Propshaft questions

Webley1991 · Jul 2, 2014

There are apparently two sizes of universal joints for series prop shafts.

RTC3291 (Early small type)

RTC3346 (Later large type)

I have a 1972 Series 3 SWB Diesel. Which of these should the prop shafts on my vehicle use? Obviously the shafts could have been changed at some time, is there any way to determine which one by measuring?

Three of the four u-joints seem ok (no free play)? Should I just replace one?

The manual also shows the splines being tested for wear using a dial indicator. How much movement is the acceptable limit?

Also, the rear prop shaft with the screwed cap appears to have a rubber seal underneath this cap. Is the available as a spare part?

Thanks for any info.

jamesmartin · Jul 2, 2014

rtc3291 is the same as rtc3458 about 75mm ,rtc3466 is about 85mm, ideally prop splines should have no play but some is exceptable as long as prop doesnt move up and down when pushed

ronsealdeath · Jul 3, 2014

Just buy a whole new UJ and replace it, if you have a big hammer and a vice its not too difficult. Make sure you get a GKN or hardy spicer one not a cheap version as it won't last long. They aren't expensive.

Murtle · Jul 3, 2014

ronsealdeath said:
Just buy a whole new UJ and replace it, if you have a big hammer and a vice its not too difficult. Make sure you get a GKN or hardy spicer one not a cheap version as it won't last long. They aren't expensive.

I think the question is more what size of UJ to buy, depending on age there are two sizes

Webley1991 · Jul 3, 2014

Yes the question was which size of UJ I needed to buy. The cheap ones are a fiver compared to £7.50 for the GKN one. I had already planned to buy the GKN as £2.50 difference isn't worth worrying about.

James: Do you mean that you shouldn't be able to feel any sideways "flex" in the propshaft splines when you shake both ends of it?

jamesmartin · Jul 3, 2014

flex in the shaft slide ,so its no longer a good telescopic fit , it will cause shaft to vibrate

Webley1991 · Jul 3, 2014

Ok thanks. Both of mine seemed ok when I felt them.

What about the rubber disk underneath the screw cap on the rear shaft - are replacements available anywhere?

jamesmartin · Jul 3, 2014

im not aware its posible to buy as a part, you could make a similar piece

Webley1991 · Oct 16, 2014

I finally got round to replacing the bad UJ. Two of the bearing cups had lost some of their rollers. This meant that the legs of the spider were loose to rattle around inside the cups.

When I installed the new UJ, I noticed that two of the cups seemed very loose in the bores. I was able to push them in using only thumb pressure. Does this mean that the prop shaft is scrap? Obviously it's now only the circlips holding them in. I did consider putting some loctite on the cups. However, this would make removing them difficult next time.

Is there any specification for the tolerance for the bore sizes? I couldn't see one in the green book. If I knew, I would have checked them with an internal micrometer first.

jamesmartin · Oct 16, 2014

it may work for a time but you do need a new prop

ronsealdeath · Oct 17, 2014

All the ujs ive done have been very tight fit with the cups. Loads of used props about online

Webley1991 · Oct 17, 2014

Thanks for the replies. How much should I expect to pay for a decent shaft?

I saw a site that had a genuine Land Rover one for sale. The price was over £600!!

What names should I look for to get a quality one that's not too costly.

Also, if the shaft vibrates, what problems other than noise does this cause?

Paul.G · Oct 17, 2014

I was going to buy one of the cheap Propshafts for around £50 for my S2a, dont know what the quality is like compared to your £600 one, I am sure if the cheap ones turn out to be the ones that fit my S2a with 200tdi and Series gearbox I know which I will be buying

Paul.G · Oct 17, 2014

Unsure if this link will work but this is the ones I thought about, are they any good to you?

ronsealdeath · Oct 18, 2014

Vibration will kacker pinion bearings and oil seals if left. If uj goes bang it could take the prop and all manner of bits around it!

ronsealdeath · Oct 18, 2014

A cheap paddocks one will do

Webley1991 · Oct 18, 2014

I wasn't actually thinking of spending £600 on one.

I wouldn't have a problem with fitting an aftermarket one as long as it's not a Britpart one. I think I remember reading on here that someone had a Britpart one snap the first time they drove after fitting it.

Paul.G: The link doesn't seem to be showing up in your post.

Paul.G · Oct 19, 2014

I do have a problem trying to post links, knowing how to use a comp would help

sorry it was a link to the Paddock ones

Paul.G · Oct 19, 2014

Are Paddock parts not Britpart anyway?

jamesmartin · Oct 19, 2014

Paul.G said:
Are Paddock parts not Britpart anyway?

there are 3 main suppliers britpart, bearmach and allmakes ,most retailers use all 3

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