I just picked up a 99 Disco 1. It was a good deal but the previous owner outright lied about the reason the diff lock light is on. Turns out its missing the front driveshaft. I bought this at night and like an idiot I didn't spot it and I trusted the guy.

The next day I spotted it and discovered the shaft missing. He had said the light stayed on after four wheeling and never turned off. I drove it and it did feel funny but not crazy weird. My other Disco had a similar problem from time to time.

Now this truck wont move unless its in diff lock.I confirmed that it is in fact going in and out of diff lock mode. Is that normal if its missing the front shaft? If not....what might i be looking at? Ive looked around under neath and I really think the u joint let go and it was never replaced. There are several spots in that area where it looks like metal on metal happened.

 

Yes, you can drive with it locked, just be modest and don't cut donuts, etc. This is a good feature that many D2 owners can't enjoy, because they don't have the lock.

You can get a used shaft from a boneyard, but be aware most vehicles are moved by fork lift and frequently shafts are bent. A dismantler like Paul Grant is an option, and there are after market, or even a local drive line shop can fab one up for you. Dealer would be way high.

I suspect you are about to "discover" other things the previous owner forgot to mention.

 

Hahah. Im sure. But it is normal that the diff would need to be locked when the front shaft is missing? Im worried I have a bigger problem then just a missing shaft. I don't plan on driving it until its fixed.

 

The CDL must be locked if you want to move and either propshaft is missing.

It sounds like the PO told the truth in a technical sense. He broke the front propshaft off-roading and if he wanted to move he had to leave the CDL engaged. He just omitted several key pieces of information.

 

I'd ask the seller for $200 back for a new shaft.
The fact that the truck is missing a key component of the drivetrain is something he should have disclosed.
A used front shaft can be had for cheap and new Ujoints are about $12 each.

 

I would ask the guy for some type of recourse, but you have to ask yourself one question "if the drive shaft fell out while he was 4 wheeling and he didn't know it", what else is wrong or missing. you might want to look it over good to make sure you get enough money.

 

I'm sure the guy knew there wasn't a driveshaft in there.

 

Oh believe me I tried. At first I was even nice about it. He claimed ignorance and basically told me I was was screwed. Bastard. I will go thru it with a fine tooth comb. I was planning to any way. Such is the risk of buying a 14 year old vehicle. I just couldn't believe the guy's dishonesty. I would have never done that to a guy. I didnt even beat him up over his price. I hung out and socialized too. Guess it was part of his act.

 

See if CUPGT has a front shaft for you.

 

What was the price of this pile of previously posh sheet metal?