Which front diff?

Hi guys, been a while since I last posted on here!

Looking for a little bit of advice, there is a lot of free play on the front diff of my '95 300tdi defender 90.
Am I looking at a replacement diff?
There is no play in the prop uj's, I have replaced the drive flanges, should I change half shafts or is it more likely to be in the diff?
Should I replace with a standard diff, or would an lsd be a better option?
Don't really fancy air lockers, as I (currently) don't have on board air!
Your informed opinions are welcome.

Don't let the profile pic and signature fool you!!, I'm gonna get them updated real soon.




(Promise!!)

If you're sure it's the pinion bearing then you can either take the diff out and rebuild it with a new bearing (which is a strip down job), or you can just replace the whole thing (my preferred option). The latter is a lot easier and a lot faster. Just replace it with a standard diff unless you have any real need for an LSD (most people dont)

Thanks Wolf, just the kind of info I was looking for!

Fwiw, the play is rotational, no lift.
If you assume the diff flange to be a clock face, I can turn it about 2 hours, I.e, from 9 to 11 if that makes sense.

Luigi Vampa said:

Fwiw, the play is rotational, no lift.
If you assume the diff flange to be a clock face, I can turn it about 2 hours, I.e, from 9 to 11 if that makes sense.

Click to expand...

Thats not too bad really they all have play in them.

Luigi Vampa said:

Fwiw, the play is rotational, no lift.
If you assume the diff flange to be a clock face, I can turn it about 2 hours, I.e, from 9 to 11 if that makes sense.

Click to expand...

pinion bearing wear if excessive shows with lift , you will have some freeplay in rotation from backlash in pinion ,diff gears and shafts cvs and drive members, some is necessary

I have followed your posts for quite some time jamesmartin,
You are extremely educated in all things Landrover, so your opinion is valued highly.

Ok, I've just posted on the Disco section; essentially my problem is identical, but rotational play is at both ends of the front d-shaft. Only part of it is the U-joints. Total play - about 3 hours let's say, I'll re-check it. Are Def and Disco I diffs pretty much the same?
P.S. On board air is not really a problem. There are electrically operated locking diffs for Land Rovers, too.

Ah you didn't say play was rotational. That's easier lol

Sorry, didn't think until you spoke about the bearing,

Check the drive flanges for play by taking off the rubber caps at the centre of the front wheels and rotating prop, most of my front diff play is due to the play there, will be fitting new drive flanges shortly.