JXB Performance Driveshaft Carrier Upgrade | |
So, it appears that I might be the first on the forum to upgrade their propshaft/driveshaft carrier using the JXB Performance Driveshaft Carrier. If not the first to upgrade, I’m certainly the first to make a post about it as can’t find anything else on this forum.
If anyone is wondering what I’m on about, the JXB carrier is a bespoke solution that will sit around the bearing on the propshaft, and aims to reduce excess movement of the shaft through a more robust carrier, whilst providing better damping to minimise vibration. Installation does not require the propshaft to be removed, and the carrier can be fitted in about 90 mins with some basic tools. Here it is installed on my truck:
I bought my carrier from here:
https://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/pro...-0-v8.html
Fitting requires you to drop (not disconnect) the exhaust. You do this by unbolting the 2 rear and single centre exhaust brackets to allow the exhaust to hang lower. I supported mine with some blocks of wood so as not to put much stress on it. Then, you can unscrew and remove the heat shield that prevents you getting to the carrier. If you don’t drop the exhaust, you won’t be able to remove the heat shield and get to the carrier to do the work.
Once this prelim work is done you can then unbolt the existing carrier. Then, use an angle grinder or hacksaw to cut away the carrier. Once done, cut away the rubber from the bearing to release it, then trim the rubber down on the existing bearing to get a flush(ish) surface.
Once done, installation is super easy. Bolt the new JXB carrier onto the existing bearing using a 5mm allen, then mount the carrier onto the existing studs in the L322 body using the JXB mounting kit. There’s a video on their website for an L405 which is basically the same process.
For me personally, my bearing is shot. I couldn’t ascertain this until I’d managed to get to it and cut it away from the rubber so it could spin independently of the shaft. It’s definitely well beyond its useful life and is certainly causing the droning sound I can hear when driving. I am happy that these bearings can indeed be replaced without needing to buy a new propshaft. Demonstration video of this is here:
?si=JTPvF40Vi317eIar
Replacement bearing is here:
https://www.jgs4x4.co.uk/range-rover-l322-...e-bearing/
Once I have the replacement bearing, I’ll just cut the new carrier off it, trim back the rubber, and then get the new bearing mounted with my JXB carrier. That should last me a long time and return my driveline noise and vibration to be smooth as butter again!
If you have questions on this just shout. I’m no expert and have no affiliation with JXB or Darkside Developments, but all the info is out there should you care to look. Finally, just a few thoughts in anticipation of the inevitable comebacks:
1. why didn’t I just buy the Terrafirma carrier and fit that?
- I want to modify my truck and am happy spending money on good aftermarket parts to do so. I also like experimenting. I’ve done this with using Superpro polyurethane bushes on my front suspension arms (no one else seems to have done this on their L322 who has posted as such, yet), and I am happy to try this JXB carrier out too. It seems like a better solution and means significantly less movement other than pure rotation in the driveline.
2. If I’m willing to spend £282 on just a propshaft carrier, why not just buy a replacement OEM propshaft like a GKN for £452 from Advanced Factors?
- as above, I’m into trying new things and experimenting with mods. I know a lot of ppl will say there’s nothing wrong with the GKN prop and they’re almost certainly correct. However, there’s also nothing wrong with my 120k mile LR original prop either; it’s just the bearing that needs changing. I’m happy that if I can get the bearing off and replace it with new, I can do that process as many times as is needed in the future for very little cost. And, I’ll have a superior bearing carrier to hold it in that should perform significantly better than the stock carrier. So significantly cheaper in the long run. Andy
2010 4.4TDV8 Vogue SE in Santorini Black with Ivory interior
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 V6T Quattro in Volcano Red
2001 Audi Allroad 2.5 TDI manual with low-range in Highland Green. Currently SORN whilst undergoing some serious restoration!
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