Diff install technique

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ACJJ619
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 125
Joined: Fri Feb 20, 2015 11:00 pm
Location: Reading

Sat Mar 12, 2016 8:19 pm

Hi guys,

Trying to install my medium case diff this weekend and spent all of today struggling to get those damn bolts lined up! The top two were fine but the two on the front/side would NOT go in.

I gather they're infamous for being difficult to line up but I was just wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks that make it easier? It seems like the diff is sitting about 3mm further back than where it needs to be so I tried bolting the propshaft up to try and pull it as far forwards as it could go, but it didn't help.

Does it make it easier to have the rear jacked up high? Or is it better to have it lower down? I had it jacked up quite high for easier access but I wonder if that put the car at too steep an angle for it all to line up?

Should I also try without it bolted to the prop?

Thanks!
maggspower
Turbo Farmer Tractor Driver
Posts: 2376
Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Nowhere near South Wales, ok butt

Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:34 pm

Get as many bolts in as possible then do them up fully. It pulls the diff in the direction you will need it. if you still cannot get it in, just put a jack under the diff to gently push it up to the beam.
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