Anyone recognize this rear axle?

[awolff280sl]

I'm looking for a 3.27 and came across this one. I was told it is off of a 280SE 4.5. However, I cannot find the gear ratio stamp anywhere to verify. Also, there is this "pulley thing" on the vertical mount that I do not recognize. And, I'm not sure but maybe the breather pipe looks bigger than what I expected on a 3.27.
Without the 3.27 marking, how can I tell if it is a 3.27?
Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

Download Attachment: diff.JPG
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Download Attachment: pulley-thing.JPG
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Download Attachment: marking.JPG
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Download Attachment: marking2.JPG
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Download Attachment: marking3.JPG
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Download Attachment: no markings.JPG
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[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, Andy,

You need to clean up the area on that lowest rib in the no_markings.jpg picture with a wire brush.
The stampings are not that deep.



naj

[awolff280sl]

Naj, using a wire brush, steel wool, solvent, etc., and without going deeper and risking removing any markings, this is what I got:

Download Attachment: no markings2.jpg
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Download Attachment: no marking3.JPG
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[awolff280sl]

Found it! Gentle use of fine sandpaper. Says "3.27"
Now, what is that pulley thing on the vertical mount?

[DavidBrough]

Hi Andy,

The pulley thing on the diff carrier is the axle locating strut that centres the axle, however it looks as though its been cut in half when removing the axle. The missing bit fits to the chassis through rubber mounts.

David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C & 3.46 Axle

[awolff280sl]

Thanks David. Am I correct that this is not used on the 113 conversion, and that I will be using my existing vertical carrier?

[DavidBrough]

The locating strut from your existing axle will do the job with either carrier arm as they are the same.

David Brough
1969 280SL Auto with A/C & 3.46 AXle

[jeffc280sl]

Hey Andy,

Looks like the real deal to me.  I agree with David about the cross strut.  They just cut it off to make it easier to take off the 4.5.  When you remove your axle take the cross strut off at the diff end.  As you install the new axle you can use the adjustments on your existing cross strut to help center the new axle.  Have fun cleaning it up.