I am getting a new front drive shaft this week, I laid underneath my 03 disco and and can twist the prop shaft side to side about 1/4 inch each way, there is NO play front to back, no noise when I drive and every thing is smooth, I am a bit paranoid so I appoligize in advance for the post. I searched for about a half an hour and couldn't find the answer.

 

a little play in the diffs and trans case is normal. You probably don't need a new driveshaft, just ujoints. You can either do them youself for about 100 dollars or a shop will do it for about double that.

 

If your drive shaft doesn't have 3 grease fittings, stop driving it right now.
Who are you thinking about getting a replacement from?

 

It does not have grease fittings. The truck only has 54,000 miles, Disco mike, are you saying I am close to failure?

 

GBR looks like they have a good one, I would get the regular not the heavy duty

 

At 54k you are probably not close to failure. They normally squeak and shake before they break and normally last around 100k miles.

 

If you search I think you will find failures reported before then. Keep in mind the results of a failure are usually reported as quite unpleasant and hard on the pocket book.

A rebuild can be a DIY project if you're so inclined. A search should reveal the u-joints and other parts you'll require. Considering the comparative cost of this repair / upgrade vs so much of the other things you'll be doing to your L/R it's $ well spent. Too, even if you don't do the repair yourself you needn't put the truck in a shop for the duration! You won't, though be driving anywhere while it's out (don't even try). Just leave it in the garage (if you have one) and mind the information on putting the thing back in when the job's sorted.

 

Yes, you are close to failure. When they fail, they do a few things. A) Destroy exhaust system. *Not cheap* B) Wack bits of the transmission all over the road *Thats not cheap* C) They can also destroy bottom end of engine/oil pan. *Also not cheap*
I replaced mine with a rebuilt one and so far so good. Grease it before you put it in. It took about 2hrs by myself. The bolts were rusted. Spray with heavy duty penetrating oil a few days before. Soak them really good. Your knuckles will appreciate that! It uses 9/16 socket/wrench for the bolts. I think. Replace the nuts with new locking nuts. This way they won't come off on you (not that they will) while your driving.

 

I think the heavy duty one is close to $500. Not bad considering the cost of a transmission.. But if you can rebuild it for $100.... You do the math. Now I know GBR has great products! Decisions Decisions!!!

 

$295.00 been in for 16 monthes no problems Land Rover Discovery CV Front Drive Shaft ('99-'04) | eBay

and no the Dynamic Driveline shaft does not come with offshore u-joints