Missing left axle on 3.27 Diff

[WillS]

I've been in the process of swapping out the 3.92 axle on my 1971 280SL factory 4sp. for a good condition 3.27 axle from a 280SEL 4.5. I've read all the archives I could find on this swap. My 3.27 axle is missing the left axle shaft. I was told by my Pagoda-knowledgeable friend who sold it to me that the left axle from my existing 3.92 diff can be used as the left axle for the 3.27 diff. I just came across the BBB page 35-0/5 where the charts show that the left bearing in a 3.27 axle is the 'self-aligning roller bearing', and the left bearing in a factory 280SL axle is the 'grooved ball bearing'. Uh-oh.

Can I use the left axle from my 3.92 280SL diff with the grooved ball bearing in the 3.27 axle, that is supposed to have the 'self-aligning roller bearing' for the left axle? Do I have to find another 'self-aligning roller bearing' left axle for my 3.27 280SEL 4.5 diff? I thought I got a good deal on the 3.27 axle, but maybe I backed myself into a corner here......

Thanks,
Wil

[ja17]

Hello Will,

Either bearing should work fine in your 280SL for the left axle. The self-aligning bearing is most critical to use on the right side since it hinges up and down. In addition the self-aligning bearing has wider rollers and will handle greater loads as seen in the powerful 4.5 V-8s hence this bearing is used on both sides in the V-8 cars. With the less powerful M130 engine the  ball bearing is fine. Your choice, the self aligning bearings are very pricey.  Local sources can find the standard  ball bearing for you for little money in most cases.

[WillS]

Thanks Joe, I'll use the left axle from my 3.92 diff with a new grooved ball bearing in the 3.27 diff. It's good to know that the left axle shaft can be used in either diff with either bearing.

Wil

[WillS]

Joe, I'm a bit nervous about pulling the right rear axle. I read the BBB and think understand it. Tap the right shaft out until the self-aligning bearing is fully exposed, then pull gently on the axle while turning it for one full turn, then while still holding the tension, give the axle a hard tug, it should pop out.  When you've pulled right axles before, is that how it went? I nervous because the BBB specifically warns that the diff can be ruined if the axle is not removed correctly (pulled with too much force and so screw up the retaining clip, making it impossible to ever get the axle out).

Thanks,
Wil

[ja17]

Hello Willis,

I have never had any issues getting the axle out. Installation can be difficult since the self aligning bearing will tend to swivel. Just proceed with the removal as planed. Earlier diffs had no snap ring at all. Use lots of grease on the end of the axle shaft around the snap ring during re-installation of the axle.

[ctaylor738]

I went through the same palpitations on my rear end swap.

I think all they are saying is to carefully free the bearing with the puller.  Then pull the axle out gently until you feel the circlip against the sliding sleeve.  Then without allowing the axle to move back in, give it a good tug out.  What you don't want is the circlip to bang against the sliding sleeve and be damaged/deformed to the point where it will keep the axle from coming out.

[WillS]

Thanks Joe & Chuck for the reassurance. I'll go at it with more confidence in a good outcome now.

Wil