weakest link in drive train

[prelude]

Hi all,

As I am rebuilding my P38 my thoughts go to the fun I will be having, hopefully. :cool: I do wonder however what we all think will be the weakest link in the drive train of our P38's?

Thus far I have HD axles/half shafts and Ashcroft diff's with lockers and pinning front and back. We know the viscous coupling to be a weak spot at this point, certainly since replacement might be a problem due to availability. I believe the ZF gearbox to be alright, though a friend of mine has had plenty of problems with a ZF box in his audi A8. Leaves us with the transfer case and the prop-shafts.

I guess I can do something about the latter (anyone have any tips?) but the transfer case is pretty much the only part on our ranges that is not replaceable with a heavy duty part, or am I wrong here? I feel that the chain drive (apart from the viscous coupling as mentioned) is the weakest link here (pun not intended :D)

Cheers,
-P

[Grumbles]

Flex plate?

[PhilipA]

I feel that the chain drive (apart from the viscous coupling as mentioned) is the weakest link here (pun not intended

The drive chain is very strong, but is subject to wear if not lubricated properly. A new drive chain AFAIK has never been known to break. They just wear and flog the case. Put in a new one and don't worry for 200K.

I would think the CVs would be the weakest point.
Regards Philip A

[mtb_gary]

X 2 on the cv joints.

[prelude]

Thanks for the replies!

I was not aware of the flex plate beeing a weak point. I did get a new one with my engine. Are there any aftermarket, upgraded flex plates in existence? Ashcroft do cary them for the TDI defenders but not for the P38. I would guess that it is not that often a problem then?

The HD axles I got from lucky8 also have HD CV joints so hopefully I should have that covered. Still, I guess in the end that will be one of the weakest parts.

Regarding the transfer case: good to know that they are considered to be very sturdy. When I tried to climb a very steep rocky cliff I heard a grinding/slipping sound from underneath the car which I suspected was coming from the transfer case. I gave up on that hill and drove for days on end after that without any problems or grinding so I'm still not sure what that was. Maybe the auto box?