A differential approach

One of the main parts of the running gear is in the shape of the rear differential from an E36 BMW, purchased from someone who races one. Equipped with a Quaife diff inside with 3.15 final drive ratio it matches up handsomely with the ratio's from the Tremec gearbox I will be running.

Overall in a rather grubby state I started by removing the rear cover which had previously had a 12mm thread added at the top as a larger breather. Replaced with a -6 fitting which will have a remote filter the other end. Blasted the cover, the original 2 bungs in the back cover have been replaced with -12 fittings to allow me to run an external oil cooler and 12v pump to keep it cool back there. Had looked at getting a Rogue Engineering finned rear cover, but the minimized ground clearance, import duties and overall cost of the item put me off, the money could be put to better use elsewhere. Have pressed in some billet/poly replacement bushes as the standard ones are rather baggy, have pressed them in backwards to allow me to have a mounting boss that will not foul the CV joint and will double as a rear wishbone mount at a later stage. Mounting bosses made from EN8D and tapped to M14

Wanted to get rid of the speed sensor from the rear cover too so took a few hours turning a billet blank to fill the cap, may get drilled and tapped to take a temperature sensor at some point. Nice snug fit and will hardly ever be seen, oh well.

Rest of the diff should be getting sent off to a local firm specialising in BMW Motorsport and will be getting stripped down to check for any wear. Then have the pinion and crown wheel shot peened to prevent any shock fracturing that may occur. Rebuilt checking the backlash finished up with new bearings and seals. Will cover this in another post