Hey Spike this is a great post, awesome info!

anyway of making this a sticky for easy reference?

 

When you say the front drive shaft MUST be re-built, what is the time frame? I have an 03 with 87k and I don't want to buy a new tranny. Also have had gasket problems, valve cover gaskets leaking oil and another lower gasket leaking coolant.

 

The front driveshaft fails around the 80-90,000 mile range. It usually gives a warning but not always.
The warning can be anything from a "chirpping" noise to a vibration to nothing at all.
It is best to be proactive and get it corrected before anything happens.
You can look and see if your truck has already been upgraded by crawling under it and looking for grease fittings on the double cardon, it should have 3 grease fitings on the end at the transfer case.

 

There's only 2 grease fittings on the DC that's been rebuilt with greaseable u-joints.
The 3rd is on the other u-joint at the diff.
Should be a 4th on the slip joint, or a threaded plug.
One thing that is seldom mentioned about rebuilding with greaseable u-joints is that it doesn't magically make them last longer. They only last longer if you actually lube them, and lube them correctly, every 5,000 miles. I'm always amazed at the number of people, including supposedly professional mechanics, who don't know how to lube a u-joint.

 

The most important thing to look for is the rear lights. If they hang low, it's a D1...Pass on it. If they hang high, it's a D2 which is the one you should get

 

Spike Owns a what???? andgot nfo on a D2...takes it to a muyffler shop............... I work on mine

 

What?

 

Land Rover Classic Discovery I designed by Rover
Land Rover Discovery II designed by BMW
Land Rover Discovery III designed by Ford (LR3)

 

I used to be, until I realized that very few people have ever seen one at this point. Almost NOTHING coming out of any auto manufacturer has a zirk on it anymore and for at least the last 15 years....U joints (love that mastic they hold them in with - makes the first change really fun), pittman arms, etc.

I always have to wonder just ho much money they are saving by making things difficult/impossible to service.

 

I doubt it has been done. I'm second owner, bought it with 38k. What kind of job is it? Cost, etc.? I am not a mechanic. Thanks.