CSB Swap for E36 Driveshaft + ZF320 in Early Chassis

[Panici]

Hey all,
I found a gentleman who is making an upgraded driveshaft for the E36 328i/M3.
https://www.hdtautoparts.com/product...-zf-driveshaft
These are equipped with the E36 CSB, and I would need to swap it out for the E30 style (early model built late 1986).


I believe I used part number 26121225152 to do this last time with the stock E36 driveshaft.
Does this sound right?
Are there any other parts involved with swapping the CSB that should be replaced (snap rings etc) while I have it apart?

[Northern]

Part number looks right for an early model.
I think the DS will have metal dust sheilds, I destroyed one on removal, but on a new driveshaft things shouldn't be seized.

Looking forward to a review. Stock DS has been fine for me, but the price is pretty good.

[Panici]

Part number looks right for an early model.
I think the DS will have metal dust sheilds, I destroyed one on removal, but on a new driveshaft things shouldn't be seized.

Looking forward to a review. Stock DS has been fine for me, but the price is pretty good.

This would be part numbers for the dust shields:
26111225088
26111225089
I will get them as well if they're not expensive.



I will definitely review. Seems like a nice upgrade considering how much a new OEM driveshaft goes for these days.

First test will be to see how it fits in a swapped E30. IIRC my OEM E36 driveshaft is nearly fully collapsed in the slip joint. Things are tight enough that it has to be completely removed to drop either the trans or rear diff.

[Northern]

Yeah I had the same issue when I ran longer diff studs, I switched them out and I can install/remove now, but it isn't as easy as it could be.

[Panici]

Update on the driveshaft now that I have some miles on it.

Length works fine with the M52/ZF320 combo. Rear joint uses bolts instead of studs so installation is actually easier then stock.


Had to grind the u-joint ears for clearance to the chassis, as the joints are significantly bigger then stock.



Post from my build thread:

Installed an HDT Automotive (Corey Ellis) upgraded driveshaft w/1310 Spicer u-joints.

Swapped out the CSB to an E30 unit. Unfortunately the driveshaft will not fit a bearing cover on the front-facing half of the CSB, and I ordered the wrong cover for the rear half.
Since it sits above the exhaust heatshield I decided to run it without those cover plates.

Also had to grind down both of the u-joint edges for clearance to the rear subframe/chassis.