Question on Differential Part #s

[pelsteve1]

I am researching parts for an upcoming tranny rebuild for an 01 Boxster S.

In the parts catalog, I see two variants for a part.
One has MODEL comments: CWA/DVY/EFD/GDW and the other GFW

How can I determine which variant is applicable to my specific vehicle?

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hello - can you please send me the link to the 2 parts you're referencing and I'll inquire with a colleague about this.

[pelsteve1]

Im referring to the following source: https://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf/originalparts/usa/986_USA_KATALOG.pdf if you search: 'differential' and arrive on page 99, you can see in the 'Model' column, some additional notes. Also, I did contact the dealership who seemed to indicate page 99 is referencing a 5-speed manual tranny (two variants on that page). Seems the 6-speed auto is on page 104. But I'd (and maybe others) still like to understand how to decipher the 'Model' notes. When I do a VIN decode, I don't see such designations anywhere.

The main issue driving this is that I have fairly jerky shift issue (generally shifting up/down into 2nd and maybe even going into reverse. I put the vehicle on lifts and noticed some play when rotating the rear axle CW and CCW so was suspecting the pinion bearing. I did change the differential fluid (incidentally, it was red, but I was assured that is a viable color for a MANUAL tranny fluid from the porsche shop (there was a question as to whether there was ATF in it based upon the color) but I changed it out to a synthetic clear fluid. It made no difference in performance. I saw a little bit of metal particles in the old fluid. Currently, assuming its the pinion, I dont really know if its the 4-way gear assembly, or the pinion rod itself (or both). Any comments on my analysis and interpretation are welcome. Thks for help.