Where to Locate a Cheap Double Cardan Propshaft

[SolihullBeast]

Like many land rover novices have done, I fitted a 2 lift kit to my Discovery (200tdi 93) but neglected to consider the implications on castor and propshaft vibration. After much trawling forums and calls to specialists I have established the following; the best option to correct the castor is castor corrections swivels, however they are very difficult to source. Ideally I wanted to use the swivels in conjunction with standard radius arms bent at the chassis end to reduce stress on the bush. So I am now at the point where I am thinking the best option in radius arms bent at both ends to correct castor and reduce stress on the bush, Used in conjunction with a double cardan propshaft to reduce the almost inevitable vibration the arms will cause. (I have been told that a wide angle propshaft simply allows for the angle, but not reduce vibration as the opposing ends are not operating in a parallel fashion). I am also aware that often a 2 inch lift does not cause steering problems, and the problem lies elsewhere, however I have checked out all other variables that may affect the steering and everything looks ok. So to get to the point! I think I need to get hold of a double cardan propshaft, (with grease nipples) and the only place I can find at the moment is QT services and the unit costs £320 with vat and postage! are there any other cheaper options!? I remember a while ago reading you could convert a knackered disco two td5 front prop with new ujs? is this the case?

Apologies in advance because I am in no doubt that 2 inch lift topics are well exhausted on the forum , but I am really keen to get this right for once and make a decent job of the lift. Perhaps there is a better option than the arms and propshaft? any thoughts?

Cheers

Sam

[martifers]

Gwen Lewis does some reasonable ones. A friend got his radius and trailing arms bent their recently and was very happy.

Or give Dave Mac a ring. Got mine from there. Know their stuff and I was extremely impressed with the service.

Devon also cheaper the QT!

[Aragorn]

You can use a D2 prop afaik, all disco front props are 635mm long.

You'll need a D2 TXB flange as well, but some of the after market ones need that too anyway.

As for alternatives...

You could always remove the lift? I'm pretty skeptical of any benefits of one for most normal vehicles, and there are more downsides than just the steering and prop issues, such as vehicle stability.

[fozsug]

http://www.gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/page36.html

http://www.gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/page18.html

http://www.gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/page17.html

http://www.devon4x4.com/products_a/p1346c10079/0/double-cardon-propshaft-for-land-rover.html

http://www.devon4x4.com/products_a/p1844c10082/0/4-bolt-flange-kit.html

[bishbosh]

Don't waste your money on a D2 prop - it has no grease nipples and thus has a short life.

I am surprised you need a double cardan prop with only a 2" lift, however, the propshaft clinic or Gwyn Lewis is where I would spend my money.

Clocked swivels were available from Paddocks of all places, might be worth a call.

[Aragorn]

The D2 prop can be fitted with greasable uj's though, so its not the end of the world.

The gwyn lewis one listed above also uses a sealed DC joint.

I'm pretty sure the clocked swivels paddocks do have been discontinued.

Every degree of lift knocks off 1.5 degrees of castor. The stock defender/disco platform has 3degrees +ve castor at its standard height, so a 2" lift will take that down to 0, which will feel pretty horrible if you actually take any pleasure in driving whatsoever.

[Giles tout terrain]

I wouldn't even buy a carrier bag from devon 4x4, they buy it all from elsewhere and just put a bit on top

[Hybrid_From_Hell]

Interesting thread this

2 x Q's

Is the D2 standard DC prop fully grease nippled, ?

and more importantly does it have the narower or wider UJs / Flanges ?

Nige

[landkeeper]

http://www.devon4x4.com/forum/for-sale-wanted/bitties-for-sale/

i can vouch for dave he's a decent lad

[Aragorn]

afaik the stock D2 prop has either a) no grease nipples at all or b) no grease nipples on the DC joint, hence people being wary of using them as they wear out.

I'm pretty sure someone on here posted a thread about rebuilding a D2 shaft, complete with greasable joints all round.

[Hybrid_From_Hell]

afaik the stock D2 prop has either a) no grease nipples at all or b) no grease nipples on the DC joint, hence people being wary of using them as they wear out.

I'm pretty sure someone on here posted a thread about rebuilding a D2 shaft, complete with greasable joints all round.

Can't the non nippled UJs be replaced by ones with them ?

Nige

[Aragorn]

Yeh thats what i meant, someone posted pics and part numbers of them rebuilding a D2 shaft, with proper greasable nipples.

Found it:

http://www.discovery2.co.uk/propshafts.html

The UJ's themselves appear to all be the same size, so you can replace them with 3 normal landrover joints (TVC100010)

The centering bearing if you want to replace it is a precision 617, and they're a bit hard to get hold of.

[Exmoor Beast]

I wouldn't even buy a carrier bag from devon 4x4, they buy it all from elsewhere and just put a bit on top

No idea where you got that idea from but its entirely wrong. I don't buy much from them because I'm tight-fisted and their kit is just too good for what I need. But when I have been down there I have seen heaps of stuff part manufactured, obviously they don't do everything in-house but a lot of their kit is their own design.

--

Meanwhile back at the +2" subject, as Bish said +2" shouldn't upset a Discovery too much, we ran a +2" 300TDi one for a couple of years. We lifted it to fit 235/85x16 tyres. We used spacers and drop brackets to do it and it rode pretty much as standard. It used to eat rear prop doughnuts for breakfast, lunch and dinner but the front was only done once. I used to get under it regularly and re-grease the props which probably helped

Will

[SolihullBeast]

Cheers for all the input, based on the finance required to solve this issue and the fact that the vehicle rarely sees mud I have decided to refit standard suspension. Is there any benefit of fitting new standard springs over second hand ones? I am aware they sag and this affects handling. Should I avoid pattern part springs and stick to genuine land rover ones?

Sam