I hope this isnt a stupid *** question but I do know that it has a CDL that the 03 dosent have. This is my first truck sorry for the lack of knowledge lol. I promise, once I get the hang of the Disco mechanics I'll be posting all day to help others out I have been reading quite a few posts on the failing driveshafts and I admit, I'm a little scared. 50k miles I think I need a new one. I'd really like to try to install the new one myself to avoid dealer rape(without the vaseline ofcourse), but here is my next question: is it a tough job to do for the inexperienced? What I mean is...are you the type of dude that puts together an outdoor table and drinks a beer after and admires the handywork? I am not a moron technicly speaking but I wouldnt want to try this if A1 mechanics think its a breeze. I want to hear from normal regular guys who at some point in their life thought it was great to change your own oil. If so, tell me how difficult this is. Do you need special tools or tranny type lifts? One thing I have noticed is that I havent seen any posts with step by step photos of repair work. I wouldnt mind taking pictures of the process if the forum feels that might help others in the future so I can attribute something Thanks, Dan.

 

CONTRIBUTE** rather.... sorry I'm shot.

 

It's easy to do. The RAVE cd mentions to mark your parts that will be re-fitted. All you're doing is removing 8 bolts, and replacing the new driveshaft. I don't remember the size of the bolts but there's not a lot of room with a normal socket to remove them. The job can go quicker if there's a second person to shift into N so the d/s will rotate to get access to the other bolts.

 

Rave CD? Where does one get that? Ebay?

 

couldnt sleep so I found it on a search of the internet for download. It seems the rave cd is good if you have basic mechanical knowledge. Seems to refer to "testbook" often. Wonder if I can get that too.... I love the internet I really do. Thanks for the tips.

 

Some say it isadvisable to replace the the nyloc nuts and bolts,or at least the nyloc nuts. 3/8-24 1-1/4 OAL

 

So to answer you question, "NO" 03 and 04 Disco's don't use the same drive shaft as the eariler D2's.
You can either have your current shaft rebuilt for around $150 to $180 or buy a really good, new one from Tom Woods, much better tehn factory, for around $320.

 

Find a local driveline shop and get a quote. The u-joints aren't too hard by themselves, but the centering ball can be tricky. I would just pull the shaft, engage the diff-lock, have the shaft re-built, and put it back in after it is done.

You can drive with the center diff locked and one driveshaft. Wouldn't go far or for very long, but it will get you around town while your current shaft is being re-built. Make sure and mark the front and rear so you can put it back like you took it out.