[MBZ] CA-spec '85 300D transmission?

[tom savage]

A friend's brother has an '85 300D from California with 240k miles and 
an apparently toasted transmission.  I know 1985 was an odd year for the 
300D/SD and even wierder for those models sold in the California 
Republic.  It is my understanding that Federal-spec '85s used the good 
old 722.3 transmission but with a different torque convertor and other 
bits, while the CA models used a 722.4 trans.  Am I right so far?

I've also heard that an earlier transmission won't work with an '85 
engine, but that the '85 transmission will work with an earlier engine. 
  So there are a few interchangability issues at the end of 123 
production.  Now enter the CA factor - must the tranny in a CA '85 be 
replaced with same, or will a standard '85 unit work?  Or maybe even an 
earlier unit?

The car seems to be in good shape but while he likes it, the owner has 
several other cars and just isn't sufficiently devoted to it to invest 
several grand in a new transmission.  He would consider a known good 
used transmission, if he can find one that will work.  "Otherwise he'll 
probably just scrap it."  And I won't let that happen, not to those 
pristine rockers and wheel arches.

Thanks,
Tom
'82 300D - Rust never sleeps