Quick checks on a differential

Sat Apr 23, 2011 7:13 pm

Afternoon guys...

Bit'o advice needed before I bolt my replacement diff onto the car...

Are there any quick checks I can make to the used 4.27 diff whilst off the car in my shed to find out if im bolting a wrong'un onto my E30? Noises? Movement? etc...

Thanks as always...

Alex

Sat Apr 23, 2011 7:56 pm

also interested in this , i have a 4.27 diff to replace a 4.10 that has a leak, ive rust treated and hammerite painted it,looks nice

also how difficult is it to do and time frame ? ..mechanic mate quoted me £70 to swap em over, but said it all depends on how smooth it goes,the bolts etc and any unforseen hiccups

Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:15 pm

hmm...similar price quoted here. Ive also tarted mine right up! when you roll the 2 wheels round together, does it initially make a clunk?

We need an expert's advice here

Sat Apr 23, 2011 9:58 pm

relativly easy job just need a big jack to hold the diff up coz i can tell ya ive done a few and they get bloody heavy holding them up the only awkward bit it the gap on the top of the frame to screw the bolts bk in its abit tight but not impossible

they will always be a certain amount of slack in a diff

a cluck it shouldnt make any noises of the such like

Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:27 am

huh...any other quick checks easily made when its off the car?

Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:11 pm

It's not easy to tell, I've a 4.1 with 180k miles on it, and there is a lot of play between the output flanges and when they engauge, but still I'm sure the diff would push on for 100k more. I only took it off to fit an lsd. If they've retained their oil and not been 'rebuilt' they seem to be a durable item. I shouldn't think there would be a clunk at any stage? The money will start when you find the cv boots split etc. or if you round any bolts on the drive flanges.It's not a hard job, but if your a perfectionist you'll find plenty while your under there. Nothing like a nice freshly painted diff to show the rest of the underside up!!

Mon Apr 25, 2011 3:41 am

the diff i have ready to go i painted, no clunks or anything and when i turn the end bit the side ones turn smooth and no noise at all , got an mot in 3 weeks so il ask a price 1st but mates garage, and see if maybe get them to mot the car, and if it all passes fine and needs no money spent, then put the diff straight in

then im gonna see what the difference the 4.27 makes to the car, and if i like it and its better-il keep it in, if not get the leaks in the 4.10 sorted with new seals etc or source another