On Tue, 02 Jan 2018 20:43:28 +0000 (GMT), charles
wrote:

snip

You're right - it wasn't the UJs, I did do those myslef.

So did I, when I shortened the prop shaft 10" when we built the
kitcar. I only did it by hand the best I could and really only to get
it though the first MOT but it ended up staying on there around 5000
miles. ;-)

It was something
more complex to do with the diff.

Shimming?

Perhaps replacing the halfshaft oil seals
It certainly needed specialised tools.

I'm not sure if the halfshaft seals would need a particularly
specialised tool (mine didn't) but when I changed the input flange I
had to (as supposed to) use a 'crushable spacer' that you tighten the
flange nut down onto to give the right backlash (or some other
clearance).

My mate has run his own garage for 35 years or more and as others have
mentioned, he too has built up a good collection of Frankenstein tools
to deal with special occasions (before / if they weren't available
commercially).

He often quizzes me as to what I think they are for and I sometimes
get it right. ;-)

Cheers, T i m