Help Identifying Diff

[naarleven]

Found this 3.23 differential in my friends shop and I need some help identifying it. How difficult would it be to rig this to fit in my e30 m52 zf?

Sent from my HTC Vision

[MR 325]

I'm thinking it may be an E36 diff? Not 100% though.

It won't mount up to an E30 though.

[scottinAZ]

looks E36ish to me as well, guts should fit an E30 housing, but the housing there is an anchor for your application.

[Teaguer]

Definitely e36 diff.
Like mentioned the internals will swap over but in reality its no good for you.

[naarleven]

So wait, you guys are saying swapping the guts over will work work but not worth it? I figure free plus some labor on my end (depending on how much) is better than 250$ for an LSD that fits.

[Teaguer]

Is it an LSD?
If it is then is that a proper ratio for your car and current power plant?
Will you know how to swap over the LSD pack and ring gear and set the lash?
You can get e30 LSD's from your local self service auto salvage yards for under $100 all day long.

[naarleven]

Yep LSD, and a 3.23 w. zf and m52 sounds perfect. Swapping it over shouldn't be a huge issue.

Plus i'm pretty sure its very low mileage. I'm going to crack it open and check the condition.

Appreciate it guys.

[Teaguer]

Yep LSD, and a 3.23 w. zf and m52 sounds perfect. Swapping it over shouldn't be a huge issue.

Plus i'm pretty sure its very low mileage. I'm going to crack it open and check the condition.

Appreciate it guys.

Opening the cover or even removing the LSD unit will not tell you of its condition.
You'd have to disassemble the LSD unit and look over the clutch pack to verify its condition.

I'd advise if have no prior experience setting the pinion load or setting the backlash to avoid messing with it.