U Joint / Tranny Help

[Buffalo1]

Hi all,
I am looking for a little advice about possible scenarios before I decide how to proceed in getting 2000 Discovery (125,000 miles) fixed. Last week I was coming to a stop light, and the rear U joint on the front drive shaft gave way. No prior warning of a vibration or anything. When it happened, I thought the transmission let go because it was such a violent event when it happened shaking the car. U Joint replacement no problem... What is concerning is the 2 quarts of transmission fluid that has leaked out onto the drive way in the days since. Could this just be a seal problem? What are the chances of severe transmission issues as a result of this....or is it possible that the transmission going was the cause for the U joint failure.

I called around and best I have found is about $4000 for installation of a used transmission if that needs to be replaced. I am at the point where Putting $4K into it probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Any advice would be helpful in determining how (or if) I want to get this fixed.

Thanks - John

 

[Disco Mike]

First, did you have all 3 u-joints replaced as well as the centering ball?
As for your leak, better degrease the tranny case and find your leak. If you were going over 45 or so, your shaft probably hit the tranny and punched a hole or cracked the case.
If that has happened, you could find some one to weld the case.
Send me your number if you want more information.

 

[antichrist]

It's unlikely the propshaft failure would cause the seal to leak, so odds are good that the gearbox is cracked.
x2 on cleaning it off and doing a close examination to make sure.

 

[Buffalo1]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Gear box is indeed cracked. That's both the good news and the bad news. The way everything went south, I was afraid it was something much worse.

 

[1997LRLSE]

John,
Where are you in the U.S.? If you still need help with your problem or need drive shaft work, in the future, and live in the Phoenix area, Phoenix Rack and Axel are the best I have found. They rewelded my front shaft, machined it down, balanced both and installed the Ujoints I provided for about $200. If the price is right, you may even be able to mail them your shafts...

Bj