Turn it into a 2 wheel drive?

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I do remember seeing somewhere a fella had taken the Props and VCU off, Then removed the rear shafts and diff and he used it in mondeo mode. But The web site seems to have disapeared so you can do it until you source the parts (Disclaimer: Everything I say is for fun and not to be taken seiouly please run to your save space now if you feel like having a little cry :p)
 
Madmustang said:
I do remember seeing somewhere a fella had taken the Props and VCU off, Then removed the rear shafts and diff and he used it in mondeo mode. But The web site seems to have disapeared so you can do it until you source the parts (Disclaimer: Everything I say is for fun and not to be taken seiouly please run to your save space now if you feel like having a little cry :p)
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A large percentage of Freelanders on the road are FWD only, there is no need to do anything except remove the prop shaft. Last time I got mine MOT'd the tester asked me was it 4WD before testing the brakes as they have to run the rollers in opposite directions if it is.
 
andyfreelandy said:
Well done with sump plugs Alibro - looks exactly like mine does !! Arhhhhh contentment.........
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Hi Andy, I couldn't remember who suggested using M16 sump plugs (and was too lazy to check) so if it was you then thanks, they worked a treat.
I also used pipe fittings to help with the flushing and filling.
This was me trying to flush it with white spirit. I still think it is the best thing to clean out the old fluid but it doesn't evaporate quickly, so I spent a good while blowing compressed air through it to try and get the last out. I did the whole job over several weeks but really only spent around 4 or 5 hours working on it.
20170905_212753.jpg
 
Alibro said:
Hi Andy, I couldn't remember who suggested using M16 sump plugs (and was too lazy to check) so if it was you then thanks, they worked a treat.
I also used pipe fittings to help with the flushing and filling.
This was me trying to flush it with white spirit. I still think it is the best thing to clean out the old fluid but it doesn't evaporate quickly, so I spent a good while blowing compressed air through it to try and get the last out. I did the whole job over several weeks but really only spent around 4 or 5 hours working on it.
View attachment 131442
Click to expand...

I'm sure IP would work better than white spirit Ali. IP is about the same price and won't leave an oily residue on the plates.
Of course I've not actually cleaned the out a VCU at all, so it's pure guesswork. :oops:
 
Alibro said:
Hi Andy, I couldn't remember who suggested using M16 sump plugs (and was too lazy to check) so if it was you then thanks, they worked a treat.
I also used pipe fittings to help with the flushing and filling.
This was me trying to flush it with white spirit. I still think it is the best thing to clean out the old fluid but it doesn't evaporate quickly, so I spent a good while blowing compressed air through it to try and get the last out. I did the whole job over several weeks but really only spent around 4 or 5 hours working on it.
View attachment 131442
Click to expand...
This is also pure guesswork, but it appears you are the dogz wotizits of home VCU refurbs!

How comes you did this one? Do you do them just for fun now :)
 
Nodge68 said:
I'm sure IP would work better than white spirit Ali. IP is about the same price and won't leave an oily residue on the plates.
Of course I've not actually cleaned the out a VCU at all, so it's pure guesswork. :oops:
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I'm assuming by IP you mean Isopropyl alcohol. I've tried petrol, diesel, paraffin, paint pre wipe and brake cleaner and white spirit seems to work best for me. I tend to pour in the WS, mix by turning the VCU then leave overnight (or even several days) before pouring it out. IP would evaporate too quickly for my methods. Other fluids might be better if I was more organised. :oops:
GrumpyGel said:
This is also pure guesswork, but it appears you are the dogz wotizits of home VCU refurbs!

How comes you did this one? Do you do them just for fun now :)
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This is for the current Mrs Bro's car, Blue. As normal the first job I did after buying it was to remove the propshaft and it's been waiting for refurb ever since. :D
 
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Alibro said:
I'm assuming by IP you mean Isopropyl alcohol. I've tried petrol, diesel, paraffin, paint pre wipe and brake cleaner and white spirit seems to work best for me. I tend to pour in the WS, mix by turning the VCU then leave overnight (or even several days) before pouring it out. IP would evaporate too quickly for my methods. Other fluids might be better if I was more organised. :oops:

This is for the current Mrs Bro's car, Blue. As normal the first job I did after buying it was to remove the propshaft and it's been waiting for refurb ever since. :D
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Yes I call Isopropyl alcohol IP. I've used it for years for almost everything. I use to call it IPA but it can get confused with the ale, hence IP.
I see now why you use white spirit. If it works, then that's all that matters. ;)
 
The sump plug idea definitely looks to be the way to go.
I only have one concern: balancing. I guess you need to be extremely careful with hole drilling (ensuring that they're in line), and it probably makes sense to ensure that both sump plugs weigh exactly (or near as) the same?
 
rob_bell said:
The sump plug idea definitely looks to be the way to go.
I only have one concern: balancing. I guess you need to be extremely careful with hole drilling (ensuring that they're in line), and it probably makes sense to ensure that both sump plugs weigh exactly (or near as) the same?
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I haven't had any problems so far balancing the VCU's even with my horrible pigeon poo welding when I cut the top off. But yes I try to get the holes in line and the same distance in from the edge. The sump plugs are pretty light and if you count that the threaded part is just replacing drilled out VCU then it's only the head of the bolt that could make a difference anyway.
The only issue I had with balancing turned out to be the counter weight, I unbolted it, turned it one hole and it was fine but that was a one off.
 
Nodge68 said:
Yes I call Isopropyl alcohol IP. I've used it for years for almost everything. I use to call it IPA but it can get confused with the ale, hence IP.
I see now why you use white spirit. If it works, then that's all that matters. ;)
Click to expand...
It's brilliant stuff for cleaning rubber rollers in printers if they're paper jamming on you. :)
 
rob_bell said:
The sump plug idea definitely looks to be the way to go.
I only have one concern: balancing. I guess you need to be extremely careful with hole drilling (ensuring that they're in line), and it probably makes sense to ensure that both sump plugs weigh exactly (or near as) the same?
Click to expand...

I don't think balancing will be an issue. The fluid pools at the bottom until the VCU has spun a bit and there's no vibrations from cold. The bearings have nice dampers built in and there a mass damper too. So A few grams here and there won't make any difference. ;)
 
Alibro said:
It's brilliant stuff for cleaning rubber rollers in printers if they're paper jamming on you. :)
Click to expand...

I use it for everything Ali. I get it from my local motor factors for £15 a gallon.
It's good for cleaning electronic circuit boards before and after soldering (one of many hobbies). Also use it as a brake cleaner, engine cleaner, paint cleaner and anything else I think needs cleaning. :eek:
 
I wonder whether I can get a "dead" VCU so I can recondition it? I don't want to run mine in 2WD... :)
 
Michael Graber said:
Are you saying you removed the rear prop shaft and are driving it.
I think mine is 4 wheel drive all the time or at least t sounds like it
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It's fairly common for owners to remove the prop when they know or suspect the vcu is no longer working properly. To continue driving with a faulty vcu will damage the transmission. Personally, I don't see the point of having a 4 wheel drive car if you are going to convert it to 2 wheel drive. Also, I have been told they are not that good in 2 wheel drive as they spent their front wheels too much on take off. The cost of replacing the vcu for an exchange unit is about the same as replacing the average clutch.

Col
 
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