Well I'm going to just replace the entire rear driveshaft with a new "rear driveshaft update kit" $269 plus $40 shipping (from "RoversNorth"). From what I gather the original design for the rear driveshaft on older disco models was relitivily poor so I figure that by getting an update kit complete with new U-joints would be the way to go. But first thing is the rear axle. Got some good quotes from RoversNorth for the following parts:
1.) Pinion bearing $27.43
2.) Wheel bearing $25 a piece
3.) Hub seal kit $10.50 per wheel
4.) Front swivel ball $30.99 per wheel
5.) Complete rear axle assembly...$10,000.00! Lol If I have to replace the entire rear axle I'll go with the used $600.00 from Roverlandparts.com

So overall the parts are well within my budget (excluding the new rear axle assembly) so I guess its the labour I'm worried about. Grant I can handle driveshaft work on my own, everything relating to the axle is beyond my current expertise. And yes there is a Land Rover specialist in the local area (DAP Enterprise) which will be handling all the the needed work for the rear and front axle. As for driving, I just signed up for AAA plus plan (100 miles free towing) so that should take care of transportation of the Disco until its driveable.

 

Not cheaper, maybe easier, depending on how difficult your trailing arms are to remove.

 

Good catch! I'd probably not pay $1200 for it. Depending on how long it was like that there could be damage to the transfer case. No doubt that's what killed the diff. Though it's possible some idiot disconnected the propshaft to inspect the diff, then put it back wrong and it hasn't been driven since.
Definitely a SPOT.

 

You need to go back and reread most of the posts here because they gave you a lot of good information that will save you big $$ and I think you seem to have missed them.

You third member is about as trashed as it can be. Your pinion has actually pulled out of the axle casting, which is impressive, to say the least. I would hazard to say that your axle housing is most likely boogered up where the bearing races go in, (there are two bearings, BTW) which means you may actually be headed towards buying a new axle anyway. To start. That $600 gets you something to start rebuilding, figure $1000, and another $500 for labor.

Now another $300 for the driveshaft, and $200 for labor. I also see that your transfer case is leaking, and it was most likely driven around for a while with the rear driveshaft removed. Long enough to lose three of the bolts, anyway. Which means a rebuild for sure, figure $1200 parts and labor.

So what are we up to now? Doesn't really seem like bargain to me. I would run from that vehicle, asap.

Especially since a quick swing by ebay yielded this:

Land Rover : Discovery - eBay (item 320671355620 end time Mar-21-11 17:21:38 PDT)


There is some poor schmo who doesn't have the energy to research his truck long enough to know his ECU is bad for the sunroof. And he had the headgasket and waterpump done and it looks pretty clean as well. No CEL or ABS light? Now that looks like a better deal to me. Not to say you should buy this one, just that they are out there.

Not trying to be jerky, just tryin to save you some heartache and $$$

 

There's a huge difference between a differential and an axle.
The diff is probably toast, but I expect the half shafts and axle housing are fine.
Transfer case is probably questionable.

As for the ebay discovery....listed by someone who thinks a head gasket job constitutes an engine rebuild. Either they are dumb or intentionally misleading. Either way I would be very leery of it.

 

Whats wrong with your '98?
You say it needs engine work and has a few dents and dings.
Body panels are a lot cheaper than axles and unknowns.

I would rather keep a truck that I know what is wrong than buy one that I have no idea whats wrong.

 

forgetaboutit.

 

rUN AS FAR AWAY FROM IT AS YOU CAN GET.

 

I hear what you are all saying but take a minute to thinly about what my 98 needs.

Engine missfire. May need new ignition coils and fuel injectors at the least. May need headgasket kit, new pistons, basically a rebuild (worst case scenario).

ABS light is on. Don't know why yet. Srs light is also on.

Leak in power steering hose. Have one new hose, but what if it needs all hoses and power steering box replaced?

Vehicle makes wired noises when you release pressure from the gas pedal. Decreased power when going up hills.

Ride is a bit rough. Just replaced steering damper. Still needs alighnment and new tires. May need new tire rods.

Rear driveshaft needs servicing but best to just replace entire.driveshaft.

Exhaust leak.

Needs transmission flush. Needs coolant flush. Needs new transmission filter kit installed but as disco owners know... Have to first take off part of the exhaust and or crossmember just to take the.transmission pan off. That's a $300 labour job.

Smell of fuel is apparent but no signs of leaking gas on ground...

Small.rust hole on passenger side rear inner quarter panel. Will not pass inspection.

Windshield wiper motor and washer do not work. Panels are dented and scrached up. Front lower bumper is missing. Brush guard is miss shapen. Headlights need new mount as they keep coming lose from the housing. Etc. Interior headliner and headboard are missing $700 new. Leak in rear sunroof.

Diff shifter is stuck.

Interior bezels are lose, missing buttons etc..... It makes me what to break in tears to think how she has been treated and what it would take to make her new.again. I've only had her since december. The list is discourageing. I'd rather replace a driveshaft which o know how to install myself, and either replace.the entire.rear driveshaft or have it result, and fix a engine leak. Then to worry about all the things on the 98. The 98 was my first rover, and I'm still an amateur at mechanics. I learn as I go and I'm staying in the rover family! But I need something that at least looks great on the outside.

 

TThe good news is that the 98 does have some new parts and is closer to operation as it was my daily driver until last week when the rear driveshaft went. and the underneath did have an undergoing within the last few years so rust and corrosion is a minimum. if o get the 96 I'm willing to buy a brand new stainless steel exhaust complete. plus work on the rear axle.