Is it better to buy new half shafts or re-boot the old ones? Mine are not torn but they are very dry and beginning to crack. Brand new shafts can be bought for not much more than the inner/outer boot kits. I plan on doing an entire drivetrain re-fresh on the 6.9 with flex discs/support bearing ETC. I might even have access to a lift (fingers crossed)!!
If you have lift access then yes if it were me I would do the whole driveshaft, as well as diff refresh, subframe bushings etc. This is a huge job so do it once and do it right. I would personally replace the half shafts with new, again seeing as this is a big job might as well bomb it all out. Also good opportunity to check rear bearings (also not for the faint of heart), as well as the sway bar bushings and anti - squat linkages and bushings. Be warned though that these anti - squat parts are super hard to find, and if you do you will probably have heart failure at the prices :o
Uncle Kent has a good vid on this as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZH9n8PAdCc
I love his video's!! I've watched hours of them since my purchase. You're right, I should bite the bullet and do it all at once and hopefully never have to worry about it again. Luckily the ant-squat rubber parts look to be in good order, the leveling valves of course has me worried just because of the price to replace (if they are even available) them but so far no leaks and with most old finicky parts the less I mess with it the less likely for any damage to occur. I'll probably empty my wallet some more today on the parts and maybe have time in the next couple of weeks to dive in. ;D
Dont forget your locking differential probably isnt locking anymore. New discs are about $500.
The best option for half shafts is to retrofit W126 500-560SEL shafts and flanges. These are also the only option for new.
Tim
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mercedes-benz,1977,450sel,6.8l+v8,1367580,drivetrain,cv+half+shaft+assembly,2288
Found these at rock auto for the 450sel 6.9
Rock Auto used to be good but they now they stock some seriously bargain basement brands IMHO.
Those Rock Auto ones are the W126 type, although that seems insanely cheap.
Tim
Quote from: TJ 450 on 15 May 2018, 04:39 PM
The best option for half shafts is to retrofit W126 500-560SEL shafts and flanges. These are also the only option for new.
Tim
What is the procedure to retrofit?
http://www.heriautomotive.com/company
Here is the link to the manufacturer of the axles sold through rock auto
Those Heri axle shafts are an absolute steal. I would image the cost of materials alone would exceed the price. Unfortunately, I have heard many experiences about Chinese axle shafts wearing out within an extremely short time (sometimes within a month) due to not having heat-treated surfaces, being out of balance, and boots tearing. I can't say if this brand is the same, just something to consider. They may be worth trying if you're willing to risk doing the job over again if they fail. Who knows--they could last decades. This place has a good reputation for rebuilding Mercedes axle shafts: http://www.cvjreman.com/mercedes/ (http://www.cvjreman.com/mercedes/) .
https://www.amazon.com/Heri-22200-HD-CV-Axle/dp/B00TO0NUO0
Review of a Heri Axle on Amazon (at the bottom of the page), looks like I'll go with the company you had mentioned and have them rebuilt!! To be 44$ US there has to be corners cut in the build process.
Quote from: rumb on 16 May 2018, 08:00 AM
Quote from: TJ 450 on 15 May 2018, 04:39 PM
The best option for half shafts is to retrofit W126 500-560SEL shafts and flanges. These are also the only option for new.
Tim
What is the procedure to retrofit?
Forum member Bill Babe (WGB) did this on his 6.9 ages ago:
https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/6-9-rear-end-rebuild-with-560sel-shafts/
https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/560sel-driveshaft-conversion-for-6-9/msg77053/#msg77053
Quote from: wbrian63 on 17 May 2018, 10:41 AM
Quote from: rumb on 16 May 2018, 08:00 AM
Quote from: TJ 450 on 15 May 2018, 04:39 PM
The best option for half shafts is to retrofit W126 500-560SEL shafts and flanges. These are also the only option for new.
Tim
What is the procedure to retrofit?
Forum member Bill Babe (WGB) did this on his 6.9 ages ago:
https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/6-9-rear-end-rebuild-with-560sel-shafts/
https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/560sel-driveshaft-conversion-for-6-9/msg77053/#msg77053
Just for future reference - can those be retro-fitted to any W116 or only the 6.9?
I don't see why not, they would certainly fit the smaller V8s and the diesels, they 280 would require further investigation as the diff housing is smaller so there may be other differences.
For retrofitting, you need the whole assembly as per WGB's write-up on it.
Tim