Please HELP! Drive shaft hit trans :( - Land Rover Forums : Land Rover and Range Rover Forum

Tibstra · 11-26-2012, 11:15 AM

I have been reading about this problem on here for the past few days and realize my situation is not the only one. I have read several different answers and have gotten a couple local opinions but do not know what to do. I am a younger guy and this vehicle was purchased for my wife as she LOVED it once she saw and drove it. It is a 2003 Discovery with around 116K on it. We have only owned it for about 4 months as we just had a baby and had to sell our sedan for something larger that would fit our family and 2 dogs. We do not have alot of money and are kinda screwed at the moment. I would appreciate any and all ideas from you rover experts.

Truck has been running great up until this point. My wife was driving and all of a sudden said it was vibrating when accelerating... She was heading home when BOOM it happened. Rolled to a stop and called me.

I have read on here a few different options. 1. Im screwed. 2. Take it to a trans shop and have them weld the hole, replace the front drive shaft and u joints and im good to go. 3. purchase used trans and buy new drive shaft and ujoints etc..

Truck is in my driveway and I will have to get it towed to where ever I have the work done. Another option I am considering is selling as is and if any of you guys have an idea of what it's worth AS IS?

I am in the Chicagoland area- Orland Park IL to be specific. Any help at all would be helpful and please I am no mechanic by any means so specifics would be appreciated!

Thanks much!

Jake

ArmyRover · 11-26-2012, 12:24 PM

It won't be worth much as is. You would probably get 1000-1500 for it.

I would pick up a used trans and a new drive-shaft, and put it in myself if it was me. Check with the guys in my signature line for a used transmission price and availability.

Also you might be able to get some of the folks from the chicago land rover club to help you carry out the repairs yourself. They used to do garage days in the Orland Park area. I might be able to lend a hand but it will be next month before I have any time.

www.chicagolandroverclub.com

I have a DII front shaft laying around I'd let go cheap but I would rebuild it before using it of course. I don't have any 4hp24 transmissions laying around though lol. If PT Schram has one I might be able to work out bringing it back from his shop to Chicago for you. I'm going to my Mother in Laws Birthday on the 8th about 10 miles from his shop and could probably load it in the 110 to bring it back.

Racer X · 11-26-2012, 01:14 PM

Paul Grant has several used transmissions, I would imagine he has at least one 4HP24 for sale.

On the driveshaft, shoot a PM to LR2001silver, he can get you a quality new one at around the $300 mark.

stinkbutt · 11-26-2012, 02:27 PM

I don't know what the compatibility is between a 2000 and a 2003 D2, but I know there's a 2000 D2 at the LKQ (pick-and-pull) in South Bend that still had a transmission and transfer case as of 2 weeks ago. Prices there are dirt cheap (would be less than $300 INCLUDING core charges), but you don't know if it worked when they brought it in.

Racer X · 11-26-2012, 03:48 PM

2000 Uses the 4HP22. It would technically fit, however I think there's a difference with the output shaft for the 03/04 transfer case, and it's not rated for the power output of the 4.6L which raises questions regarding longevity.

Better to stick with the correct transmission (4HP24).

Tibstra · 11-27-2012, 07:32 AM

Thanks for the replies on this guys, I really appreciate all the help.

Is there any truth to welding the hole in the trans? I was told the trans is mechanically "ok" and that I could patch it up and move on. Just would like to know if that would even be possible?

lowest bidder · 11-27-2012, 08:34 AM

They weld aluminum all the time, it can be done. BUT it's very hard to properly weld an aluminum housing like this one. You need to preheat the part to be welded in order to reduce residual stress in the metal. Also, aluminum burns, so the alloy at the site of the weld will be of inconsistent quality unless you really know what you are doing, what alloy it was made of to begin with, etc. Depending on where on the tranny the patch is, it could be subjected to internal stresses when it is doing it's job of propelling the truck forward. Welding will produce metal particles that will end up inside the tranny, in the oil and in between the mechanical parts, unless you disassemble the tranny beforehand, which would be good if you wanted to preheat it properly. So I think it can be done properly, but it could end up costing a lot. Or you could take the redneck approach and weld it in place, and cross your fingers.

greasyrag · 11-27-2012, 10:55 AM

I have a driveshaft I can send to you just for shipping charge. Along with other comments it does need to be rebuilt.

Tibstra · 11-29-2012, 08:33 AM

Thanks alot guys. Trying to get this all figured out and really appreciate the help. It seems I am going to have a hard time getting an experienced welder to weld the trans and take that risk... And like ya'll said; If I'm pulling the trans out to weld it I might as well replace it. I think that is what I am looking to do. Still looking for a used 4HP24 that I could buy right.

In regards to the driveshaft... when you say it would have to be "rebuilt" what does that mean exactly? I assume new u joints but don't know much about this.

Thanks again,

Jake

ArmyRover · 11-29-2012, 01:16 PM

ujoints and centering ball kit