Practically Classics Forum

When replacing the rubber doughnut (no idea what it is actually called) that goes between my rear prop and diff, I noticed there is about 5 degrees of free play when turning the input flange before hearing the click of the gears engaging. With my car bearing a green oval, I appreciate the engineering is a tad agricultural but how much play is normal assuming a new one has none and mine have 180,000 miles on them.

It doesn't sound a lot to me. I would say that if it runs quietly then don't worry.

Sorted. I shan't worry then. The only drive train noise I get is a slight "clunk" when changing from drive to reverse but every automatic range rover / discovery I have ever driven does that, I am assuming it is a combination of wear in the diffs and transfer box doing that.

TerryG wrote:The only drive train noise I get is a slight "clunk" when changing from drive to reverse but every automatic range rover / discovery I have ever driven does that, I am assuming it is a combination of wear in the diffs and transfer box doing that.

That's good - it explains the behaviour on mine

I have a very worn diff in my Jag and it's really annoying, it clunks when you pick up the power after being off the throttle as it takes up the back lash and clunks when it changes down (for the same reason). If I change down manually whilst keeping the engine slightly under load it's seamless. I would suggest that if you only have clunk when engaging reverse then it's best left alone as if you do the diff it will most likely unhide wear in the gearbox / transfer box that is even more annoying. I had this the other way round after fitting a re-furbed gear box the rest of the drive train that was silky smooth with the old 'box as they had all worn nicely together now can't keep up with the new 'box and now clunks and bonks!

Regards

Phil

Have you tried adjusting the backlash out of the diff?
loads of instructional vids on youtube, well worth looking at

Kev