size axel flange; same as e36m3 and e34/32

[ZM Blue Devil]

Replace orings, cover gasket and diff bushings while at it.

[Mercury[BKM]]

Replace orings, cover gasket and diff bushings while at it.

just standard OEM from the parts tore work well enough, or just go through pelican?

[Bimmerista]

just standard OEM from the parts tore work well enough, or just go through pelican?

Go through blunttech.com before you go through anyone else.

[ZM Blue Devil]

Anyone but pelican. I can get you pricing as well.

Also have akg diff bushings.

L

[DaveS]

When I put a 3.25 in my 86 es, the diff was from an E28 which had the larger flanges. Yes you can just pop out the shafts from your existing diff. I highly recommend changing the output shaft seals in the diff when you do this. I did not and two weeks later I was installing new seals. It's not hard to do it was just a PITA to take it all apart again. Also, when installing the "new" diff, install the top front bolts first. I didn't do this and I had lots of trouble getting everything to line up until I did. Good luck and it really helps to have another person working with you when you do it.

[DaveS]

Sorry, I forgot. Get new circlips as well. If you're swapping the output shafts.

[acolella76]

Anyone but pelican. I can get you pricing as well.

Also have akg diff bushings.

L

just curious why you say anyone but pelican. I fucking love pelican and I know many others who feel the same way.

OP also replace the bolts that hold the diff to the subframe with studs, it makes installing the diff SO much easier.

[Wanganstyle]

just curious why you say anyone but pelican. I fucking love pelican and I know many others who feel the same way.

OP also replace the bolts that hold the diff to the subframe with studs, it makes installing the diff SO much easier.

What length /source studs are you using?

[Mercury[BKM]]

What length /source studs are you using?

yeah what he said,
ill jump on blunttech and price it all out and see

unless i can get a better price and everything from the gentleman from Gutenparts =)

[Mercury[BKM]]

UPS fucked some shit up though





and destroyed the diff cover




i have a UPS inspector coming over tomorrow to inspect and better stroke a check, gonna rebuild this now since i have no clue how bad it was jossled around (to break stuff off, it had to be a lot)


oh and they delivered it to a building like across the complex from me, box said apt 1121 and he drops it off at 1421 some how *sigh*
I will never use UPS ever again