Central Diff Clunk

I 've done the search and nothing seems quite on the money as far as my problem goes. Since getting my 2000 2.5 DHSE there was a clunking noise under hard acceleration from stationary. It feels like its under the middle of the car. My solution was to not accelerate hard and everything was ok. (I've had it 12 months or so now ) I've just had a front drive shaft replaced and the mate at the garage is fairly sure that the central diff is the problem and may have caused the more recent problem with the FDS. My question is does this sound reasonable and does the description match anyones previous experience ? He tells me its a fairly straightforward repair. How long should it take in labour hours ?
I've already checked levels in all three diffs and they are fine and clear.
Thanks in advance for the usual serious and **** take answers.

Sounds like total bollocks to me, the centre diff rarely gives problems. Morse chain maybe. Have you checked the VCU?

Datatek said:

Sounds like total bollocks to me, the centre diff rarely gives problems. Morse chain maybe. Have you checked the VCU?

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+1 chain or epicyclic

If it is the Morse chain then heed what Ashcroft say here: Ashcroft Transmissions

I'm getting worried now, but keep the suggestions coming please. . @Datatek I only have a bottle jack and don't fancy that test on me own. I'll try it down the garage when I have access to a better Jack.

Madyaker said:

I'm getting worried now, but keep the suggestions coming please. . @Datatek I only have a bottle jack and don't fancy that test on me own. I'll try it down the garage when I have access to a better Jack.

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No problem doing the VCU test with a bottle jack, only need the get one front wheel just clear of the ground, box in neutral and try to turn the wheel. No harm done if it were to fall off the jack.
Worth checking there is oil in the transfer box.

Just done the VCU test and its OK. I reported back to my mech mate and he's looking into costs for replacing the transfer box. Is this the bit with the Morse/Borg warner chain in ?

Madyaker said:

Just done the VCU test and its OK. I reported back to my mech mate and he's looking into costs for replacing the transfer box. Is this the bit with the Morse/Borg warner chain in ?

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It is, but they don't fail often if they have oil in them. You sure it's not a UJ?
Maybe no need to replace the whole transfer box, perhaps just the chain.

Would it not be cheaper and quicker to just replace the whole unit ? Extra cost of reconditioned unit offset by saving on labour dismantling and rebuilding Transfer box ?

Madyaker said:

Would it not be cheaper and quicker to just replace the whole unit ? Extra cost of reconditioned unit offset by saving on labour dismantling and rebuilding Transfer box ?

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If you do it yourself it will only cost the parts. It depends if you can get a reasonably priced genuinely good used unit. You can't see inside it though. Hit and miss time maybe ahead.

wammers said:

If you do it yourself it will only cost the parts. It depends if you can get a reasonably priced genuinely good used unit. You can't see inside it though. Hit and miss time maybe ahead.

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one of the quickest boxes to recon ive ever come across, main case bolts are slightly triangular shaped and cut there own thread in new case