Disco 2 Front prop renewal

Hi all, I'm on a role regarding fixing the fleet of Discoveries we seem to 'gathered'.

I'm now thinking of changing the front prop on my D2 as it's quite possibly the cause of the excessive noise/rumbling when I drive over 65mph. Could be a drive shaft rumble, but as the front prop have so much going on I ghought I might start there.

Anyone else had a similar noise issue and/or changed their front prop?

Yes - definitely had various rumbles & vibrations related to the front prop - resolved by replacing the prop.
However, a recent vibration that I was initially "sure" was the front prop, was found to be caused by the rear prop rubber "doughnut" - which when flexed significantly was very badly cracked / degraded.

I changed it & the spigot bush in the prop ( just to be certain) & the vibration was solved.
So don't always assume its the expensive bit !
PS beware some suppliers are selling doughnuts which are not suitable for the D2 because they are thicker & require longer bolts (not supplied with the doughnut).

Thanks. I've just changed the donut on one of my tdi 300s but no difference - think it might be the front prop on that too.

TBH I didn't realise, until I had a good look, that the D2 front prop was such a complicated arrangement.

Has your D2 got a transfer box with the diff-lock internals ? (Typically before March 2001 or specials later).
If yes, you can engsge the diff-lock & remove the front prop to see if the noises / rumble disappears. You'll then know for sure.

I'm not sure until I scramble under it again.

How can engaging a diff-lock and removing the prop confirm it's the front prop? I only get a rumble at 65+mph?

My front prop was vibrating (slowly getting worse)
Changed the whole thing for a new one (easy job)
The old one showed signs of clean shiny metal in the joints where it'd been moving about.

I think my D2 has the same issue so will be removing the prop and engage diff lock to see if thats whats causing my vibration but mines at mid throttle at the higher rev range as its about to change gear

If you remove one of the prop shafts and don't engage diff lock you wont be going anywhere fast, all power will go to the one with least resistance, ie the one that is missing. Mine is off at the moment and has been for a few weeks for repairs. Engage diff lock (if you have it), remove front prop and drive at 65mph, seeif it makes any difference.

Disco DJ said:

My front prop was vibrating (slowly getting worse)
Changed the whole thing for a new one (easy job)
The old one showed signs of clean shiny metal in the joints where it'd been moving about.

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Wher did you source your new prop from? There seems to be quite a variety on offer via fleabay..

Bought prop from;
http://www.dls-uk.co.uk
Couple of years ago (about £200 delivered)

Curses! Front prop failed (happened Tuesday and only got underneath today to check it out)
Bearing shot to bits. Looked it up, the DLS one would have been 4 years old next month- not particularly impressive but it was a cheap one.
Bought another cheap one just now from JGS for £175 next day delivery (inc discount)
Hopefully fit it Tuesday so I can stop cycling to work!!

Did you buy a greasable joint propshaft?

Peter

Can't see the difference. Original LR one wasn't greasable, that lasted 10 years. A cheaper but greasable one has lasted 4!