Test drive of Discovery 1 with a clunk?

[slammedvanman]

I've been test driving Discovery 1's this week, all '96 and '97 models. The last one I drove was the best of the lot in terms of bodywork but there was a slight clunk as you put the gas down and as you let the clutch out? I'm guessing it's wear in the drivetrain somewhere? Should I walk away as there are plenty about? I got underneath and checked the driveshafts for play/wear. The rear shaft wouldn't turn and wasn't loose but the front shaft turned thru approx 1/8 of a turn? Is this normal?

On a separate note, I've noticed that all the 5 door models of this age seem to suffer rust problems in the door recess above the rear wheel arch? Is this a common weak spot? Would a 3 door be a better bet as there are less panel joints above the arch? I may be looking at a 3 door next week (I don't particularly need 5 doors at the moment) but read somewhere that they are limited for space in the back? Any ideas?

Thanks people.

[falcemob]

If the UJs seemed OK the clunk is probably wear in the bush on the A frame on the rear axle, this allows the axle to move as you take up the drive. It's not expensive to repair but it can be a pig to change. The play on the prop shafts is OK I believe, mine has far more than that. As for the rust, I have spent the past week fitting a new rear floor, welding the N/S wheel arch and I still have the sills to do if I can't get it through it's MOT next month.
So on any of these you need to check these areas, especially the rear floor pan.

Edited: The cluck could also be wear in the drive chain from the gearbox to transmission.

Edited by falcemob on Wednesday 20th December 15:27

[greenlandy]

On a 4wd of that age you'd expect a small clunk think of all the mating faces that will have worn down over that time period. Normaly as mentioned earlier the A frame ball joint is to blame but if it's an early gearbox the(I've forgotten the suffix ) mainshaft may be warn as they didn't have any lubrication. Check for rust everywhere but as mentioned earlier sills and rear floorpan go first.
HTH Matt

[falcemob]

The thing I like about my TDi200 is that it is basic and I can do all the diagnostics on it myself without having to plug it into a computer. I even managed to "hot wire" it the other week when the main wiring loom corroded and none of the electrics would work

Edited by falcemob on Wednesday 20th December 18:57

[bluespanner]

Transfer box input shaft
UJs
Diff
Half shaft ends
Drive flanges
A frame ball joint

These are the only things that can clunk, some easy to replace, some easy to live with. I woudnt worry.

[BLUETHUNDER]

Output shaft on the transfer box were a problem on Disco,s

[JUST PANTS]

BLUETHUNDER said:

Output shaft on the transfer box were a problem on Disco,s

Yes correct but you get a take up of drive delay in all forward gears when the mainshaft and transfer gear wear starts, then a total loss of drive when it goes altogether.

[greenlandy]

bluespanner said:

These are the only things that can clunk, some easy to replace, some easy to live with. I woudnt worry.

And some a real pain to the wallet unless you no how to strip,rebuild and shim a gearbox.

[bluespanner]

greenlandy said:

bluespanner said:

These are the only things that can clunk, some easy to replace, some easy to live with. I woudnt worry.

And some a real pain to the wallet unless you no how to strip,rebuild and shim a gearbox.

Good point.

[slammedvanman]

Thanks for the input people. I think based on the advice I'll leave this one and keep looking, there are plenty to choose from at the minute.

Anyone had experience of the 3 door versions? Pros/cons against the 5 door other than 1 seat less (?) and obvious access problems?