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Worn universal joints on the propshaft can
normally be detected by clutch judder and excessive vibration; the UJs
are easily replaced and should be of little consequence to the
prospective buyer. The differentials may be checked for wear by
placing chocks under the vehicle’s wheels and, with the handbrake
released and neutral selected, trying to turn the propshaft by hand.
Any more than a quarter turn of the propshaft indicates a worn
differential, the rear differential usually being the one to show the
most wear. Even these units can be re-adjusted and, where necessary,
new thrust washers fitted. Clunks and knocks in the driveline are
quite normal, with gearbox and differential whine not uncommon. A
prospective purchaser should not be put off if all else seems to be in
good order.
One point to mention is that, with 88-inch and
especially 109-inch Land Rovers without heavy-duty axles, the rear
half-shafts can snap at their inner ends but there is no way of
telling whether this is about to happen!
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