Tegraloc. Anyone done this.

Came across this youtube video.

Anyone on here done this or what are the pros and cons?

The only one I've seen, is the one in the video. It was discussed at length on here a couple of years ago.

Plus side is no VCU to worry about.

Down sides are cost, not automatic in operation, and can only be used when the tyres have low traction. The front and rear diffs on a Freelander are geared differently, so whenever this lock is engaged, the transmission will suffer from wind up, making use on slippery surfaces essential.

Stick with the VCU, fitting a Bell reconditioned unit if necessary, and make sure you have identical tyres all round.

Came across the other thread on here. So nor commercially available?

Wasn't aware of the front rear ratios differences. Good to know. Still think it's a great idea, that landrover should have thought about.

Nubbie/dumass question

Is it possible to fix the ratio difference via aftermarket differential or work to diff?

plus insurers would happily enjoy kicking you in the cnuts for modifies. I have a late 2002 without props and vcu. A bit skittish at the front if loose gravel but nothing a well honed drivers easy sense.

I'd just declare it. I've a few cars, some with mods, and for a modest premium Increase, easier to declare the modifications.

Just like the idea, and doesn't seem a particularly difficult thing to do. I something I could do myself......

Only ever heard of the one in the video you posted. I think because so many people recondition or remove the tegraloc never really took off.

Alex1000 said:

Came across the other thread on here. So nor commercially available?

Wasn't aware of the front rear ratios differences. Good to know. Still think it's a great idea, that landrover should have thought about.

Nubbie/dumass question

Is it possible to fix the ratio difference via aftermarket differential or work to diff?

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The whole point of the Freelander drive train is to give front wheel bias and automatic rear wheel help when needed.

Its what the whole vehicle is designed around.

You'll be wanting to slam a Series next!

blue beasty said:

You'll be wanting to slam a Series next!

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Please tell me no one has actually done that?!

lewis.landy said:

Please tell me no one has actually done that?!

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There was one on the box last year, November, American prog iirc

freelance said:

There was one on the box last year, November, American prog iirc

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Certainly was. It looked so unspeakably shoot that I'm surprised the programme wasn't erased and never spoken of again.

Alex1000 said:

Is it possible to fix the ratio difference via aftermarket differential or work to diff

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Yes, but you'll need a custom ratio diff, which would cost more than the Freelander is worth. Coupled to the custom made Tegralok, you'll be the proud owner of a Freelander that cost much more than it is worth, but loose it's automatic all wheel drive capability.

It would be easier to put a freelander body on a 90 rolling chassis , and that’s been done as well

I think there is a cheaper version of this and it was developed by landrover I can't remember what it was called...... let me rack my brains... oh yes I think it was called the Freelander 2 that's it I am sure it was called that or something similar

A better way to not get stuck in a Freelander (or a Defender, for that matter) would be one or two locking axle diffs.

guineafowl21 said:

A better way to not get stuck in a Freelander (or a Defender, for that matter) would be one or two locking axle diffs.

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That's the way. Fit a Quaife torque biasing rear diff, and the Freelander will go anywhere, as long as the wheels touch the ground.


I can't see the point in replacing the VCU with some manual version that cost twice the price of a new GKN VCU. The VCU has a 100,000 mile + life, so it's hardly going to need replacing very often.

I have to agree - the VCU does a spectacularly good job! The only reason for chopping it is due to some overwhelming paranoia about VCU failure. And let's face it, it would be cheaper to replace the VCU, IRD and rear diff with good second hand parts than to install a custom centre lock.

Power and traction control is all yer need. Keeps all wheels turning when yer need is. Gets a Freelander 1 or 2 over an axle twister with wheels int air.

On Saturday I drove my Freelander with a DIY refurb VCU into a field, tied a rope around a large and heavy pile of branches and towed them across the field. The pull was hard enough I nearly broke my nylon rope and all the wheels were spinning at one point with the traction control light flashing.
When driving normal roads it handles well, is really comfortable and the only thing I have to concern myself about is tyre condition.
The tegraloc is a highly complex and expensive fix with with fairly major compromises for a problem that has a really simple cheap fix with minor compromises.

Thanks , been reading up on the diy vcu repair and id go that way when the hippo dies. But the tegraloc for me is a bit like edmond hillary when asked why he climbed mount everest. "Because it's there" ☺.

It’s easy enough to forget to disengage the diff lock in a Defender, but doing the same with a Tegraloc’ed Freelander would be many times worse, I imagine.