Permanent Removal of Rear Diff?

Hi all, new user to forum so please bear with me. My Freelander (Mk1) is currently causing me some grief, here's a bit of history. Prop shaft / VCU removed about 18 months ago, hence now two wheel drive. About six months ago the rear diff went kaput, casing developed a crack, and no oil left in it. Its now doing a bit of grinding at times (I don't drive it much). Question is, as its (the rear diff) not being driven anymore can it be just removed? Further, if this is possible what else would be removed at the same time - half shafts (anything else)? Someone has suggested this may not be possible (wheel bearings held in place by something that may be took off???) However, an independent landrover mechanic says its OK to do, and he knows of a couple of instances of this being done? Any advice would be much appreciated, not too technical though.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Stuart

The body of the rear drive shaft cv would need to remain in hub to hold it together, the rest could be removed

So could this be done to any 4x4 that's now going 2x4

Littelwill said:

So could this be done to any 4x4 that's now going 2x4

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As long as wheel bearing clamped together it is no different to some setup with just ABS ring.

However tell the insurance company

Welcome to the forum.