Thread: Help! Front diff issues

Whatever the cause, I'd say its broken now if you had to use the CDL to get it to move. If it was seized solid it wouldn't move at all.

Being a front diff its not as easy as pulling half shafts and removing prop shaft to stop it from turning further, and I personally wouldn't be keen on driving it home like it is. If some of the broken bits happen to jam inside when you're moving it could get ugly.

Personally I'd be getting it flat-bedded to somewhere it can be worked on.
Get the center out and go from there depending on the damage.

Steve

Yeah I was gonna leave it in the car park at work for a couple of days until I get paid and then get a flat bed to pick it up. I think she might be sitting in my shed for a while.....

If its the front diff you can remove the tailshaft and drive flanges lock the centre diff and drive it home

Originally Posted by dfendr

If its the front diff you can remove the tailshaft and drive flanges lock the centre diff and drive it home

Doh! - you're right. I was thinking the cv stub shafts were going to flail round inside the stub axles, but they'll just be static with the propshaft removed.

If the wheel bearings are oil lubed it may get a bit messy though....

Steve

Without free wheeling hubs the front wheels will still rotate the axles etc, the good side is everything is unloaded, I'd be trying it very slowly and hoping for the best.

Mike

wow, now you're getting a locker! congratulations.

I know of a couple of people with truTracks at the front (Tdi 110 & D2a) with no issues. Cheaper than an air locker and a DIY on a rover diff,

Thanks for the info guys, think I will just play it safe and get the bugger towed. Don't really have the best selection of tools here at work to do much anyway. Will get it home, and then endeavour to pull the diff out and see what the hell has happened.

To try and take a positive from it , it may be for the best that I park it up in the shed for a while, as I know I have a few other things that need some attention, she's had a hard life (12 odd years in the Pilbara and Kimberley) and needs some TLC.

Don't think it is going to be a cheap exercise though

Should be able to pick up a reasonable used center for less than $200, and combined with a day in the shed it's probably all you need to get it mobile again (notwithstanding that you've got other stuff you want to do).

A stronger center is always nice, but if its survived for this long I reckon you'd be right with another one of the same.
Pick up the whole front axle out of a D1 (preferably without ABS), use the center to get you going, and then rebuild it in slow time with additional goodies if you want. Once its ready, pull the old one out and swap the new one in.

Steve