Here is what I would do, have the shop remove the front driveshaft and bolt half shafts from the front diff and hubs.
Throw all of that in the back and drive home.
Then you can shop around for a used diff and have it fixed cheaper.
Now if the original shop is going to cover all repairs let them.

The hubs are sealed and will work just fine without the half shafts.
With no driveshaft or half shafts the front diff will not turn, it will just sit there.
I dont know how you do it on a LR3 but you will need to lock the center differential so you can drive home.

 

Jodi if your husband can get it home I have a pretty good shop in Longmont that can fix it. Not to mention you have Land Rover at Flat Irons. I am in the Broomfield area as well.

 

I'll try to get more details when DH gets home - he's already left Bozeman. With him needing to get back to work tomorrow - we didn't have time to get a second opinion - our hands were tied. I really appreciate everyone's help - it aided us in appearing more educated for sure.

 

There are several competent shops around this part of the state. Real shame this happened so far from here... hope that shop up there is honest!

 

Thank you to all that helped us with this dilemma. You had great suggestions. Being new LR owners, we were really green and being out of town only compounded our frustration. You were right - we should have found a way to get the car here and have it fixed here. We did have the front differential replaced in Montana, and time will tell if that was a wise choice or not - though it felt like we had no choice at the time. I'm thankful it broke down in a big enough town and that we had y'all to walk us through this. Thanks again.

 

How much did this adventure cost? Glad you go through it. And did a "cause" get established?

 

With extra hotel nights and flying back to Bozeman from Denver, it was about a $3,000 deal. I heard something about a loose bearing . . . sorry I don't have much more than that.

 

It is EXTREMELY important to change the diff fluid per the schedule and use the correct type.
Dont be afraid to change it early either.
few hundred is better than another $3,000.