replacing IRD unit

I will need to replace the IRD on my Freelander1 2002 GS.
I am thinking of getting a re-conditioned unit from Lee Perry Motorsport Engineering which I have seen recommended on this forum.
How long should it take for a Land rover Specialist Independent garage to change it so I have some idea how much I would be charged for labour.

Probably a couple of hours.
What's the reason for replacing it?
The normal reason for them going bang is due to the vcu failing, so it's normally advisable to replace this and the carrier bearings at the same time.

Replaced VCU about 18months ago when first got it, but now its making a whining noise, thought it was the VCU support bearings so had them changed but still doing it. The garage reckons its the IRD on its way out, due to a knackered VCU when I first bought it, it appears its "one of them things" that cause problems. Thinking of getting the IRD myself so the garage doesn't make anything from it, and Lee Perry doesn't add a surcharge of £100-£200 on the unit, but gives you £50 back on your old unit and they pay carriage.
Just wondered what the realistic charge might be, so if the garage says £200 I now he is stiffing me.
Also thought of getting the 2WD option on the recon box but I am led to believe I will not gain much on MPG and loose the benefits in winter time or when I go across fields and tracks on my sons shoot when I help him out, now being retired.

They always drive better as a 4wd...... Some people prefer 2wd....but not many, me included
Bell are the preferred supplier on here and it is always worth giving them a ring to see what they think before buying a new unit as they will always take time out to give thier best diagnosis to the symptoms.....they will also give an honest appraisal on lee perry as they don't dis people who do a good job.

Thanks for that will give then a bell (pun intended) and see what they say.......

mjrimmer said:

They always drive better as a 4wd......Some people prefer 2wd....but not many, me included
Bell are the preferred supplier on here and it is always worth giving them a ring to see what they think before buying a new unit as they will always take time out to give thier best diagnosis to the symptoms.....they will also give an honest appraisal on lee perry as they don't dis people who do a good job.

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I'm not sure they drive better in 2 WD. Different is a more accurate description. There is much more drama with 2 WD and a V6!

lonewolf750 said:

I will need to replace the IRD on my Freelander1 2002 GS.
I am thinking of getting a re-conditioned unit from Lee Perry Motorsport Engineering which I have seen recommended on this forum.
How long should it take for a Land rover Specialist Independent garage to change it so I have some idea how much I would be charged for labour.

Click to expand...

I had a quote of £150 + VAT 3 weeks ago for the labour on replacing IRD if I supplied the unit & parts myself.
He said it was 4-5 hours work as it was a bit of a fiddle to do.
He is an ex Landrover Dealer head mechanic, now working for himself...

snapper said:

I had a quote of £150 + VAT 3 weeks ago for the labour on replacing IRD if I supplied the unit & parts myself.
He said it was 4-5 hours work as it was a bit of a fiddle to do.
He is an ex Landrover Dealer head mechanic, now working for himself...

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I don't think that is an unreasonable price.

snapper said:

I had a quote of £150 + VAT 3 weeks ago for the labour on replacing IRD if I supplied the unit & parts myself.
He said it was 4-5 hours work as it was a bit of a fiddle to do.
He is an ex Landrover Dealer head mechanic, now working for himself...

Click to expand...

I'd say the price is reasonable but I think his quoted hours are a bit on the high side. Auto data quote 6 hours for doing a complete clutch change and as he's a ex main stealer head mechanic.......you'd think he could do it with his eyes shut......either that or this is the time it took for the apprentices to do the job.

mjrimmer said:

I'd say the price is reasonable but I think his quoted hours are a bit on the high side. Auto data quote 6 hours for doing a complete clutch change and as he's a ex main stealer head mechanic.......you'd think he could do it with his eyes shut......either that or this is the time it took for the apprentices to do the job.

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The time it takes depends on equipment available. The IRD takes an hour or so to whip out if the vehicle is on a 2 poster with all the tools close at hand but if you are doing the same job laying on your back under the car while it's on stands, removing it will take twice as long.

Nodge68 said:

The time it takes depends on equipment available. The IRD takes an hour or so to whip out if the vehicle is on a 2 poster with all the tools close at hand but if you are doing the same job laying on your back under the car while it's on stands, removing it will take twice as long.

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Very true....I am assuming he's got a 2 poster

The guy I deal with says he usually quotes 4 hours to do the job, but have agreed £150 cash for it.
Going to order the recon IRD today so should have it done by next weekend, will be nice not to listen to a whining thrumming noise and have the radio on a lower volume, my neighbours think I am a boy racer, at 61 years old I don't think so................
Does anyone think its worth putting some Molyslip Gearbox Additive in it before he fits it, to maybe delay any future problems.........

Don't bother with additional treatments other than using quality oil and changing it every 24K miles. I assume you have changed the VCU?

ok will not bother then, changed the VCU 18months ago when first bought it, fitted new VCU support bearings about two weeks ago. That got rid of the rumble but the whining thrumming noise remained, hence I have been told the IRD is on its way out........oh the joys of motoring.....