Still shopping, & planning for my future build up. I'd prefer the DI, particularly the enclosed hubs over the CV joints, but every DI I look at has huge rust holes in the back door frame, under the latch where the fender comes together with the c-pillar. The DIIs are built differently, so they don't rust there. This issue won't work on winter roads in Minnesota, the body will be dust in a couple years!

Some day, when it's time to rebuild the axles, can I fit DI axles under a DII? While I have your attention, if I get a '99 with the CDL in the case but no linkage, can I pull the linkage off a DI & put it on the DII?

 

DI axles in a DII it is not a remove and replace job. But with money and time, you can do anything.

Regarding the CDL, The mechanism is included on the DII through 2001 inside the transfer case, so you just have to attach the linkages.

 

Can I scavenge the linkages off a DI or does it need to be fabricated?

 

There are very few parts from a D1 that can fit on a D2, lucky for us D2 people, but to answer your question no.

 

Yes you can, but it must come from a vehicle with the same transmission as yours, IE manual or Auto, as they do not fit each other.

 

Thanks everyone. I've seen people complain about the CV Joints on a DII, but are they really a weekness? there is a big difference between "relatively weaker" & just plain "weak".

My goal is to have 33"-35" tires & run level 3 to 3+ trails. It will be a primary driver in the winter & secondary in the summer. I don't need it to be cushy, I have my BMW for that, it just can't be uncomfortable to drive on-road.

 

Man, I have a lot to learn! So it looks like both DI & DII have CV Joints on the axles but the DI is encased in metal, while the DII has an exposed boot. Is this correct?

Please bear with me! I'm just learning!

 

If you download a Rave manual, you can go through all of the systems and see the exploded views on each. It is too cold for me to go look at my D2, but the D1's are sturdier...

 

Click the link in my signature to download the RAVE manual. It's a must have for every Rover owner.

 

The best thing to do would be to crawl under one of each and check them out.

But yes, the DII CV joints are like those on a front wheel drive car, rubber boot.
The CV's on a DI are like a tank, steel.