Does anyone know if the later (86 thru 91) 126 rear end half shaft flanges for annular half shafts will swap into an earlier (81 thru 85) rear. I know the rears mount differenrly, but not sure if the internals will swap.

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82 300SD 202K
82 300SD 233K
83 300TD 340K
82 300TD 98k euro (parts on the hoof)
85 300TD 282K
83 300TD 197K

Yes, if you pull the backplate of the differential off, and replace the stubs you can use the later bolt together half shafts. I did it.

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'79 300D, Ivory "Gunther" ......going
'81 300SD, Metallic Blue Silver, The Grey Ghost.....going
'87 300D Turbo ...gone
'05 CDI.... gone

I understand that. The question is will the later style rear axle flanges (1988 420 SEL) fit in the earlier rear (1982 300 SD) or do the flanges have to be from one that has the early style mounts (4 studs). The rear end housings are not interchangable due to a completely different type of mount.
I'd like to have the option of switching to the annular half shafts when mine (homokinetic) go bad.

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82 300SD 202K
82 300SD 233K
83 300TD 340K
82 300TD 98k euro (parts on the hoof)
85 300TD 282K
83 300TD 197K