"Thick"/"thin" output shaft? +diff Q

[Rob_farmer]

As far as I understand there are two sizes - thick and slim. Slim fitted on 316/318, thick ones 2/2.5/2.7/M3(?)

- Diameter of 26mm - is that a thick one or thin off 316/318?
- Going by part codes, thick one is also fitted on M3?
- It possible to connect thin one to small case diff?
- What are thickest ones possible to fit on E30 ?

[gareth]

Are you not thinking about the length? The small case diffs have longer shafts as the diff casing is narrower. The width of the diff (measured between halfshaft mounting faces) is then the same for both sizes

I don't have any small case diffs (316, 318, 320) here at the moment but the medium case ones (325, M3) are 30mm diameter over the shaft/splines

[Rob_farmer]

Completely forgout about lenght.

I measured one I removed and its 26mm. Going by your 30mm, means thin one is fitted on 316/318/320 and 30mm on 325/327/M3?

[gareth]

ahaaaa... you mean the halfshafts (or driveshafts).

the diff output shaft is the bit the halfshaft bolts onto, on the side of the diff.

So yes... ignore my last comment!

They do however all have the same bolt pattern so will bolt to any E30 diff. not sure about the hub end though