rear diff spacers

[ToddK]

I'm installing a LSD out of a later 320i. The output flanges on the diff take 8mm bolts. The aluminum spacers I have are drilled for 10mm bolts. Can I still use them, or should I make up new spacers with 8mm holes in them? If I use the 320 trailing arms, which stub axles do I use? Whats better the 320 arms or the tii arms? If the 320 arms are better, I don't have a problem fabricating the coil over shock and sway bar mounts. Will the 320 rear drums work on either sets of arms and stub axles?

[TobyB]

1) The aluminum spacers I have are drilled for 10mm bolts. Can I still use them, or should I make up new spacers with 8mm holes in them?

2)If I use the 320 trailing arms, which stub axles do I use?

3)Whats better the 320 arms or the tii arms?

4) If the 320 arms are better, I don't have a problem fabricating the coil over shock and sway bar mounts.

5)Will the 320 rear drums work on either sets of arms and stub axles?

1. you'll be fine. Get them nice and tight. But you don't need them if you go to 320 arms.

2. you use the 320 stubs- they're longer and have finer splines. since you have 8mm diff flanges, find the early 8mm trailing arms & stubs, too.

3. 320 arms by a long shot, just for the stubs- the added strength is bonus

4. good, because you'll have to. It's real work, but VERY nice with coilovers.

5. yup

have fun!

Oh, btw, you'll lose a few mm of wheel clearance as the 320 arms are

just a little wider.

Also, with the 8mm bolts and flanges, the 2002 halfshafts work fine.

Lots of things move around in this conversion, but BMW kept as much the

same as they could get away with.

t

[ToddK]

Thanks Toby. So if the 320 arms are the way to go, give me a parts list. I have the diff. It is narrower (about 8.25 inches flange to flange) than the 02 diff and it has the 8mm bolts. I can pop the flanges and tap them to 10 mm no problem. I probably have all of the ingredients, I just need the recipe.

[TobyB]

dead easy- 2 early 320 trailing arms with hubs, stubs and all brake goo.

They bolt on.

Then you make the springs and shocks work, and off you go.

Your 2002 halfshafts, your ebrake cables, and maybe some 320 flex

brake lines... but I used an-3... so I can't swear to that

t