Install driveshaft/differential

[Xenocide]

Any tips on how to get the differential up and in place with the driveshaft already installed?? I can't seem to get everything lined up..., or is it easiest to put the differential in then put the driveshaft on? I wasn't able to fit it when I tried that..

any tips?

[marko]

I swapped my diff not too long ago... I say install the driveshaft & the half shafts first - then lift the diff into place with a jack. it should not be too dificult to align, but do have a second pair of hands if possible to aid your aim. took us about 10-15 mins of fiddling around to get the D-shaft & the diff aligned.

[Xenocide]

tried it with two people then with three, it seems like it should be so much easier....maybe I am missing something.

Its so frustrating, this is the only thing I have left on my m50 swap. Put the diff in, fill it with fluid, add radiator fluid, bleed, done.

[marko]

theorethically speaking, I dont think there is a way to miss anything... unless the m50 diff is drastically different than the one from m44s, it should just be plug & play.

having said that, I do have to state again that it did takes a bit to align it all. most dificult was the task of making the top bolts of the center mount, 'catch'... for some reason, we really had to play with the jack (height & side to side) in order to have these bolts catch - but once they did, we just bolted & tightened the drive shaft, followed by the half shafts.

1- put the diff on the jack & raise it
2- thread the 4 d-shaft bolts into the diff
3- lift the diff all the way up + bolt the diff to the top mounts
4- tighten the drive shaft 4 bolts
5- bolt on the half shafts
5- go for a spin! LOL

Originally Posted by Xenocide

tried it with two people then with three, it seems like it should be so much easier....maybe I am missing something.

Its so frustrating, this is the only thing I have left on my m50 swap. Put the diff in, fill it with fluid, add radiator fluid, bleed, done.

[Xenocide]

Its not an m50 specific diff, just using a medium case e30 differential. If i put the snout of the diff into the driveshaft, i can't get the rear mounting bushing to sit up in its spot perfectly and put a bolt through it.

I bent the hanger so i could fit it up there easier, maybe i need to compress it again...probably just needs to be played with.

[marko]

Originally Posted by Xenocide

...probably just needs to be played with.

unless someone else chimes in with a better approach - or a reason why it isn't fitting - I'd say you are right... just got to play with the assembly till it fits... sorry I couldn't help more.

let us knwo when you finally get it in...

[marko]

Originally Posted by Xenocide

If i put the snout of the diff into the driveshaft, i can't get the rear mounting bushing to sit up in its spot perfectly and put a bolt through it.

EDIT: if the bushing is the issue.. are you sure it fitted into the bracket correctly (?) - as if you popped it in upside down - it will never fit properly!

[Xenocide]

fits fine without driveshaft, so the bushing should be fine.