Land Rover Repair: Land Rover Disco II, land rover discovery, shaft replacement

Question
Bruno,  I have a 2001 Land Rover Discovery and the U joints in the front have broken.  The mechanic that has it wants to replace the entire drive shaft according to the LR manual, however, the dealer says they can replace just the U joint and send it to a local metal shop to finish.  They say that will work and that they guarantee the work for one year.  To do it with the dealer (U joint only) is $375.  The local mechanic and the drive shaft replacement is $1,355.  I like to save money, but will I be safe if I only do the U joints?  Every other dealer I called says they would replace the drive shaft too?????  What do you recommend?
Thanks!
Tina

Answer
Hello Tina,
From past experience replacing the u-joint is a proper repair if the rest of the driveshaft is in good condition.
I personnaly have never replaced a driveshaft just for u-joint failure. If the driveshaft is not damaged you should just replace the u-joints. But ask your mechanic to inspect the driveshaft carefully for damage.
Hope I was of any help
Bruno