4.63 diff, first impressions......

[frank308d]

Hi all,
Managed to get hold of a 4.63 axle complete to replace the noisy 5.14 on my 190 mk4. The old axle was getting a bit too noisy for comfort and was leaking oil from the rear gasket.
Got the replacement axle complete. Cleaned it, new gasket, oil, brake pipes and shoes. Oh, and painted it all bright red.....
All fitted up ok. Did a lot of local work and had its first proper test this week. 1700 miles round trip to the UK !!
Noise levels were back to normal. Will have to do something about sound insulation to the bulkhead and floor when I do the welding on the steps.
The only slight difference I found in general running is having to hold it in each gear a fraction longer than with the old 5.14 diff. Nothing major and I can live with it.
Fuel consumption. With the old 5.14, I was getting around 31-32mpg on a run with the van loaded at an indicated 60mph-ish. I don't thrash the old love and the engine note was comfortable at 60-ish. Checked mpg on this trip and found it almost the same. However, the engine was comfortable at an indicated 70-ish. I'd say that running at 60 with the new diff would save fuel but I'm getting where I was to faster and it doesn't cost me any more. BONUS !!!!!
Thanks to everyone for advice and thanks to Captain Hook for finding the axle. I'm off to find some old skool red cruising lights to light up the rear end.

[mrepson]

good to know,as i have just had a 4.63 diff put in my axle on my recovery truck project, its not on the road yet, but i have another truck with the 5.13 diff in.and it just revs it cock off on the motorway at 70:lol: