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Differential Swap

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2022 5:59 pm
by n8e30
Hi guys!

I'm trying to see if it's at all possible to swap a differential from my 316i touring to that of a 325i convertible LSD unit without any major modification?
As far as some basic knowledge goes from looking online, it seems as though when changing these the obvious difference would be the case size. Would it then be a case of changing over the driveshafts alongside this? What other modifications would I have to do?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks :)

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2022 6:49 pm
by DanThe
The only difference would be the length of the prop, which is easily adjusted by slackening the large collar nut near the centre mounting

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:12 am
by aimlessrock
are the drive shafts not chunkier for a 6 pot ?

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:38 am
by paultv
According to the Wiki - the drive shafts are the same - there's no mention of strength differences between the small and medium case diffs - the 188 being used on the M20B25 - so would the smaller case be man enough??

Paul :-)

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 8:40 pm
by DanThe
aimlessrock wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:12 am
are the drive shafts not chunkier for a 6 pot ?
For 325i yes but they fit exactly the same

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 8:58 pm
by aimlessrock
understood Dan.

:-)

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:58 pm
by rix313
Ahh the simplicity of an accurate answer and an OP getting the advice they need. Why this forum will always beat sh!ty facebook groups.

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2022 2:08 pm
by martauto
rix313 wrote:
Thu Feb 10, 2022 9:58 pm
Ahh the simplicity of an accurate answer and an OP getting the advice they need. Why this forum will always beat sh!ty facebook groups.
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Mart.

Re: Differential Swap

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2022 7:40 pm
by n8e30
Thank you all so much for the help! Going to give it a go in the next week or so, can always rely on the zone for quality quick advice! :)