Replacement Differential

Received the replacement differential, a used one supplied by 3 Brothers Classic Rovers (who, as usual, did an outstanding job - thanks, Peter!). As far as I can tell, it's from a 1968 Series 2a. A bit of rust and corrosion here and there, but a short while with the ever-useful brass wire wheel, wire brush and some cleaner and the gears look like new. More cleaning will be needed, but will need to wait for me to get over the flu. The original 1960 diff is in overall better shape than the 1968 one, with less rust and corrosion - except for those broken teeth. It's a shame it can't be used, but so it goes. There are some other small differences in design, but just small things, and are more interesting than anything else.

There is a question as to whether the pinion pre-loading is as it should be, and there about a millimeter of in-out play at the driving flange. This probably means adjusting/adding shims. I'd also like to substitute the old retainer for the oil seal and it's fittings on the replacement differential, as they are in pristine shape and the one on the replacement pretty badly corroded, but I'll have to ask around to see if that's feasible.

Here's a view of the two differentials; replacement at top, original at bottom.

Note the two different oil drain plugs, and differences in the castings. New diff at top, old at bottom.

Some small differences in the way the castings have been machined. I wonder what the four "M"s are for?

Finally, just a view of the original differential, with the piece of halfshaft still in there. I think I can leave it there for the time being.... : )