Land Rover Prop Shaft Tool

Now available in both 1/2" and 3/8" drive versions!

Given a choice between splitting the atom and undoing the retaining nuts on a Land Rover propshaft, the atom has to be the easy option. Anyone who has ever tackled this particular job will know that millions of years of evolution has enabled mankind to devise an aperture that’s too narrow for a spanner and not quite big enough for a socket. If you are doing one this weekend, prepare yourself for grazed knuckles, plenty of head-scratching, loads of "what if I just try…" and a final admission of defeat involving a 4lb lump hammer and a cold chisel!

The last time we tackled this job on our ‘89 200 Tdi Discovery, every single nut had to be split before it would budge. As you can imagine it’s not easy finding replacements on a weekend. So, unless you’re about to read on, buy those pesky nuts in advance!!

For those preferring an easier option, the answer lies not in sunny Solihull but in Japan, home to probably the biggest and most diverse socketry manufacturer in the world. Would you believe us if we told you that these guys have over 82 different variants of the simple 10 mm metric socket (including a selection from their Titanium collection!). What’s more, they supply vehicle manufacturers, heavy industry and the military with tools that are in use repeatedly day in, day out - hence quality is second to none.

Not surprisingly, they either have, or can make, a tool for any application and we were delighted to learn that their engineers have already tackled Land Rover propshafts.

They have devised a chrome vanadium, impact grade, 1/2" or 3/8" drive extension socket that’s tough enough to survive daily use in an impact wrench.

As can be seen from the picture, the socket end is a perfect hexagon with rounded tip profiles to ensure the whole turning power is transferred onto the flanks of the nuts instead of on the corners.

The sockets slim wall construction and wine glass profile, coupled to an integral slimline extension, means that it fits perfectly between the UJ yokes and over the propshaft nuts, without fouling. Hallelujah!

Even better, unlike most other fasteners on Land Rover products, the 9/16 AF nuts used are common to Series Land Rovers, Defenders, Discoverys and even Range Rovers up to, and including, the latest models so one size tool genuinely does fit all. Strangely, we were also told it fits Volvo coaches too (work that one out!).

Those in the know, will understand that high quality tools don’t come cheap. It’s even more true to say that high quality tools for specialist applications can command some pretty exotic prices (try buying a socket set for a U2 Spy Plane!).

AVAILABLE NOW! from the Difflock 4x4 shop

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