2wd conversion - do I need to blank off?

Hi all,

A mate of mine has a Freelander 1, the VCU seems to be starting to stiffen up a bit meaning its probably on the way out. Its a fairly high mileage car which isn't used off road (just the daily commute) - it was cheap to buy and I think the failing VCU was probably one of the reasons.

Anyway, after looking at the additional cost of a recon VCU or the possible large cost of a replacement IRD it might be worth simply converting to 2WD (I am aware this negates the reason to have a land rover!). The thought was to convert to 2WD before the VCU starts to fail and puts stress on more expensive components like the diff etc.

Anyway, I have a blanking plate to allow me to remove the propshaft and then remove the IRD output shaft and put a blanking plate on.

My question is if I actually need to remove the IRD output shaft or can it be left in there but not actually connected to a propshaft?

I am planning to do the work this weekend so I just wanted to ask on a knowledgeable forum beforehand.

My questions are:

Do I need to also remove the IRD output shaft or just leave it in without the propshaft attached?

Does this increase wear on the IRD/gearbox just having 2WD rather than 4WD?

If I did leave the IRD output shaft in would it show any warning lights - eg ABS warning or something?

Is it ok to run it permanently 2WD?

How much more is the insurance usually when speaking with the insurance?

Thanks in advance

just disconnect the prop both ends no blanking plates needs
its ok to run in 2 wd no damage will be done
ok I know its not the right thing to do but a simple short term fix till you get new vcu and bearings(don't replace with cheap rubbish)
wont or should not show any warning lights
suppose you should tell insurance if its long term

Don't think I'd tell them some won't unsure you without the prop

yeah some idiot on the phone will class it as a "modification"

I've even been refused prop removal by a garage (trying to save myself the effort) because "it alters the vehicle".....ffs..


Although at the min until I get the prop back on this wknd I have noticed a lot of front wheels spin when its wet, and the arse end can be a bit flighty on fast bends..

Thanks for the help on this, I will just remove the propshaft over the weekend and keep the IRD output shaft in place for the time being, I have the blanking plate if he decides to keep it 2WD.

The rear diff bushes had been replaced and the VDU was very stiff so I recon it is on its way out and will probably mess up the IRD unit soon.

The additional sockets arrived today so I can remove the propshaft!

I will be also doing the EGR as well, the car has done something like 150k miles and its not been cleaned before so that will be interesting!

The vcu is fairly stiff while its off you do a bench test, there's a how to on here somewhere

thequeenscheese said:

The vcu is fairly stiff while its off you do a bench test, there's a how to on here somewhere

Click to expand...

I tried using the wheel method of jacking the car up on 1 side then seeing how much force was needed for the wheel to move with the handbrake off. I don't have a large enough socket but it took all my weight to move it very very slowly - the car had not been driven so it would have been cold etc.

I will remove the propshaft tomorrow and see how my mate feels with how it drives going down to 2WD. I won't take out the IRD output shaft this time round but it would be simple to do in the future if it does become permanent.

32mm socket for 1 wheel up test

thequeenscheese said:

32mm socket for 1 wheel up test

Click to expand...

I don't own a 32mm socket else I would have testing it using that

I guess I can test it on the bench though once its out - can also refresh any bearings if needed.

Over here you need to get the car 'certified' if you removed the props as it is seen as a major modification to the car.

To get around this I had the pinion gear in the IRD removed so that it does not drive the prop shafts and is 2WD. When it goes for its warrant (MOT) though the car all looks normal.