Maybe this question has been answered elsewhere, but I am curious is it possible to convert the disco 1 front end (swivel ball hell) to a regular cv joint and enclosed bearing hub like the disco 2?

I spent a whole day working on the swivel ball/bearings and I really do not like the design, partly because the person who owned it before did not take care of it. So my swivel ball is scored badly, my stub axle was destroyed, the hub is destroyed, its just a nightmare.

So i was just wondering if its possible to switch to a (in my mind simpler) booted cv axle and hub design like in the disco 2 with disco 2 parts without much modification?

 

I can't think of any reason to, the D1 design is much superior to the DII, and cheaper to repair.
If you want DII axles, buy a DII.

 

What he said.
Properly maintained they will last 2-3 times longer than the DII setup.

 

That is good to know!!!

 

I'll vote that the D1 axle is stronger. And the parts are cheaper. But I think the D2 is EASIER.

What parts are you talking about that last longer? I'd say that since most of the D2 stuff is maintenance free, it will last longer under the abuse that the normal uninformed driver throws at it... ie doing nothing. Things like bearings and cv joints and stuff will probably last about the same if the D1 stuff is maintained. But when it is time to replace parts.... the D1 guy will be MUCH happier at the price, but will have to do 2-3 times the work.

 

The CV's will last longer, mine have over 200k on them.
Wheel bearings re-greased every 30k or so will also last forever.
What else is there that needs to be serviced?
I agree that the average gas-N-go driver is better suited to the "lubed for life" modular parts like the double cardon on the front prop shaft and the booted CV joints and sealed hubs.

 

If only they got THAT right.

 

If maintained properly a D1 axle from the swivel ball mount to the hub can be completely rebuilt with common hand tools (3/8" ratchet, spanners, punch and hammer).
Try that on a DII axle.

 

Have swivel ***** in my 52 Dodge and they are the originals. They have to be serviced often, and they are a bit of a Pia. There are still rolling after all these years though. I doubt you'd get 60 years out of a cv.

That being said, they are spewing grease again. A grease gun now rides in the seat box. Lol