s11 disco front propshaft-defender

[uninformed]

it seems the disco s11 has a v8 and 2 td5 propshafts available.
all at different prices $500, $950 and $1100 respectivly. all oe parts

my mechanic says he cannot tell any difference between them and that they are the same length etc.

also is there any mods that should be done to improve over stock.

this is for my 98 300tdi defender that has been lifted and has a small vibration at 63km/h

serg

[Slunnie]

Apart from the price, and possible a gator over the slip joint, I don't think anybody else knows the difference either.

To improve them - Hardy spicer has a larger replacement DC joint, which is LAndcruiser size though its about $1k for that.

[Reddo]

shit! I would be getting it re'cond or get another from the wreckers.

I've not heard that they are a weak point but if they are, then it would pay to get a stronger one made up.

[justinC]

I agree that will more than likely solve the problem, but unfortunately the LR disco2 front shafts have no lube points to the cardan joint unis, thats why they fail at regular intervals and do cost about $1000.

IMO I would get truckline or hardy spicer to make you a cardan joint shaft using a greasable joint like a Hilux unit, then you could at least buy bits for it cheaper and they are maintainable/ greasable.

JC

[walker]

I agree that will more than likely solve the problem, but unfortunately the LR disco2 front shafts have no lube points to the cardan joint unis, thats why they fail at regular intervals and do cost about $1000.

IMO I would get truckline or hardy spicer to make you a cardan joint shaft using a greasable joint like a Hilux unit, then you could at least buy bits for it cheaper and they are maintainable/ greasable.

JC

Yep, I will agree with all that. My DC joint on the Disco failed last year on the way back from the Simpson Desert. The Disco had only done 17,000km, DC fell apart, hit the ground while I was doing almost 100km/h then bounced back up destroying the cat, exhaust and craking the transmission.

Ihad it towed back to melbourne expecting it to be fixed under warranty, only to be told they would not cover it because I had a lift. The lift was only there because the front had sagged due to bar and winch and when it was measured I was only 4mm outside Landrover specs but they still would not do the work.

[Slunnie]

IMO I would get truckline or hardy spicer to make you a cardan joint shaft using a greasable joint like a Hilux unit, then you could at least buy bits for it cheaper and they are maintainable/ greasable.

JC

The Hardy Spicer one is the Landcruiser sized DC joint, though they're about $1k. To do this they've had to manufacture a new flange to suit the Rover DC output flange.

[walker]

Do you think the $1k is worth the money?

You can get an existing shaft rebuilt with a greasable DC for about $350 wasn't it Simon? I have not heard about anyone having trouble with one of those yet...as long as you keep it greased.

I am sure the stock DC's are failing because a a couple of variable.

1. Water - they are meant to be sealed but they aren't and water seems to wash out the grease easily
2. heat - more of a problem on the V8 where the DC is very close to the CAT.

IMHO if you keep a stabdard DC greased it would be fine.

[Maxtd5def]

Hi Slunnie,

Is the Hardy Spicer version on the market now? Or still in trsting?

Regards
Max P

[andrew e]

i bought a DC stage 1 shaft from four wheel drives in SA a few years ago for 450. it has a heaps bigger DC than a disco. depending on length, you may be able to get away with a adaptor plate on the gearbox end.

Andy

[walker]

Did the Stage 1 come out with a DC?

[justinC]

ADAM,
Yes, the stage 1came out with a DC, and if you are running an LT95 it will bolt straight in but I think you will need the front output flange from the Stage1.
Otherwise, you can get it retubed to suit any length you require.
JC

[walker]

I wonder why they did that when the Rangie only had uni's?

[Slunnie]

Do you think the $1k is worth the money?

You can get an existing shaft rebuilt with a greasable DC for about $350 wasn't it Simon? I have not heard about anyone having trouble with one of those yet...as long as you keep it greased.

I am sure the stock DC's are failing because a a couple of variable.

1. Water - they are meant to be sealed but they aren't and water seems to wash out the grease easily
2. heat - more of a problem on the V8 where the DC is very close to the CAT.

IMHO if you keep a stabdard DC greased it would be fine.

Gday Adam, I've broken 2 stockers and 2 greasable DC's already. As to value.... I don't know. If you never have to replace them again, then I think that they are good value. If that save collateral damage then they are also good value - but the cost is pretty expensive.

[Slunnie]

Hi Slunnie,

Is the Hardy Spicer version on the market now? Or still in trsting?

Regards
Max P

Gday Max,

The bigger one it on the market now. I've spoken to Dave I think it was from Hardy Spicer in Sydney who confirmed the part with the head office in Melbourne I think it was.