Posted by Mark Pfeiffer on March 12, 1999 at 12:33:31:
I have a 1965 W200 that came stock with a 318. The data plate identifies the front axle as having a 3000 lb capacity,
and the rear as having 5500 lbs. The springs are 1350 and 1750, respectively. The plate IDs the rear axle as a DANA (Spicer, actually)
60, but doesn't say anything about the front axle model. I had always assumed that it was a DANA 44, until someone
questioned me on it the other day. Last night I took a closer look at the differential housings. They look very similar;
both have 10-bolt covers in seemingly identical bolt patterns; of couse, the axle tubes on the front are a little smaller in
diameter. Would someone help me out here, please?