Missing propshaft

Hi,
I bought a Freelander TD4 2002 last year without a propshaft, is it possible to get a decent second hand propshaft (complete) and fit it back on and turn it back into a 4x4?. My first question is will any Freelander propshaft fit say like from a older/newer model or Freelander 2, second question is, could i fit it myself or does it need to be aligned somehow. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Do you have details of why the propshaft was removed from the previous owner. Some say economic reasons which is bull. As leader in chief will explain shortly nodge. The removal could hiding an issue the drivetrain itself. VCU failure or the ird rear section. Mine had a similar fate. Best plan first ask the previous owner why or when the prop was removed.

Addendum you need to let your insurance know of the condition of the drivetrain is no prop. Incase you have a crash due to non active four wheel drive.

Unfortunately the guy i got the car off apparently bought it in the same condition and he can not remember the previous owners details so i am in the dark as to why it was removed.

sm1thy said:

Unfortunately the guy i got the car off apparently bought it in the same condition and he can not remember the previous owners details so i am in the dark as to why it was removed.

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Normally the propshafts are removed because there's an issue, although unscrupulous seller's say its for fuel economy reasons, which is complete bull ****, as it makes no difference to economy at all.

Before you consider looking to put the propshafts back on, you need to check the condition of the IRD and rear diff.
The easiest way to check the IRD is to change its oil. If the oil that comes out is full of metallic particulates, then the IRD will need a rebuild.

It the oil comes out looking ok (normally black), then it might be ok for use. You can get an idea of how worn it is be checking the rear pinion for backlash. If there's more than a few mm backlash, then the bearings are worn and the IRD needs a rebuild.

Do the same for the rear diff. Change the oil, looking for metallic particulates, and check the pinion for excessive backlash.


If both these components appear ok, then you'll need to find suitable propshafts, but it's still sensible to replace the VCU with a reconditioned one.

Thanks for the advice i shall change the oils and see where i stand after that.

sm1thy said:

Thanks for the advice i shall change the oils and see where i stand after that.

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On the IRD, make sure you remove the fill plug, before removing the drain plug. The plugs are made of soft metal, and strip easily, so it's sensible to make sure you can refill the IRD, before you drain it.