Question 80 gurus: Slack in the rear propshaft splines... is it just a case of replacing the prop or...

[Dave_S]

... is there any point/benefit in just replacing the front section (UJ sleeve)?

If I need to replace the whole thing, any recommendations on a supplier? I'm assuming that a Mr T prop will cost me my right kidney and my first born child?

 

[Lorin]

I am in for the same. As I understand it you need the whole prop. Front section won’t be enough. It is possible to source second hand but you take your chances... I am still undecided as don’t want to find myself needing another one.

Good option from over the pond would be Brand New Rear Drive Shaft 80 Series - [Leaving Land Cruiser Club]. If you’re interested we could look at combined shipping……

Amayama is £448 + £107 shipping, plus import duty, VAT etc. This is for entire prop shaft assembly with all UJs etc. Local dealer would be min 50% more I reckon, if not double!

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

Chris had a custom made one all new for less than £300 at a propshaft manufacturer.
Find a local firm, you might be surprised.

 

[Dave_S]

Thanks guys. I did have a custom made prop built for my competition XJ years back, place in Wales did it. I was pleasantly surprised how cheap that was at the time, so probably worth doing some investigations into UK manufacturers. Unfortunately I don't think there'll be anyone on our Island for this, which is a shame...

 

[frank rabbets]

I had a new prop made for a 1959 Aston Martin by Hardy Spicer in 1979. Cost pence and they are still in business. Back in the day I just walked in through the back door and saw the workshop foreman.

 

[Lorin]

Unfortunately I just haven’t the right experiences to trust getting something made will be made to an appropriate spec for the 80 and how it is used. An OEM prop is properly balanced and constructed and can take the stress the 80 is subjected to when used as I do.

I have had some poor experiences recently of getting parts made by specialist manufacturers who simply didn’t understand the stresses of proper off-road use, resulting in parts not being fit for purpose.

I think if your 80 sees mostly tarmac this wouldn’t be an issue. My expectation of a new prop would be that it’s a one time purchase.

 

[toolsplus]

Thanks guys. I did have a custom made prop built for my competition XJ years back, place in Wales did it. I was pleasantly surprised how cheap that was at the time, so probably worth doing some investigations into UK manufacturers. Unfortunately I don't think there'll be anyone on our Island for this, which is a shame...

I wondered where you live then I remembered Britain is an island

 

[Dave_S]

I'm on an even smaller Island tools plus! In the middle of the Irish Sea....

 

[Dave_S]

Lorin - my XJ was a heavily modified off-roader and the 4.0 petrol 6 produced more BHP than the 80 4.2 diesel, albeit less torque - I didn't have any issues with it in heavy use, so I think its certainly do-able for an 80... but I do take your point, there will be an element of risk there going anything other than OE. I'll have to do some more digging I guess...

 

[Grimbo]

There's a company who's name eludes me who have made propshafts for us as diverse as a Sherman tank to the winch drive prop on my Halftrack and a Jap pickup truck ..... a proper old fashioned company who've forgotten more than most know .... they could most likely just replace the splines on both parts and balance to a speed far higher than the 80 will ever achieve as they do competition car and motorsport stuff .

 

[Dave_S]

Sounds promising Grimbo!

 

[Lorin]

There's a company who's name eludes me who have made propshafts for us as diverse as a Sherman tank to the winch drive prop on my Halftrack and a Jap pickup truck ..... a proper old fashioned company who've forgotten more than most know .... they could most likely just replace the splines on both parts and balance to a speed far higher than the 80 will ever achieve as they do competition car and motorsport stuff .

Sounds like it could be a good option…..

 

[mettisse]

Hello, Ive used a company at Cambridge area called Bailey Morris , they have made me custom props for my Froader and a DAF truck, they make all sorts of props, ( commercial, marine etc) it might be worth a call, they are suppliers of wide angle props for froaders . They can cut and modify/ replace your own prop.
hope this helps. Best regards to all, Bill Westley
( I have no connection with this company)

 

[frank rabbets]

[email protected]

(01538 384278).

This is the contact for the old "hardy spicer GKN" which I used. They specialise in heavy plant driveshaft supplies and repairs.

 

[chapel gate]

[email protected]

(01538 384278).

This is the contact for the old "hardy spicer GKN" which I used. They specialise in heavy plant driveshaft supplies and repairs.

That's my area code Frank.

 

[Towpack]

Driveline Components

The old web address seems to be down but it looks like they're now part of the Walterscheid Powertrain group.

Edit......yes, just found them on Google Earth.

My Mum's from Leek so know the town quite well, (useless info I know!)