Propshaft Disconnected??

Hi People,

I'm looking at buying a 2003 FL which unfortunatley has the propshaft disconnected - to improve mpg according to the seller.

In the opinion of you knowledgeable owners out there, is this likely to be a legitimate reason, or is it more likely that it was due to a mechanical fault and then the propshaft was removed to avoid paying for a repair (I know you can't guess what's in the guy's mind, just asking opinions)?
Next question, is it easy to put the propshaft back and can you tell from visual inspection while the proposhaft is out whether anything is wrong, or do you have to put it back and hope for the best?

Sorry if I'm covering old ground, I'm used to cars with only one propshaft, 4x4 newbie!

Thanks,

Ashley

****ting you

Even us tratter boys know it's IRD an VCU thingamies are fooked. Burn it

as above could be due to the vcu being ****ed or the ird, but even down to tyre drone because of miss match tyres

vcu are iirc 300+ new

If he only took it off for reduced mpg, then he'll still have the props/vcu etc, and will happily refit them to sell it...

More likely to have been removed as there's a problem. Sadley someone will end up buying it, only to find this out for themselves.

Guys,
Thanks!
As a matter of interest he does still have the propshaft - asked him to re-fit, no response yet.......................

Even if he refits the prop any problems may not be obvious to you until its too late,plenty of freelanders out there for sale,walk away and look for another one.

i would walk, Freebies are FWD 99% of the time anyway so the MPG argument falls a bit flat...

Plenty more good Freelanders out there!

removing the propshaft can make about 5mpg difference apparently so it is legitimate depending on how many miles it has done - if it has done more than 70K and hasn't had the VCU (viscous coupler unit) changed then he has taken the propshaft off because it's cheaper than changing the VCU. A recon VCU is about £300 quid and is pretty simple to fit.
If he has the receipts for a recon VCU then he may be telling the truth, if not then he's spinning you a line.

Hi have had a number of issues in the Transmission of my TD4 HSE Mark 1. I am now on my 3rd Transferbox. I recently attached a replacement prop with new VCU bearings. and replaced rusty UV Joiint. Nobody has suggested replacing the VCU though this has been repeatedly checked. The car runs but is very noisy with the prop connected. since breaking down for the 3rd a week ago. I am keeping my prop disconnected unless I want to add been towed by the AA to my list of hobbies! In my opinion the Mark 1 is not designed for commuting in 4 Wheel mode.

Walk away!!!

pardec said:

Walk away!!!

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+1 unless the price is so low that you can afford to buy a new vcu, ird and diff..... And it is still a bargain!

westerdaled said:

Hi have had a number of issues in the Transmission of my TD4 HSE Mark 1. I am now on my 3rd Transferbox. I recently attached a replacement prop with new VCU bearings. and replaced rusty UV Joiint. Nobody has suggested replacing the VCU though this has been repeatedly checked. The car runs but is very noisy with the prop connected. since breaking down for the 3rd a week ago. I am keeping my prop disconnected unless I want to add been towed by the AA to my list of hobbies! In my opinion the Mark 1 is not designed for commuting in 4 Wheel mode.

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The VCU is the most likely cause of a failed IRD (Freelander's equivalent to a transfer box)
If you have fitted 3 then the VCU is almost likely to be the cause. Loads of videos on testing them on you tube. Look for the video's done by Hippo.
A recon VCU will cost just over £200 from Bell.
Personally I consider the VCU as a service item that should be changed every 70K miles or so.