So here is what I have thus far as I consider doing my passenger side 1/2 shaft.
Symptoms. Slight shudder under load between 3-4 gear. Also at 40mph plus under moderate load (or uphill which is the same thing) notice a slight vibration/rumble like going over rumble strips. Vibration not present when coasting, during rapid acceleration, or downshift on climb.
Initially thought issue was potentially transmission related, however, no codes present for transmission. My local lr tech drove and also suspected a possible early transmission issue or issue with control arm bushings (they were worn out to the point of banging around over slight bumps)
Did pan swap and filter change with AB’s kit (at 115k with the original filter and pan, it was due anyways). Minimal improvement but thankful that task was behind me. Fluid was clean for 100k. Performed bushing upgrade on lower Control Arm (CA) to polybush from AB. Performed this repair with the CA attached to the vehicle (much faster than the AB route of removing the CA in entirety). Issue became more noticeable because of the stiffness in the bushings. Differential serviced (had never been done at 115k and fluid in front diff was slightly discolored but no indication of failing diff) Checked wheel bearings for any play and all checks out fine. Suspect passenger side 1/2 shaft to be the offending part.
Prior to doing so, I wanted to lay out my plan for comment or feedback on anything I’m forgetting. I will post pictures and exact procedure once complete (as I can’t find much out there- tried both AB and YouTube)
Passenger side 1/2 shaft removal and refit procedure:
Remove center locking nut on hub
Remove brake caliper and hang
Remove wheel speed sensor (not positive this is necessary but may take the extra two minutes just in case)
Remove top ball joint to disconnect upper control arm
Slide out 1/2 shaft from hub assembly
Use slide hammer to remove offending 1/2 shaft from differential (saw this on a YouTube video for LR3 1/2 shaft removal and seemed to be much easier or more favorable route than pry bar).
Once removed, pull seal from old 1/2 shaft and fit to new 1/2 shaft (or fit new 1/2 shaft seal)
Fit new 1/2 shaft to differential. (Careful to not pull 1/2 shaft apart)
Insert cv axle to hub assembly
Reconnect upper control arm
Refit wheel speed sensor
Refit brake caliper
Refit new locking nut and tap end to secure to 1/2 shaft
Refit Wheel
Any adaptations or advice before I start?