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    Replacing IX front diff.

    So it turns out the front diff on my '89 325ix is shot and I'm definitely gonna be needing the AWD before Idaho snow starts coming.

    Of course I'd prefer to replace it myself if it can be done easily and quickly enough, because this is my only car and I don't have a whole lot of free time with college etc...

    I found some things online about replacing it, but nothing very in depth (which I would need), so I'm unsure if I should go for it. Would you guys recommend taking it into a shop with the diff or should I go for installing it myself?

    Also, this is a manual swapped car, so would that at all affect which diff I get?

    Thanks,
    TAC
    (OO=[][]=OO)

    Instagram: @e30_tac

    https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

    #2
    You'll have to see what ratios it is, either 3.91 or 4.10. 3.91's came with manual cars but if yours was swapped you'll have to see what it has. Not a hard job though, just remove the front axles and the front drive shaft then the 4 17mm nuts that hold the diff on. If the car hasn't been apart in along time it might take some effort to get the front axles out.

    Best of luck

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
    Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

    IX being restored here

    Ix turbo build here

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      #3
      What he said ^^

      I would make sure you have the correct tools to remove the axle nuts and ball joints before starting. I wouldn't recommend a picklefork unless you plan to change the control arms and tie rods soon, I would use a ball joint separator tool. The axle nuts can be tight so the 32 mm socket needs a breaker bar or more to break it loose.
      318iS Track Rat :nice: www.drive4corners.com
      '86 325iX 3.1 Stroker Turbo '86 S38B36 325

      No one makes this car anymore. The government won't allow them, normal people won't buy them. So it's up to us: the freaks, the weirdos, the informed. To buy them, to appreciate them, and most importantly, to drive them.

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        #4
        Thanks for the help, guys! Are the auto diffs even compatible with a 5-speed? Also, how would I check my diff's ratio? It definitely does feel different than my dad's stock manual IX's ratio.
        (OO=[][]=OO)

        Instagram: @e30_tac

        https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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          #5
          As long as the front and rear diffs match you can run what ever you want, and there should be a tag with the ratio stamped on it, and it might be easier to see the rear diff tag.

          Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
          Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

          IX being restored here

          Ix turbo build here

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            #6
            Thanks again! I just checked the rear diff. After a bit of scrubbing with a metal brush I saw the plate read that it's a 4.10, however I din't see the "S" typically found on the LSDs preceding the ratio number. I'm hoping that I'm mistaken, but I believe that means my rear is open and not a limited-slip. Aren't the IXs designed to have a LSD rear and open front, or am I mistaken?
            (OO=[][]=OO)

            Instagram: @e30_tac

            https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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              #7
              The ix has a viscous limited slip rear differential and if I'm not mistake the tag should read "4.10V"

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                #8
                Originally posted by iXguido View Post
                The ix has a viscous limited slip rear differential and if I'm not mistake the tag should read "4.10V"
                Ah - thank you! I'll check that right away. Also, what type of diff is typically in the front? I seem to recall the front being an open diff.

                Thanks,
                TAC
                (OO=[][]=OO)

                Instagram: @e30_tac

                https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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                  #9
                  Ya front is open

                  Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
                  Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

                  IX being restored here

                  Ix turbo build here

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by nomansland92 View Post
                    Ya front is open

                    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
                    Copy that - I'll order an open 4.10 for the front once I get the money. I checked the rear and it does indeed have a "V" after the "4.10" so I think all's well there.

                    Thanks,
                    TAC
                    (OO=[][]=OO)

                    Instagram: @e30_tac

                    https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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                      #11
                      So - just to clarify... Are the automatic differentials compatible with manual transmission cars? Sorry if that's a dumb question, just wanted to be completely sure before I drop $$$ on anything.
                      (OO=[][]=OO)

                      Instagram: @e30_tac

                      https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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                        #12
                        Yes. Only difference is ratio.

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                          #13
                          Originally posted by The Dark Side of Will View Post
                          Yes. Only difference is ratio.
                          Thanks! That will make my search significantly easier - Greatly appreciated.
                          (OO=[][]=OO)

                          Instagram: @e30_tac

                          https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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                            #14
                            Originally posted by TAC View Post
                            So it turns out the front diff on my '89 325ix is shot
                            TAC
                            How did you determine this?

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by The Dark Side of Will View Post
                              How did you determine this?
                              Took it to a very reputable BMW mechanic who looked at it. I didn't ask for a lot of details, but they specifically said that the t-case is fine, but that the front diff has an inner failure and the front wheels don't move at all.
                              (OO=[][]=OO)

                              Instagram: @e30_tac

                              https://www.instagram.com/e30_tac/

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