Tom Wood's TWDC-D90R Rear Double Cardan Shaft Defender 90

Lifting a Defender 90 changes more than ride height. It also steepens the angle of the rear driveshaft, and because the short wheelbase leaves room for only a short rear shaft, that angle climbs quickly as the Rover goes up. The usual symptoms are vibration that builds with speed, driveline clunk, and faster universal joint wear. The Tom Wood's TWDC-D90R rear double cardan driveshaft is built for lifted Defender 90s, giving you a smoother, stronger link between the transfer case and the rear differential.

A double cardan shaft pairs two universal joints at one end, joined by a centering yoke with a greaseable center ball. Splitting the operating angle between two joints lets each one work through a gentler angle than a single joint could manage. Tom Wood's generally recommends staying with a conventional two joint shaft on a Rover with no lift, and moving to a double cardan design as lift height approaches 76mm (3 in). On rear installations, getting the smoothest possible operation may also require adjusting the rear pinion angle to suit the new shaft.

Every Tom Wood's Land Rover shaft uses Gold Seal 1310 series universal joints. The 1310 series is the most widely used universal joint in the world, found in countless Ford, GM, Jeep, and Dodge applications, and it is very close in size and strength to the factory Land Rover universal joint. If a joint ever needs replacing, you can find one at nearly any driveline shop or parts counter.

Part Number: TWDC-D90R

Free shipping to the lower 48!

*Each shaft is made to order, so a flange to flange measurement is required with every order. Please enter your measurement in the notes at checkout. Orders will not ship until we receive your measurement, so including it when you order keeps your shaft on schedule.*

[FAQ]
Do I need a double cardan shaft if my Defender 90 is lifted?

If your Defender 90 has no lift, a conventional two joint shaft is usually the best choice. As lift height approaches 76mm (3 in), the steeper driveline angle makes a double cardan design the better option for reducing vibration and joint wear.

Do I need to adjust anything else when installing a rear double cardan shaft?

Depending on your lift and suspension setup, the rear pinion angle may need adjusting to get the smoothest operation. Your installer can check the angle once the shaft is in place.

What information do I need to provide when ordering?

Each shaft is built to order, so a flange to flange measurement is required. Enter it in the notes at checkout. Your order will not ship until we receive it.