So I bought a drive shaft off of ebay that shows that it will fit all D2's. Is it a one size fits all drive shaft? Only reason I ask is that BA sells a driveshaft that is only for 03-04. Every other company list their shaft for d2 all years. Any advice would be great before I sling this thing on the Rover.

 

Just measure them side by side. I remember I got one long time ago from GBR and it was short but it came with a thick metal adapter to reach the other end.

 

I recollect the 2003 and 2004 transmissions were a tad longer. Probably the reason why this particular supplier was selling a relatively shorter driveline for these two model years.

 

I don't know the answer about length, but I do know a question that needs to be asked:
front shaft or rear shaft?

 

HAHAHAHA! True!

 

Ha! Sorry. Front drive shaft

 

I have an 04 that I've bought two front driveshafts over the years (Great Basin Rovers & Tom Woods) and both of them were just standard size. I've seen the spacers that you can get for the 03 & 04 models and they aren't that thick.

Both of my driveshafts worked well and I think it's just a matter of the spline part of the shaft expanding a tad bit more. Might worry me if I were doing hardcore rock crawling or something that put a tremendous amount of torque on the drive shafts but for running the roads and some weekend off roading in Georgia I've never had a problem with mine. Just remember to regrease the new one when you change your oil. It's a pain to do but just suck it up and the new shaft will last you forever.

 

Cool. Thanks guys. After seeing several D2's in the salvage yard with apparent drive shaft failures I figured I needed to get this done. Last question (for now), can I get replacement bolts and nuts at a local hardware store? They are just basic grade 5 right?

 

You might find the bolts at a store like Fastenal, but HD, Lowe's probably not. They are 3/8 UNF X 1.125 (approx. 30mm) and it's the odd length that gets you. Grade 5 or 8 will get it done.
You can get the bolts #509045P single from most LR Parts retailers(shop around) like > BOLT PROP SHAFT 3/8" UNF, RNC184, 509045P, LR045409 - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts or as a set > Range Rover Discovery Defender Driveshaft Drive Shaft Bolt Nut

 

If you live near an Ace hardware that really carries some good stock you can find them. There are a few around Atlanta that I have found as sources for quality bolts but if I were you I'd order two sets from one of the Rover parts sources or ebay and put a new one on and have the other set for spares. I find that it makes greasing mine easier if I drop one end and sometimes a bolt or nut rolls off and it's great to have a stash of replacements.

Also, I would highly recommend this tool as one to have. Makes life easier in so many ways, especially on your knuckles on cold mornings. Not cheap but not overly expensive either and after using it a few times I would have paid twice that for it.

https://www.lucky8llc.com/collection...shaft-nut-tool