Rear Axle Changing On Sprinter

[mister_cee333]

Hi,
To cut a story short I intend to fit a higher ratio final drive to my Sprinter.
However the one I have located is fitted with ABS and mine is not. Does anyone know if I fit the ABS one and simply plug nothing into the electric connector if it will run OK?
Also can I do it the simple way ie remove and swap the guts, or would I be better off changing the axle complete.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

Swap the complete axle but use your old discs and calipers (you will probably even get away with not having to bleed the system). The diff assembly is built into the axle casing and is probably shimmed and adjusted very precisely and the axle casing may need streching/spreading to remove the diff.

What ratio have you gone for? Standard for the chassis cabs is 1:4.375 and standard for the panel vans is 1:4.111 (these ratios change for the 308 to 4.85 or 5.28). I would suggest you don't over do it and should maybe go for the 4.3765 ratio.

simply cut off the ABS wiring at the sensors and this will not cause any problems or even leave it all in place but I prefer to tidy up when I do this type of job.

 

[mister_cee333]

Hi,
I'm going for the 4.111 as fitted, as you say, to most 311's. This I feel will give me better low rev cruiseability and 10-15% better fuel economy.
The one I have sourced has a half shaft removed and I am hesitant to buy it in case it differs from mine.
Can anyone confirm that half shafts from the 3.85 are the same as for the 4.111 and are therefore interchangeable.
Thanks in anticipation.