Location of rear end number and ratio on 230?

[twistedtree]

Hi,

I've been able to find the rear axle number and gear ration stamped on the rear end in my 280SL.  It's on the under side on a rib that goes forward from the pumpkin towards the input shaft.  But I can't find it on the 230's.  Is it in the same place?  I don't know if there's just a ton of crap the scrape my way through on the older axles or if I should be looking somewhere else.  I saw one diagram that suggested it should be on the side of the pumpkin (left side I think) around the 1:00 position.

Any guidance would be welcome.

Peter

[ja17]

Hello Peter,

It is on the back side of the main gear casting on the 230SL. In other words on the gas tank side.
There is a semi circular area machined smooth and the number is stamped on it.

[twistedtree]

Many thanks.  I'll go scraping and digging.  I'm curious to see what ratios I've got.

[DaveB]

Probably 4.08 on a US car. Most owners seem to think they're a little low-geared - to the point where stick shift drivers start in second! Mine is 4.08 but I've only ever driven it round the block so don't really have an opinion yet.

[Miloslav Maun]

This is the place where it's on my '66 230 SL
Says SL 3/75

[twistedtree]

Pictures sure are worth a 1000 words!  Many thanks.

[twistedtree]

I found them.  The '64 has a 3.75 and the '65 has a 4.08.  Plus I have another 3.75 on a pallet in the shop.

Thanks again for the help.