How quickly, cheaply, and easily can I replace the differential in my '73 145e?

On the way to work this a.m., bad vibration from rear end, doesn't even out, have to limp back home and take the Chevy.

Hoped against hope last week that it was the driveshaft, so I replaced the bearing for $10. Noticed the suspension mounts are getting a little soft, being impinged upon by rust, which is why 140s are so rare here in Chicago.

It may be time to say goodbye, bite the bullet and get a 745.

Thanks in advance.
M Pergiel, Elmhurst, IL

How many miles are on this car? A rear end should not just go like that.

I swapped mine just this past Saturday.... but I had the parts all lined up, and my car isn't rusty. That's the killer is the rust. Rust makes big tight bolts sometimes impossible. I would say that I'd be surprized of the rear is actually the problem... Have you looked into the suspension points? or wheel bearings? I assume you checked the U-joints thoroughly when you ahd the shaft out...

That said though..I started at about 10am, and I had the new rear end completely installed by about 3pm... and at least an hour of that was break times... ITs not an easy task, but goes pretty quick once you get into it. I could probably do it in less than half the time tomorrow if I had to.

In my case, I pulled the trailing arms and control arms from teh car. Left 'em on the old rear end. Mainly because the other rear was pulled similarly, and it had better bushing.

The big question though is whether its worth it.... thats for you to decide. If you do opt for getting a newer car though, I'd put my recommendation on a 240 rather than a 740.

-Matt

Hmm, I had a 73 164E that rotted right through the left rear frame rail, leaving the left trailing arm hanging.... I drove it, once, before I realized how bad it was (it was free, after all). Not a good thing. If yours is getting bad, you need to spend a bit on some welding repair or decide to give it up. You're right, not many left in the rust belt of the US.

As to replacement, the axle from any 140, late 1800, or 240 will work. TOns of people on here have parts cars. You could also look for a trader-type paper in your area, or check out www.bargainnews.com to see what's available out this way.

Good luck with it and be safe.
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 86 244DL, 87 244DL, 88 744GLE, 91 244: 808K total

Are you sure a 240 axle fits in a 140? This post suggests otherwise:

http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=323250