2002 to e21 parts swap

[floatinghead]

So i recently purchased a (slightly battered)  '82 320is with the intent of moving the 5spd, LSD and recaros into my 73tii.  The plan was to drive for a while, do the swap and then part out or sell the whole car.  Now that i've been driving it a bit i'm considering keeping it longer ( for a father son project). 

 

Would the 4 spd trans and diff go into the e21 as easily as the e21 stuff does in the 02?  haven't done a this level of mechanical work, so looking to those with more experience.  

 

thanks!

[tzei]

If it is a 4 cylinder then tranny goes. Not sure about rear bracket and gear lever stuff. Prop shaft may have different flange/lenght so maybe E21 prop shaft has to go too but then idk how center bearing will fit. Diff has 10mm bolts flanges so you'll need to change inner joints from E21 to fit. And rear cover needs to be changed as well.

[TobyB]

Yep, you'll just have to lengthen the driveshaft (as tz says) and the shift linkage and platform will have to be lengthened.

 

You'll also have to fab up something for a rear support, but if I recall, it's almost as easy as sliding the 5 speed one forward,

as there are long slotted brackets.  

 

The diff, tho, will be harder.  Honestly, if you can find a cheap e21 diff, that's going to be easiest.

Otherwise, you might be able to use 2002 halfshafts with E21 outers on them-

exactly the opposite of the E21 halfshafts with 2002 outers you'll want to put the E21 diff in the 2002.

But depending on random shiznit, the 2002 halfshafts MIGHT be a smidge too long to work.

 

I forget.

 

t

 

[floatinghead]

thanks for your responses!  I'll hopefully be driving the e21 ( once I get a few bugs worked out) for a little while before making the swaps.  Sounds like i need to keep an eye out for an e21 open diff to make it  a little easier...

 

thanks again,

 

B