Rattling/Banging noise from underneath 1998 freelander.

Hi, I am being given a 1998 Freelander which is suffering from a rattling/banging noise from underneath which is suspected to be something to do with the rear driveshaft and or diff, when the propshaft is removed it drives perfectly well?
My uncle bought another diff with driveshafts from a scrap yard and replaced the old ones but the same problem occured?
Is my uncle right in thinking the driveshafts/diff is broke or could it be something else?

Thanks Carl.

1st. try and introduce your self properly. In the introduce your self section.
2nd :search:

pair of scissors under the seat are you missing a set???

Pikey said:

1st. try and introduce your self properly. In the introduce your self section.
2nd :search:

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+1

but someone will, undoubtably, answer the question

Also need more info.

When / how often does it make the noise
What speeds at
Starting/stopping normal driving?????????

We can all be very helpful. Been there got the t shirt situations but we need more info

Heat sheild?

thequeenscheese said:

Heat sheild?

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More likely to be a detached VCU mass damper

Nodge68 said:

More likely to be a detached VCU mass damper

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My thought as well

Mine went last week, elected to buy a recon from Bell Engineering, as my mileage is 90k. Can buy a repair kit but at £77 + vat versus £200 for a new one seemed best thing to do.
Easy to spot, look at the VCU, if there is a big black metal band dangling round it - that's your man.