Drive Shaft - Gearbox Trouble

Hi All,

I'm having difficultly putting my e30 318is gearbox into an e30 316i car. The flange on the 318is gearbox is longer than the 316i. So, it won't fit on the 316i drive shaft.

I have tried to remove the flange from the 316i but I need an extremely thin walled socket. Even if I do remove it from the 316i gearbox I have an even harder job removing it from the 318is gearbox.

It's not looking good at the minute. I'm left with a couple of options..

1. Use a 316i gearbox on a 318is engine.

2. Replace the 316i drive shaft with a 318is drive shaft.

I can get my hands on a 318is drive shaft at €150, how does that price sound? Reasonable?

Help/Opinions/Advice is needed and much appreciated.

Cheers.

I hope not. I have a 325i Sport rear axel to put in as well.

Cheers.

Many thanks for the offer.

I think the 318is drive shaft is a little shorter and thicker than that of the 316i drive shaft. I assume the tool you have will remove the nut from the flange on the 316i gearbox?

The $60,000 question, will the center rod come off with the flange or will the flange slide off the rod?

Another question, if I get my hands on a 318is drive shaft, does it have any more benefit over the 316i drive shaft apart from witstanding abuse?

Thanks again.

Brendan, a massive help. Many thanks.

The next thing is, how do I get my hands on the socket for doing the job?