Driveshaft/U-Joint Questions

Ok I just got off the phone with Atlantic British about replacing the Front Driveshaft on my 03 Disco II.  First question:  They told me that the Driveshaft can not be rebuilt because there is a part between the two u-joints that is not available.  Is this correct???  He also told me that a new one runs $639.95 and that it will happen again because the AC condensation drain is located right above the joint. (He also told me that I can rerun this to correct the problem.)  I was also told that the ones that are built NON OEM are junk and even though they are greasable they will fail as well.  What do you guys think???  I would not mind purchasing a new one to save my tranny (and no my wife is not a she-male, but she would be pissed and may leave me if the trans. went out as well!)  Who has rebuilt these and have you had any problems??? ANY ADVICE IS HELPFULL!

From what I'm gathering, the typical cost (parts + labor) for rebuilding one is around $500.

I'd consult some othe mechanics.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmt

From what I'm gathering, the typical cost (parts + labor) for rebuilding one is around $500.

I'd consult some othe mechanics.

 
You're way off dude!!! I had mine rebuilt by a driveline specialist and with the best u-joints available ( Dana Spicer) and all and all, parts and labor with taxes, out the door...$280.00. And that's in Canada. You'd probably be looking at under $200.00 in the States. They are absolutely rebuildable, and greasable u-joints might end up failing at one time ( especially if you go with the cheapcos) but nowhere as fast as non-greasable ones if you grease them well at every oil change or two.
 
Although I highly recommend buying from Atlantic British, I have also been misinformed a few times by them. They told me that my Ace equiped Disco was not liftable. I was told otherwise on different forums,proceeded on ordering and installing a 2 inch OME lift and my Ace system never even noticed that the truck was lifted, and kept operating as if I never lifted it. So this also was complete crap.

Ok I am now heading down the path to have it rebuilt!  From what I can find on other messages what I need to take into the guy (to make sure I get the best stuff) I need:
 
Please let me know if this is the correct list for a 03 Disco as well!!
 
1-Neapco 7-0081NG Center Kit
3-Neapco U-Joints 1-0005 (What is the deal wtih PDQ brand label???)
Also on a message someone stated that you need to replace the zerk (???) with a button head zerk (Sorry I have no idea what a zerk is) what does this do and why!
 
Thanks again guys!!!!

All you need to do is go to a good auto parts store, buy a matching set, by the same manufacture, 2 greasiable u-joints and a centering ball kit, about $80 in total, then find a tranny or drive line shop to rebuild it, usually around $120 to $150 in labor.
Or if you were going to play hard go to Tom Woods customer drive shaft and order one of his great shafts for around $350 new.

The shop I bought my Disco from said that they had tried rebuilding them, but it wasn't worth it, or couldn't do it. They just get a new shaft and install it. I'm guessing that what they meant was that with the time and rates that they charge, it's not worth them rebuilding. If you are mechanically inclined and have the tools, it takes about an hour or 2 to do yourself and the real difficulty seems to be if your old centering ball is stuck or not. U-joints are easy to replace with practice. Otherwise a transmission shop would not charge too much.
 
I've heard of the AC dripping onto the cardan joint. It is also right next to the catalytic converter, which probably bakes the grease pretty good.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Philhowe

Also on a message someone stated that you need to replace the zerk (???) with a button head zerk (Sorry I have no idea what a zerk is) what does this do and why!

Thanks again guys!!!!

 
Think "grease nipple". It threads into the joint and allows you to inject grease into the joint with a grease gun. The zerks that come with the u-joint work fine.

Hey thanks guys.  The reason I am not going to rebuild it is because two balancing weights are missing and I have NO WAY to balance these.  So I am going to leave that to the pros.  I have the shaft removed and was holding it thinking "do I replace this or have it rebuilt, or do this myself?"  And with your advise I am going with the rebuild, and having the grease option so I can watch them and make sure that they are working properly.  I must say I am glad I found this site!  But everytime I read something new going wrong with other Discos mine seams to follow suit a couple of days later.  Now only if that oil pump problem will stay away tell I get it into LR and bitch them out.

Has anyone thought about making a deflector plate of some kind to keep the driveshaft from slapping the transmission if it breaks? Or to protect it from the heat of the cat's? Just a thought.

Maybe a driveshaft loop would work. A heat shield isn't a bad idea.

Damn.

Maybe I was thinking for both shafts?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Disco Mike

All you need to do is go to a good auto parts store, buy a matching set, by the same manufacture, 2 greasiable u-joints and a centering ball kit, about $80 in total, then find a tranny or drive line shop to rebuild it, usually around $120 to $150 in labor.
Or if you were going to play hard go to Tom Woods customer drive shaft and order one of his great shafts for around $350 new.

 
  Mike, who do you suggest doing this out here?  I want mine done ASAP.
 
  Thank you Sir.
 
  Brendon-

quote:

ORIGINAL: Disco Mike

All you need to do is go to a good auto parts store, buy a matching set, by the same manufacture, 2 greasiable u-joints and a centering ball kit, about $80 in total, then find a tranny or drive line shop to rebuild it, usually around $120 to $150 in labor.
Or if you were going to play hard go to Tom Woods customer drive shaft and order one of his great shafts for around $350 new.

 
Thanks Disco Mike!!!!!  I called a couple of shops and none wanted to use any parts that I would supplied so I just called Tom Woods Custom Drive shafts and ordered a new one.  Any advice on greasing it when I install???  Seems like you have one and any tips would be great!!