passed MOT. Drive shaft/Diff etc replacement advice please

[Hippotastic]

Passed another MOT flying colours. changed wipers and ready to go.

My drive shaft to the front axle broke last year, and I have been running it 2wd since then. I think it is time to address this, and after talking to the mechanic we have come to the conclusion that my front diff/axel is the problem.

It would seem to explain all my symptoms the last year or so.

Can anyone recommend somewhere where I can take the old girl to have the drive train trouble shot by someone with experience and knowledge?

I am thinking of replacing the front Diff, the steering rack, and obviously the broken drive shaft, so anyone got ideas or recommendation of where to look to get reliable refurbished parts please let me know.

Cheers

[Hippotastic]

No one recommend anyone who does drive train problems?

[321Away]

If you've been running as 2wd, why not just make it permanent and bin the front diff/driveshafts etc

Julian

[mikeonb4c]

No one recommend anyone who does drive train problems?

I would think this was a standard job for any half decent mechanic. Just need to source the parts (off a breaker from Bellhill, Bongobits etc.) and get them delivered to the garage. If concerned, You could book it in to a specialist. I guess LPG Imports (Coventry?) might be nearest (if they do this kind of stuff) or else Ian Taylor in Stoke (a way off but a straight run) who might be able to do it all in a day provided they have notice?

[Hippotastic]

Spoke to Bell Hill, had a good chat, thay have the parts and will take a look if I drive it down there.

If I convert it to 2wd, will I have to change the V5 to show the change? What about removing the front axel stuff and will the front suspension need altering?

Insurance implications for a modified grey import?

[Hippotastic]

If you've been running as 2wd, why not just make it permanent and bin the front diff/driveshafts etc

Julian

Is this cheaper than restoring the 4WD then, and can you recommend anyone to do it for me?

[321Away]

It should be cheaper to remove the diff as its only labour as opposed to costing for parts etc
pretty much any garage is capable of doing it as its not really a specialist job
Julian

[Hippotastic]

Thanks for the replies. I asked if there were complications with the paperwork if I wanted to sell later, any ideas where I would stand on that? Do I need to notify anyone about the changes to the vehicle status as a 2wd?

[321Away]

I asked the management here as they offer the option for customers to have the stages of 2 wheel drive if they want it and thay said they dont alter any paperwork, possibly because the customer retains the capability to return to 4wd? only difference i think is the vehicle weight
Julian

[Hippotastic]

Thanks.

I spoke to Bell Hill Garage, and they can convert it to 2 wheel drive and they advised that there will be nothing to change. I would need to change the gearbox, and the front hubs, and the rest is removed.

When I costed it up againt fixing the 4wd, it was marginal the difference, so I might as well go 4wd as it was like that till it broke the prop shaft.

After the chat, I am thinkin g it is not that hard to turn a 2wd to 4wd unless I am missing something. Other than why would you want to.

[mikeonb4c]

After the chat, I am thinkin g it is not that hard to turn a 2wd to 4wd unless I am missing something. Other than why would you want to.

Well I'd be interested to know if it could be done without too much complication or expense. there are times when I wish my 2WD was a 4WD. For example, I wouild be lot more confident about wild camping in remote spots on my own if I had the greater reassurance that 4WD brings as regards not getting stuck/stranded. And I'm very fond of my current Bongo so have no urge to swap it.

Mind you, until I actually start doing wild camping stuff like that on my own, its all a bit academic!

[Hippotastic]

I was told that the gearbox would need changing, and the front hubs changed. That is from 4wd to 2wd. To go the other way, you need to Change the front hubs, add a front diff, drive shafts, change the gearbox, and add two propshafts. Cant see that being cheap, but it is doable If the diff can ber attached, but I cannot see why not. Not thatI know anything about it.

As I said, to professionally convert to 2wd was nearly the cost of replacing the 4wd. That is assuming I change the gearbox, front diff, replace the broken propshaft and two front tires. I was always planning on changing the steering rack for a reconditioned one anyhow, and this would be done at the same time. Once the drop links front and back and the bushes are done, I think it will be ready for sale.

[mikeonb4c]

I was told that the gearbox would need changing, and the front hubs changed. That is from 4wd to 2wd. To go the other way, you need to Change the front hubs, add a front diff, drive shafts, change the gearbox, and add two propshafts. Cant see that being cheap, but it is doable If the diff can ber attached, but I cannot see why not. Not thatI know anything about it.

As I said, to professionally convert to 2wd was nearly the cost of replacing the 4wd. That is assuming I change the gearbox, front diff, replace the broken propshaft and two front tires. I was always planning on changing the steering rack for a reconditioned one anyhow, and this would be done at the same time. Once the drop links front and back and the bushes are done, I think it will be ready for sale.

Nooooo - you're not selling up, surely?

[Hippotastic]

Nooooo - you're not selling up, surely?

'afriad I am. The old girl will be as good as new by the end of May and who ever buys her will get a practically rebuilt Bongo. I cant keep spending on it, and after this work, even top dollar will not return my investment.

I have changed the head, alternator, water pump, all belts including the timing belt, radiator, thermostat, exhaust, and by the end of May I will probably add to the list the gearbox, front diff, and steering rack. A new propshaft, bushes and drop links all around, and what is left? The bodywork never had any rust, the interior is original but not bad, and I have decided it is time to change. I can get a new car that does 60mpg and now that the missus has a caravan, its too much of the same thing. And whilst in Scotland last year, they kept trying to charge double for having "two sleepers". Fair enough, but the Bongo has been relegated to just a car in my home, and it is too good for that. It needs to be set free

Do I regret buying her? Not a bit. Best thing on four wheels anyone can own. I did set out to fix anything I found amiss, and I have done that. Once the rolling gear is sorted, she should be good for a long time.

She will make the next owner very happy I feel.

[mikeonb4c]

Nooooo - you're not selling up, surely?

'afriad I am. The old girl will be as good as new by the end of May and who ever buys her will get a practically rebuilt Bongo. I cant keep spending on it, and after this work, even top dollar will not return my investment.

I have changed the head, alternator, water pump, all belts including the timing belt, radiator, thermostat, exhaust, and by the end of May I will probably add to the list the gearbox, front diff, and steering rack. A new propshaft, bushes and drop links all around, and what is left? The bodywork never had any rust, the interior is original but not bad, and I have decided it is time to change. I can get a new car that does 60mpg and now that the missus has a caravan, its too much of the same thing. And whilst in Scotland last year, they kept trying to charge double for having "two sleepers". Fair enough, but the Bongo has been relegated to just a car in my home, and it is too good for that. It needs to be set free

Do I regret buying her? Not a bit. Best thing on four wheels anyone can own. I did set out to fix anything I found amiss, and I have done that. Once the rolling gear is sorted, she should be good for a long time.

She will make the next owner very happy I feel.

I can't refute your logic. If and when I come to sell mine, it will be for similar reasons and with the same concern that it should be passed, in good honest condition, into the hands of a new loving owner (I've come over all of a shiver just thinking about it mind you ).