3.27 Rear

[mdsalemi]

The current issue of The Star (Jan-Feb 2022) has an article by Pierre Hedary on doing this swap with new ring & pinion gears from MB instead of an entire donor axle.

It can be done on a 3.92 housing but not a 4.08.

The caveat at the beginning of the article is that this isn’t a task for amateurs but professionals only.

[MarkCan]

I was glad to see that article as I am coming close to that stage. I would love to have full confidence but I have to admit there are some seeds of doubt. I’ll probably ask the masters here to give me a hand. I would love to do the job yet at the same time have the watchful eye overlooking the operation. Maybe I can book a day or two with Dan or Joe. 🤔

[Peter]

It can be done on a 3.92 housing but not a 4.08.

My 4.08 has been rebuild to 3.27 by a professional.
No issues, only the final adjustment of the pinion- Spacer sleeve I did myself to get rid of some whining. 
Works fine and if you have a 280 with good engine no problem.

Peter

[Benz Dr.]

I would only install a 2.27 in a 280SL with a standard trans. The power to weight ratio between a 108 4.5 and the SL is very close which is why it will work well.   

[mdsalemi]

My 4.08 has been rebuild to 3.27 by a professional.
No issues, only the final adjustment of the pinion- Spacer sleeve I did myself to get rid of some whining. 
Works fine and if you have a 280 with good engine no problem.

Peter

I have what was provided when the car was new. It's turning a rip-roaring 4,000 RPM at highway speed. Noisy as all get-out; I have to wear ear plugs on the highway rides of length. Hot as he** in the summer. I smell like petrol and oil when done. But isn't that the charm?

I was only reporting on the existence of the article, not the accuracy. Anybody wants any fun, tell Pierre Hedary that he's wrong...

[Shvegel]

I look forward to seeing the article.  I was able to swap the 3.27 gears from one housing into my 3.92 housing because it gave me a reference point to measure the pinion depth and I was able to make a fixture that referenced off the side bearing race.  I wonder if he has the super rare factory tools or has he figured out another way to set it up?

[Shvegel]

My tools: