Hello,
I'm wondering if the differential / rear end is the same for the X300 as what's installed in newer X308 car? Same gear ratio and fitment to the body for both cars?

 

The XJ40 and X300 are THE SAME. (15 HU same ratios, case studs/bolts with minor differences)
The X308 (14 HU) shares many components EXCEPT for the DIFFERENTIAL.

The X308 (14 HU) has a CENTER-LINE DIFFERENTIAL.

POWERLOK for the 15 HU
OPEN DIFF for the 14 HU.

Much discussion on the forum for the differences!

 

Note for non-US owners, I'm pretty sure the 3.2 has a different ratio to the 4.0. I believe the US only got the 4.0 so wouldn't be aware of that.

 

Thanks much for the information! The differential is making a clunking noise and I'll be changing it out soon. I asked the question because I can get one from a 1996 car fairly easily. I can get one from a X308 but its going to be a bit more of a road trip.
Seems like there's always something going wrong with one of my two cars. Three weeks ago is was a fuel pump on J2, Last week replaced the door check on J3. Couple of months ago had to change the microswitch in the shifter on J2 as the transmission was acting weird.
Now will need to fix or replace the differential on J2. I need another / newer car!

 

You always have to have some faults, the trick is not to fix the ones you can put up with.

 

with a vdp you should be fine. with an xjr you need to spoof the rear wheel speed signal from 3.58 to 3.06 because the benz trans has no output speed sensor it relies speed data from the abs module.

 

I am assuming you have already ruled out the U-Joints. Getting a newer Jaguar could be great,
however....There is some comfort in the "devil that you know".

 

Here is an explanation on how the offset diffs from early cars don't fit in X308s.
Jaguar Specialties

 

Yeah, it seems it's the punkin making the noises. I got a rear end from a 2002 that looks like it sat for a very long time. Very dirty outside but the interior and seats were in great / clean condition so I would guess it did not have many miles. We'll see. My son will come over Saturday and assist the install. He's a veteran of numerous Jag repairs himself.
I'll let you know how it turns out....

 

Good day , guys

sorry for hacking this topic but I got a similar question now .

my local jaguar pal got his X300 front ended and totaled by a drunk guy driving WRONG WAY. Thank God his Jag saved his life. I am wondering if X300 rear subframe parts to be transplanted to my X308 (mine is an R) ?

 

they fit with the stock driveshaft it’s been done countless times on here

 

I bow to @xalty 's superior knowledge. (To be clear that is not sarcasm; he's helped me before.) I was relying on the cited information. From looking at it I assume the entire rear end is switched because if just diff switched neither X308 or X300 halfshafts would fit. Is the carrier at the center U-joint moved over because otherwise all the angle change would be on the rear portion of the drive shaft?

 

We need somebody to build our peg leg 14HU with a 3.07 gear ratio LSD here in the states!!

 

Final on the rear end replacement. Replaced the fluid in the used rear end, (it was not bad looking and no metal). Added new shocks and spring bushings. Rides quiet and no noises! Glad that's behind me!