Thank You! Very disappointed that Atlantic British isn’t selling this one and instead the Allmakes one.

 

Im not saying it is GKN for sure, but AllMakes and BritPart do repackage OEM. Like when I buy control arms from LR Direct I get "ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT" and what comes is a control arm in a Britpart box but the LR logos on the bushings are ground down (not well in many cases so you can still see the logo). But both BritPart and AllMakes also make their own "economy" versions which usually cost a LOT less. The tell is always in the u-joint style. AB would probably know which they are selling and at that price I would expect its a rebooted GKN/Spicer. Either way at that price you can get one cheaper that you will know for certain is GKN/Spicer.

 

I called Atlantic British yesterday and they couldn’t even confirm where it was manufactured. I’ve spent close to $10K with them over the years so it’s not like I’m a nobody with them. They overall do a pretty good job, was just disappointed in this specific case.

 

My LR3 "allmakes" rear driveshaft with <10,000 miles broke at the center support CV on tough trail climb.
Luckily, I was able to winch back down, turn around, and limp out on FWD only (low range & rock crawl mode).
The OEM had done 3 times harder trail climbs over the past 15 years and never failed me.
The OEM bearings wore out last year at 150k miles and I didnt research enough to realize that the roverparts (allmakes) rear drive shaft is inferior.
Time to upgrade to the Lucky8 Hardy Spicer/GKN driveshaft!

 

LR Direct is still the best source for a GKN shaft, even with crazy shipping. But the current shipping prices are certainly reducing the price gap compared to when I bought mine.

 

Now this link shows on bottom right discontinued

 

This part is ALLMAKES ?

 

All the various makers are listed. Indeed it seems GKN out of stock at a few places, that sucks. Spicer is the same brand, FYI. The Allmakes/Britpart (same company) will be aftermarket more than likely as LRDiret is pretty good at showing if those guys are actually selling OEM under their name, which they do a lot. But in this case they show up as "Replacement Part" not branded original. I guess in the short term OEM options are limited to expensive LR branded shafts. At least at most places. I am sure there are some more affordable GKN/Spicer out there somewhere without the expensive LR sticker.

 

Might be able to order thru a spicer shop since the GKN shaft is made by Hardy Spicer, nearly 1kAUD so any other option is good. I replaced the center bearing in mine a month ago and touch wood is been fine since, i checked the uni and front/middle CV's for smooth action while it was out.