2WD Freelander 1

Just bought a 2005 TD4 5 door Freelander and it's been converted to 2WD, the previous owner had traded it in so the guy I bought it off knew nothing of why it was done.

I thought doing that was an MOT failure but it has just past it (Northern Ireland so can't be faked) plus I've done a vehicle check on it as well and all was good.

Just wondering if anyone can give reasons as to why someone would do this?

The dealer guy said it might be IRD problem or rear diff but the car drives really good, no knocks or noises at all and everything looks to be in good condition.

The car looks to be taken good care off.

I am planning to convert it back to 4WD some time in the next few months but just wanting to know what to look for before I start getting the parts.

Normally the propshafts are removed because either the VCU has gone stiff, and is overloading the IRD. Or the vehicle has been used with incorrect tyres, causing the VCU to transfer too much torque, overloading of the IRD.
There is also the excuse "converted to 2WD for fuel economy" , but that's BS, as there's almost zero difference in economy with the props removed. Normally the reason is an issue with the IRD, VCU or both, the economy BS just used to hide the true issue.
Before thinking about converting back to AWD, drain the oil from the IRD for a look. Black oil is ok but old. Grey oil means metal in the oil, which means the IRD needs a rebuild.
Also before converting back to AWD, you'll need to have 4 identical tyres all round, and the VCU needs to be a known good one, or a reconditioned unit from a specialist like Bell Engineering.

There are a number of threads about this. Some of them have conclusions as to what happened when the props were put back on.

Use the search button above, or (probably a better way of finding them) is to use Google as the Freelander threads are indexed by them.

Thanks Nodge, I was thinking it was just a VCU problem that caused them to do it. If it did damage the IRD surely there would be a noise or other problems while driving still?

Regarding the tyres I'm going to do a lift kit and put ATs on, so they will all be the same by the time I convert back. I've heard that Bell Engineering is could for reconditioned VCUs thanks.

Thanks GrumpyGel, have been reading through a few of them but just wanted to get a 'updated' perspective on this.

Wizard2003 said:

Thanks Nodge, I was thinking it was just a VCU problem that caused them to do it. If it did damage the IRD surely there would be a noise or other problems while driving still?

Regarding the tyres I'm going to do a lift kit and put ATs on, so they will all be the same by the time I convert back. I've heard that Bell Engineering is could for reconditioned VCUs thanks.

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An IRD has two separate power paths through it. There's the power path to the front wheels, and a second power path for the rear output. It's possible for the rear output to go noisy when under load, but go silent once the load is removed, as the drive to the front wheels is unaffected, at least until the bearings collapse completely, rendering the whole unit as scrap.

Thanks again Nodge didn't realise that! When I have time will get a look at the oil in the IRD and see if it's good or not.

DON'T drain the oil from the IRD until you first remove the fill plug. The reason being if you round off the fill plug) which are made of chocolate) & have already drained the oil you're in for a lot of aggro !

Andy Warren said:

DON'T drain the oil from the IRD until you first remove the fill plug. The reason being if you round off the fill plug) which are made of chocolate) & have already drained the oil you're in for a lot of aggro !

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Thanks Andy, wouldn't have thought of that!