Propshaft type

Front wide angle propshaft is rattling and I can see play in the middle, so time to replace it. This one was already on there when I bought the landy.

I'm struggling to work out which type I need though.

Originally a 1987 90, it was eventually upgraded to a 300tdi and disco 1 front and back axles added. I replaced the rear prop a couple of years ago but at the time I didn't know I had disco rear axle, so ordered a propshaft labeled "Defender 2.5p, 2.5d, 2.5td, 200tdi" and it fitted fine.

This time round when replacing the front, a little bit more knowledge of what's on my landy, has given me more to worry about. Do I just order the same type as the rear, or should I be ordering the "defender 300tdi discovery 200tdi 300tdi version"?

I'm wondering if the difference is not at the axle/diff end, and is instead at the central end, and therefore the earlier type is still the correct type, just like I accidentally got right on the rear?

And ideas?

Sounds like someone has already converted the axles to take defender propshafts. The differences are at the ends - the disco has a different interface at the axle end. If you can take a photo of the axle and gearbox ends/UJs someone on here should be able to say.

What gearbox are you running and in what location?

300bhp/ton said:

What gearbox are you running and in what location?

Click to expand...

LT77, I'm not sure about the location question though?

zeaphod said:

Sounds like someone has already converted the axles to take defender propshafts. The differences are at the ends - the disco has a different interface at the axle end. If you can take a photo of the axle and gearbox ends/UJs someone on here should be able to say.

Click to expand...

Ok well that must certainly be the case on the rear as I got away with the defender prop by accident, but knowing how half the crap has been done on this poor old girl, there's no guarantee the same has been done on the front. I'll get some pics up tonight.

You could always drop it off and measure it's compressed length contact a seller and ask which one. Just had a look on Paddocks and sadly not a lot of info, others may have more. But they all have a way of contacting them.

Reason about location is, the gearbox and engine haven't always been mounted in the same place, depending on model year and which engine/gearbox. I think the factory 300's use the same seatbox as the V8's and have the gearbox in a slightly different location, however if yours is a conversion, then the gearbox may be in it's original location and the engine may be in a slightly different location to the factory offering. However there are sadly several different ways, so measuring it is most likely the easiest solution.

If your engine sits close to the bulkhead, with the best part of a foot between it and the radiator, your gearbox / transfer box will be in their original position. In which case, a 2.5na / td / 200tdi front prop should be right.
I’m guessing that this will be the case as the earlier rear prop fitted correctly.
If the engine sat at the front of the engine bay, the gearbox/transfer box would have also been moved forwards and the rear prop that you bought would have been too short.....
Hope this help and I haven’t caused you further confusion......I’m rather tired atm!!!

Yep I think you guys are right. The engine sits right back at the bulkhead, which has been a feature of frustration more than once when working on the old girl. I guess that was the easier way to do the conversion. Everything done by previous owners on this landy, was done the easiest way.

Ok so original prop size ordered, fingers crossed and thanks guys!

I fitted the prop on the weekend. All good, and the correct type.

However, I had planned on using the rubber gaiter from the old prop, so didn't order a new one. Only to find it fell apart as I removed it from the old one. I needed to go out this weekend so just had to fit it without and go. Is this a big risk? Should I order one, and get it on there ASAP?

As long as you are not playing in the crud you should be ok, most defender props do not have the gaiter anyway.