Land Rover Repair: CV Axel replaced 1996 land rover discovery, land rover discovery, cv axles

Question
Hello - thinking about purchasing a 96 rover - 174k for 1200.00 - the seller indicates/recommends the CV axles be replaced - is this a DIY project - I have done this on a sedan, and would it be worth purchasing provided this is all that needs to be done - I have never owned a Land Rover so any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
thank you in advance -  Fred

Answer
Hi Fred,

careful with what you wish for...

If you've done a CV joint before, then this should be about the same.  If it was me, I'd ask the owner how he knows if its a CV joint problem.  I had one CV joint go on my '95 and it was the only time in all these years I've owned it.  This owner says to replace them both?

It can be a DIY'er project ONLY if you've done it before and you have the garage to do it in.  If you have to replace more than the CV then the proect will get ... interesting.  If you suspect the front axle is shot - consider replacing the entire piece.  Oh...its heavy and you'll need help for that.

Word of advice:  If this purchase is for fun - off-roading - and you have money to burn, then I suppose its an ok purchase.  Be aware that LR parts are expensive and the only money you'll save is when you do the work yourself.  LR's are prone a xxxxxxx load of problems:  electrics, door locks, windows, just about power anything has been known to fail.  

Check to see how solid the floor is on that Disco.  Water ingress (leaks) can eat away at the floor, especially around the area above the Y pipe exhaust that meets forward of the centre console.  Check the carpets in both footwells for strange odours in the carpet.

You can always spend a $100 to $200 to have it inspected by a LR dealership.  They'd love to tell you how much work there needs to be done and will insist they can do the job (hold onto something when you see the estimate).

Last word:  it could be the most comfortable 4x4 you'll ever own - or the most expensive money sucking vampire you ever park in your garage.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

Sorry...I just got news that my transfer gearbox has to be replaced and it'll cost me a small fortune.