W460 Front axle - 280GE vs 300GD
Good day
The workshop manual lists 2 models with the usual 44:9 or 4.89 ratio:
730.300 for 300GD
730.329 for 280GE
Does anybody know what the difference is?
Thanks
Adrian
I was not aware of any difference, so I had a look on EPC.
Running my own VIN for a 300GD LWB 1983 I get a front axle code as follows:
730300 AL 0/1C-1,3 (I=35:8, 44:10, 44:9, 34:7)
Running a generic 460.233 280GE LWB I get four options as follows:
730300 AL 0/1C-1,3 (I= 35:8, 44:10, 44:9, 34:7)
730301 AL 0/1C-1,3/5,286 (I= 48:9, 37:7)
730328 AL 0/1C-1,3/4,857 (I= 34:7)
730329 AL 0/1C-1,3/44:9 (I= 44:9, 34:7)
Now I'm confused too...
Eddie.
Might be wrong, but from what I've seen, the 4.89 /44:9 is the most common for the 300GD.
The 5.2 was mostly on 240GD's and 230G's with the M115, but available as optional on others.
The 280, I'd say probably a 50/50 split between 4.89 and 4.857, perhaps differentiated by auto/manual/4-speed/5-speed.
Plate on the diff casing will tell what you have in yours.
AL = Achs Lenk, which means steering axle.
1.3 is tonnage capacity.
difference is : 44:9 is 44 teeth on the crown wheel and 9 teeth on the pinion
34:7 34 on the c/w and 7 on the pinion.
they are the same ratio /i would still think it would be a desirable scenario to run with the same spec. gearsets and not to mix them up .
the idea behind the numbers of teeth is for a h/d type setup with more teeth engaged at any one instance/ less load per tooth.
so you should try and find a direct replacement with the same info on the plate ref. the c/w pinion size. either c/w pinion set is super strong .
44 divided by 9 = 4.8888888
34 divided by 7= 4.8571428
so the ratios are 'the same' but there is a subtle difference / it is very marginal and would be not much different to have new tyres on the back axle and worn ones on the front or vice/versa if you engage 4x4 on a grippy surface it will wind up hard very quickly.
i would as i said above try and keep the axles running the same gear sets .
You should be able to use a 280GE axle into a 300GD as long as both axle ratios are the same. If a different axle ratio is fitted; you will notice in four wheel drive engagement that due to a differential in ratio you will be prone to transmission wind up and something will go bang.
Why is there the case for looking at another axle?
Hi
I understand that we on our little island might under estimate this......however...
Have you contacted the AGOA chairman John Kenny? He is active on here also ... JMKOZ i think
He has recently bought a 460 300GD that is spares or repairs, not sure if he will part with the axles, if they are any good or how far you are apart, i think he is in Victoria?
Gav
Thread here..
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/does-look-familiar
If you are interested and in need I can help you with w460 axle gear set. I have friend with few w460 sets and willing to sell. PM me your location and I can ask for postage and details.
Referring to the "Installation survey' page from the manual attached above, it shows the
300GD has model 730.300
280GE has model 730.329
both with 4.89 ratios.
I am wondering if the 1981 280GE axle which a local G enthusiast has offered me will fit my 300GD 1982 vintage. Another very helpful enthusiast has offered a unit but that has to come across from t'other side ( I am in Western Australia).
The background is that the car came to me with a bent axle tube due to such a hard landing that it demolished the bumpstop support cones that sit inside the coils! My method of straightening is working, but its hard work. The issue is that the diff lock sliding sleeve inside the axle is missing. My guess is that due to the bend which begins right at the diff casing, the sleeve jammed the difflock on, so removed. I think all things considered, it would be better to find a complete replacement axle.
Hence my wondering why there would be two different model numbers?
Thanks
Adrian
Hi Adrian
I would check the donor axles plate and see what it is!!!
I have just checked these UK chassis numbers, not just the BM but full factory chassis numbers
5 x 300GD BM 460.332 SWB
5 X 300GD BM 460.333 LWB
5 X 280GE BM 460.232 SWB
5 X 280GE BM 460.233 LWB
All have the 730.300 AL0/1 C-1,3 Axle fitted as standard
Front Axle with Disc Brake - Ratio options - 35:8 - 44:10 - 44:9 - 34:7
All had the 44:9 options
Age ranges were from 1982 - 1989 models
Hope that helps
Gav
Axel's post is right and I add two points
44:9 = diesel , 34:7 = petrol
the id plate is mostly long gone !
and if you look on the end of the pinion shaft (after removing the driveshaft), the ratio is stamped into it, so if the plate is missing (likely) then look there. It will say 44:9 etc..
Now I have the numbers off the plate on the 280GE (1981 model) axle which says
44-9-4.9
AL0/1 C? 1.3
730300 - .....
TV 4281
So the ratio and the type and the model number are the same as the 300GD. Unless I have missed something, I conclude that the axles are interchangeable, despite the workshop manual indicating a different model number (730329 vs 730300).
Thanks for your input.
Adrian
Now I have the numbers off the plate on the 280GE (1981 model) axle which says
44-9-4.9
AL0/1 C? 1.3
730300 - .....
TV 4281
So the ratio and the type and the model number are the same as the 300GD. Unless I have missed something, I conclude that the axles are interchangeable, despite the workshop manual indicating a different model number (730329 vs 730300).
Thanks for your input.
Adrian
Result!! 
Happy days 
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Yes, I am going to check the axle plate information, which will give the 'Designation', the 'Reduction' and the "Model' . I am wanting to know ultimately if I can fit an axle off an 1981 280 GE to a 1983 300GD!
Thanks
Adrian