Author Topic: Upgrade E36 diff to medium case (Read 3408 times)

Bill K · « **on:** January 22, 2012, 03:29:02 PM »

The small case LSD in my DA supercharged E36 318is has just developed some very loud noises under load. As the car is also regularly used for track days I need to upgrade to a medium case diff from a non-M E36. My search of past posts seemed to only show parts lists for E30's. Could someone please advise what parts I will need other than an appropriate ratio medium case LSD. I know that 328i driveshafts are bigger than those of the smaller sixes but don't know if they will bolt up to the hubs. Same with the tailshaft.

enildeR · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2012, 08:44:28 AM »

just to clarify, when you mention the 328i, are you referring to the main driveshaft or the half shafts from the diff to the wheel hubs?

Bill K · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2012, 03:47:14 PM »

I was referring to the half shafts; I know that the output flanges on the medium case diff have a larger diameter bolt pattern so I will need 6-cylinder half-shafts but am not certain if the spline ends of those half-shafts will mate up to the 318is hubs at the outer ends. The shaft section on the 328i units are certainly larger than those of the 320i/325i but not sure of other differences.
Likewise with the tail-shaft; I suspect a 6-cylinder tailshaft may not bolt on to the 318is gearbox as I vaguely recall that the 328i guibo was larger. Not sure if the gearbox bolt pattern on the guibo was also different.

Bill K · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2012, 09:58:24 PM »

i was refering to the half-shafts. I know the bolt pattern where the 328i shaft is fastened to the diff is larger than the 318is shafts but don't know if the splined (outer) end of the 328i shaft will mate up with my hubs.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2012, 08:27:47 AM »

Sorry about the delay, your posts were moderated from the spam filter. They're now approved & visible.