Shaft Falling Out of Front Diff?

[eXc]

Hey Guys,

I was looking at a 1996 Vitara to buy, but it has the front right drive shaft, fallen out of the diff. The owner put a new clutch in 3 months ago at a shop, would this be a result of it (ie they didn't put it back in right)

The owner claims she didn't know it was there, but 3 months ago put the car into the shop as it "was having trouble going into gear" so they put in a new clutch and a seal on the engine.

What is a worst case scenario for this car... ie. If I want it, should I ask to lower the price by $1000, $2000 ?


Here are 2 pics, one is of the roof and one of the drive shaft coming out.

http://home.kooee.com.au/exup250/1.jpg

http://home.kooee.com.au/exup250/2.jpg

[ljxtreem]

I would say it has a busted CV or diff centre, allthough they usually bust the housing if the centre blows.
shouldnt have to pull the front diff to chnge a clutch.
If you were just wheeling it I would live with the roof.

All stuff that can be fixed

Mock

[Red_Zook]

I would say it has a busted CV or diff centre, allthough they usually bust the housing if the centre blows.
shouldnt have to pull the front diff to chnge a clutch.
If you were just wheeling it I would live with the roof.

All stuff that can be fixed

Mock

mig and sikkaflex can fix anything

[want33s]

Not sure about the diff but Paint is easily fixed. its only the clear that has gone, if you are careful you can rub and respray just the clear for under $100.

[Huggy]

you might be able to push the cv back in . It might have poped the circlip

[cj]

you might be able to push the cv back in . It might have poped the circlip

The question is why did it pop? As long as the clip is still ok it should be able to be pushed back in. The seal may be stuffed and need replacing as well but it's an easy job. The diff will need refilling with oil too.

What is the rest of the car like? How does the engine sound? What sort of km's has it done? How much can you get it for?

[eXc]

Thanks for the replies.

I tried pushing it back in with no luck. But having done my diff on the skyline, I know sometimes the need a lot of "love" to get in/out. This suggest to me that the clip is still there (or it would be easy to push in) but how the hell did it come out then?

It's done 186,000, the engine seems pretty good. It's not as powerful as I had expected (thought it would be heaps more than the G16)

One of the diff mount bolts is loose (couldn;t turn it with my hand, but I can see about 4mm of thread that should not be visable) Which perhaps suggests she knows about a diff problem and is hiding it.

The oil on the drive shaft is VERY clean. I have a feeling that it only popped out while me/others tried it in 4wd. There is no gunk stuck to it.

There is corrosion on a lot of the bolts underneath the car, obviously suggesting beach work. The front lower control arm (well..atleast that's what they are called on my Skyline) has surface rust, but I can fix that no worries. Is the corroded bolts a worry?

It has various scratches around the car that are bad, but not bad enough to cause rust, they just look crap. (I am not worried about this)

She is asking $5000. I reckon I'd get it for $4000 due to this problem.

Keep in mind however, My budget is $5000 max, which needs to include anything I need to fix.

The tyres only have about 1000kms left in them i reckon.

The air con works, but squeels non stop. Maybe that's just belts?



So worst case scenario, the diff has no oil left...which means it's probably totally stuffed ? What's a new (or 2nd hand) diff gonna set me back approximatly. I know my diff centre for the skyline cost me $1150 new, but that was a mechanical 2-way I use for drifting.


Are drive shafts exepensive/hard to come buy...I am guessing the shaft may be bent due to it popping out.

She had a few people look at it yesterday, so it may be sold if they didn't notice the drive shaft.

I thought depending on what you guys think, I'll offer her $4000 if all that other stuff will be less than $1000 to fix.

[cj]

$4000 is a good price I think. The diff may be ok as long it hasn't been driven around like that in 4wd and corrosion hasn't set in. If it needs replacing you will want to find a 4.625 ratio 26 spline centre. Probably anywhere from $200 to $500. Easy enough to swap. The driveshaft should be alright. The mild corrosion underneath shouldn't really be a problem. It's only when it gets in the body that it's a pain.

The squealing with the a/c is the belt and it's a pain to get tight....I know You should be able to pick up some used tyres cheap with plenty of life in them.

The biggest thing is does the engine rattle badly? If it doesn't and you can get for around $4000 you should be fine.

[bazooked]

ya might be better of waiting for another to pop up rather than buying someone elses problems and waiting for them to bite u in the ass.

[CWBYUP]

Offer 3,500 and then move to 4k if you really want it.

Its a buyers market and dont be affraid to walk away.

People who I buy cars off must hate me but if there prepared to come down a extra $50- then I make sure i get it, its better in my pocket than theres.

Nick

[eXc]

ok well its good to know the diff isnt too expensive. I might offer up to $4000 tonight if it isn't sold already. Actually it may have to wait till tommorow. I will see


Cheers Chris

[eXc]

offered her $3800. She hummed and har'd, said she was after atleast $4000. I said no worries, gave her my details for if she changes her mind.