D1 v Rangie front ends

[Rick1970]

I have an early ('92 KA) V8 D1 that i'm slowly getting ready to re-register.

Few questions.......

Its leaking at the swivel hubs and was wondering if there would be any advantage of swapping the front axle out with one from a '89 Rangie (FA....) that I also have. It also leaks at the swivels so would need the same done to it.

Is there any difference in CV/axle strength between the two?

Would it be advisable to going the oiled wheel bearings route at the same time?

and lastly....generic bearing shop swivel rebuild kit ($178) or genuine seals?

Cheers
Rick

[Debacle]

Should be a straight swap, but you may need to use the radius arms from your Rangie, might pay to measure the width at the axle housing bracket. I put an axle assembly from a 1995 disco into my 1981 Rangie but needed to put Disco radius arms on though this was because pre 85 Rangies had a narrower arm.
I think the Rangie might have dual circuit brakes on the front, so you may have to swap over your front callipers.

[Dougal]

For a complete swap, the brake lines may be different, but may not (some disco were also dual line).
The radius arm bush width as already mentioned.
The panhard rod bolt size. Early RR was 1/2", later disco were 14mm. I am unsure when they changed.

[loanrangie]

Easier just to replace the swivel seals in situ, unbolt the hub assembly from the diff housing and place upside down on a spare rim, then you have easy access to the seal.

[Rick1970]

Easier just to replace the swivel seals in situ, unbolt the hub assembly from the diff housing and place upside down on a spare rim, then you have easy access to the seal.

Yeah probably will just do this.

Ordered the seals, bearings and new hub cover cap things today......

[Rick1970]

Ok...the front end is now in pieces and the NS stub axle looks like someone has attacked it with a grinder to remove a stuck bearing at some stage. Outer bearing surface and thread VERY ordinary to say the least! Service book suggests the front wheel bearings were replaced by a mechanical workshop at 186,000km.....it now has 236,000.

So, I still have the spare rangie to pinch a stub off. Will the Rangie axles/CVs/drive flanges fit straight in to the Disco front housing? I decided to go the oiled bearing route and thought the solid rangie drive flanges mite be better than the Disco plastic cap at keeping the oil in. Both are 10 spline diffs and since it looks like I will have to strip at least one side anyway....

[Rick1970]

Actually.....are the stubs interchangeable FA Rangie to KA Disco??? Cant seem to find the P/No for the Rangie....Disco appears to be FTC3154

[blitz]

re brake lines; in VIN suffix LA models were dual line, suffix MA single line