The transfer case splits the output from the engine to the front and rear axles. Locking the diff ensures a 50/50 split between the front and rear, rather than a variable split depending on traction.

Rather than either the front or rear differentials, I would be suspecting the CV joints if there is noise near the turning limit.

 

well test drove the dealers 2000 D2, but it was leaking oil and coolent pretty badly. they started it up and drove it to the front, i had the guy pop the hood and i smelled plenty of coolent burning(very sweet smell all over the engine bay) they were not willing to go any lower then $4500. the passenger side front window didnt go up or down, and the driver side mirror didnt go left or right. I did notice how ever the front drive shaft had all the grease fittings on it so the front axle had deff been replaced.

im going to go look at the white 99 again tomorrow and try and get the guy down more on it. hopefully pick it up for $1500 or $1800. it drives just as good as the dealers 2000 D2, and the motor and under carriage look far better and dryer, just need to fix the bind during turning to lock and try and fix the blower motor to the rear A/C vents. fix the lock/un lock botton. the Odometer thing im not overly worried about. if i get the truck cheep enough, ill drive it till the wheels fall off and wont worry about re selling it.

 

Classy used dealer probably bought at auction for $500 and may know less than you about D2 issues.

......

 

How can you compare this 2004 D2 to the 1999? I saw one on here:
Land Rover Discovery HSE7 | eBay

 

well picked up a white 99 d2 today, the front axle appears to be ok. anything i can do to test it?

 

Plenty on the forum suggest to replace it especially you have no idea how many miles on it. I just got a 2004 and receiving the shaft on monday. My 1st LR, sounded just like a sticky brake squeak until it failed. This one that I just got has a similar continuous squeak so I wont use it until replaced. That was a sign of bad shaft in my experience. What if someone greased or oil the shaft before you got it, it wont squeak. Im sure it could be tested if you remove it.

 

well i guess ill add that this white 99 d2 was not the one with 225k on it. i found this one in OK and it currently has 138k miles on it. sorry, should of added that bit of info before. i walked away from that other 99 with 225k+ miles on it. had lots of other issues.

what do the front axles run shipped to your door? i got some anti seez and good advice about jacking the front up.

 

I saw on ebay after I purchased mine and they look exactly same
Land Rover Front Drive Shaft Driveshaft Discovery 2 II 99 04 TVB000110 | eBay
Got mine from Great Basin Rover for $434.08 including the shipping I paid and the ebay part, shipping free all for $208.00

 

you know the saying "you get what you pay for."
The Ebay model is probably a good unit, but the GBR is handmade with stronger material and beefier Ujoints, and is actually made for off-roading so you know that it can take more abuse.

 

I agree with you thats why this is the 2nd time I'm buying shafts from them for my other disco. But this time I was told to get the remanufactured since it has additional fitting. The difference, I'm not sure, a remaufactured item I guess came from a failed shaft from its recent life. On the other hand, almost 300 land rover out there are using that German made shaft from ebay. All I know is that machinery and motor vehicles are Germany's main export product.