Rear Differential

[vatc5637]

I have a '94 E420 and recently acquired a used rear differential that I intend to swap out with the existing one currently on my car. Originally, I had intended only to clean up the exterior, but was wondering about what other work and/or items (seals, gaskets, etc.) are worth checking over/doing before making the swap. Also, once the existing diff. is out, what other items (flex disk, subframe bushings, etc) are worth checking/replacing with the car up and diff. out?

The car has 180k miles on it and is running fine, with no obvious issues. Just replaced the shocks all around, but none of the other rear suspension rubber.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

 

[samiam44]

OReplace side seals, and rear flex disc if needed. Front diff mount is cheap.

 

[gsxr]

If you intend to use synthetic gear oil, re-seal the rear cover using the black MB sealant, or "Right Stuff". The factory blue Hylomar sealant will start to leak after 1-2 years with synthetics (I learned this the hard way).

Side seals are a good idea, inspect the flex disc for signs of cracking (replace with OE/OEM only!) Don't touch the input shaft seal unless it's leaking. You'll need to pull the rear cover to change the side seals, so the rear cover will get re-sealed if you do the side seals...