Help! Axles!

[Mattgmz]

Hey guys i just swapped an e30 diff into my e21 rear subframe and i need 1 inch shorter axles. Anyone have a source for that or know of an oem axle that works?

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[Yonkers320is]

Hey guys i just swapped an e30 diff into my e21 rear subframe and i need 1 inch shorter axles. Anyone have a source for that or know of an oem axle that works?

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Maybe the 2002? I know they use a spacer if mounted with the e21 diff swap

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[Mattgmz]

Maybe the 2002? I know they use a spacer if mounted with the e21 diff swap

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I will check that measurement thanks

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[Tom D]

try using shafts from a preface car and CV's from a post face.

[Mattgmz]

try using shafts from a preface car and CV's from a post face.

I dont understand the terminology, preface?

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[m60b30530i]

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...swap-subframes

Maybe this guy can help out.

[Tom D]

from 1976 through 1979 model years are considered 'pre face lifted'. for the 1980 through 1983 bmw made several changes, mechanical and cosmetic and the car is know as a post facelifted model.

[Mattgmz]

from 1976 through 1979 model years are considered 'pre face lifted'. for the 1980 through 1983 bmw made several changes, mechanical and cosmetic and the car is know as a post facelifted model.

Oh ok got it, thanks

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[Tom D]

one of the changes were different CV joints, in fact there were 3 different joints used throughout the E21's production run.

all E21 half shafts with CV's installed measure the same (410 mm +-)

77-79 used 40 mm thick CV's
80- 83 used 29 mm thick CV's

so 11 x 2 = 22mm or appropriately 1"

what this means is since all E21 haftshafts are 410mm but the early cars having 22mm thicker CV's the axle shafts would be 22mm shorter. so if you used the shorter axles from a preface car and the CV's from a post face car your assembled half shafts in theory would measure 388mm, 7/8" shorter then stock.

mind you I've never done this, but as long as the splines are the same it should work.

[Mattgmz]

one of the changes were different CV joints, in fact there were 3 different joints used throughout the E21's production run.

all E21 half shafts with CV's installed measure the same (410 mm +-)

77-79 used 40 mm thick CV's
80- 83 used 29 mm thick CV's

so 11 x 2 = 22mm or appropriately 1"

what this means is since all E21 haftshafts are 410mm but the early cars having 22mm thicker CV's the axle shafts would be 22mm shorter. so if you used the shorter axles from a preface car and the CV's from a post face car your assembled half shafts in theory would measure 388mm, 7/8" shorter then stock.

mind you I've never done this, but as long as the splines are the same it should work.

Wow i had no idea, i didnt even think to look into a thicker or thinner cv thank you

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[Tom D]

i think a preface car just showed up at P&P in central calif, maybe one of the members here could pull the axles for you.

[mxl556]

Anyone has a post face set (80-83) of axles they want to sell? I am looking for a set in good condition.

Max

[Tom D]

^ you can also use 1979 axles. they have the bigger CV's (stronger) and the correct 10mm bolt pattern.

[mxl556]

Thanks Tom, good to know. I'll be on the lookout for 79 axles.

Max

[okieflats]

Someone in Australia made different length axles and posted pics here. Don't remember the name or the "build thread."

He cut the stock axle. Then put it back together using a length of steel tube/pipe and welded it up. The finished product was larger diameter and heavier.

[320iAman]

Someone in Australia made different length axles and posted pics here. Don't remember the name or the "build thread."

He cut the stock axle. Then put it back together using a length of steel tube/pipe and welded it up. The finished product was larger diameter and heavier.

Was it as big as this CV Drive Shaft ? driveshafts.com

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Randy

semper fi