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bodstruck

Member Since: 09 May 2020
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 908

Front Axle Upgrade Options

I have a 10 spline diff on the front of my 110 (1991 200tdi, but nothing else is original so no reason this should be). Narrow radius arms (cranked an with good bushes), vented disks and larger calipers.

The pinion bearing needs replacing. It is tightened up a little to remove some of the play but the bearing is rough as anything while turning.
There is also a fair bit of play between the wheels and the prop. You can turn the wheel a fair bit before the prop starts to tun so either drive flanges or shafts (or both) are worn.

What are thoughts on options for upgrading? I could replace like for like but I think I would like to do away with the 2 pin, 10 spline diff and now seems like a good time to do it.

Can I keep the axle case, swivels, brakes etc and just fit 24 spline internals? Or would I need to consider stub axles and/or any other parts?

I was considering also potentially an ATB or LSD. The car is probably used 50/50 on and off road. I am not sure I need one but if I am spending on the axle it could be worth considering now rather than later.

Thoughts and advice would be welcome. Thank you.

10th Nov 2024 7:27pm

MarkBrown

Member Since: 03 Oct 2022
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 455

1983 Defender 110 Other HT Auto Keswick Green

Mines the standard axle, with the wide drive flanges from ‘83. I’ve fitted a discovery 24 spline diff along with Ashcroft 24/23 spline half shafts. Apparently I’ve got the strongest standard cv joints with that set up, but I still managed to break one. I can’t fit vented discs though. I think the radius arms are the smallest ( standard) type. This is probably a bit different to yours I expect, but the principle will be the same or similar. 1983 110 automatic OM606

10th Nov 2024 8:54pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8018

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

Yes you can fit 24 spline diff which will give you stronger shafts going 24 spline. You can go 4 pin too or something special as you suggest.

An lsd I believe would be better in the rear if one of your diffs is open. If you have open rear 24 spline, chuck that in the front with new shafts/cvs and put your 24 spline lds in rear.

Of already locker etc in rear then lsd front.

If you want strongest front I would go ashcroft locker, shafts and cvs.

Case, swivels, brakes stay the same Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop

10th Nov 2024 9:48pm

bodstruck

Member Since: 09 May 2020
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 908

Thanks both, that is helpful.

I have a Salisbury with disks at the rear so I think unlikely to be making changes to that anytime soon.

Perhaps I am better off just upgrading to 24 spline diff and shafts at the front. Just seen the price of the Ashcroft CVs. Glad I was sitting down

10th Nov 2024 10:10pm

I Like Old Skool

Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 808

1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi ST Coniston Green

Hey Bodstruck....

I had a 1991 200tdi 90 and used to beat it pretty hard on pay & play and a few winch comps/trialling etc.

On the back I went with a 300tdi disc brake axle (was told it was from a defender but could have been off a disco?) and fitted a 24 spline 4pin diff from an early military 90 with the stock 300 TDI single piece shafts which seemed to be unbreakable.

On the front I snapped the short shaft at the CV joint when laning in mid-wales, cue a frantic search of local garages on a Saturday morning before Wales closed for the weekend. Managed to secure the shafts and CV joints from an earlier 90 for what seems like a stupidly cheap price by today's standards (can't remember, but something like £100 for both sides if I removed them myself and this would be around the year 98/99). Straight swap into the 200tdi axle but gets you the stronger CV joints (off the top off my head, AEU2522. I am a sad fecker!). I then later fitted Ashcroft strong shafts with a standard 24 spline diff and never broke anything again.....

10th Nov 2024 11:24pm

I Like Old Skool

Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 808

Yep, sad I am. Just googled that part number and I am right. I need to get out more

10th Nov 2024 11:27pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 8018

That's one part number I will always remember too!

Keep Salisbury rear as is, it's strong.

Plenty of easy options for front depending on use and tyres siE along with what you wish to spend will give you choices. Cheers

James
110 2012 XS Utility
130 2011 M57 bespoke Camper
90 2010 Hardtop
90 M57 1988 Hardtop

11th Nov 2024 8:30am

I Like Old Skool

Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 808

Salisbury rear axle is strong, but maybe not indestructible?

https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic90925.html

I didn't snap it, but must have been closed?

11th Nov 2024 9:45am

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