does this spacer really belong in the rear diff? manual doesn't mention rear having one..just the front. With it there my drive flange isn't able to mesh but 1"

 

pretty sure that spacer is for the 4 point flange. I have that one, as I do not have a rotoflex. I assume you are working on a 96 with a rotoflex coupling, in which case, I don't think it goes in there.

Was it part of a new bearing kit?

 

There are two different 4-bolt input flanges. One requires the spacer and one doesn't.

 

okdiscoguy, I didn't order a new pinion bearing..just a pinion seal..bearing seems ok. It's a '96 but theres no rotoflex, it has a U-joint.


antichrist, is there any way to tell which 4-bolt flange requires the spacer and which one doesn't?

what if somebody put the wrong flange on it? this rover was used for a off-road business and has been abused...so anything is possible.

 

I would take the spacer out and see how far back the drive flange goes on the seal. As long as it isn't rubbing wrong (too far in), I would say go without it.

Offroad company probably upgraded to the u-joint.. Didn't think they did that until the 97's.

 

If with the spacer you have 1 1/2 threads or so exposed after fitting the nylock nut, then what's there is correct.
I think I had a brain fart. Looking in my parts book the spacer is used with the 4-bolt flange. 3-bolt doesn't use a spacer.

 

I have an "Early" 97, manufactured in mid 96 according to the stickers on everything, and mine has the rotoflex.

 

I think the PO did this conversion to my disco

http://discoweb.org/rotoconversion/index.htm

 

You can buy a kit from roverparts.