Arty1
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As i dont go off road would it be more fuel efficient to remove the props and vcu ??and give less wear on the IRD and Diff.
To Keep Or Remove
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Nodge68
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If the VCU is functioning correctly and all tyres are as LR states. Then no it makes no real difference to fuel economy or wear on the IRD and diff.
If however the tyres are a mix of different makes and tread depths. Then yes removing the props will reduce wear on the IRD and diff.
Fuel consumption is very slightly better without the props, but hardly noticeable. The Freelander does drive better as an AWD and often the insurance is less, with its props in place.
If however the tyres are a mix of different makes and tread depths. Then yes removing the props will reduce wear on the IRD and diff.
Fuel consumption is very slightly better without the props, but hardly noticeable. The Freelander does drive better as an AWD and often the insurance is less, with its props in place.
Arty1
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Thanks for that mate it has helped me alot
GrumpyGel
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Completely agree with Nodge. Plus if you are doing it to improve economy, you'll also want to remove the rear diff and drive shafts - but leave the stubs in the hub or else the wheels will fall off. You'll also want to remove the back seats if they are not used much, carpets, trim, radio et etc - anything not vital to the functioning of the car.
Even then, there may be factors that make it more costly - as Nodge says a hike in insurance and even things like increased tyre wear on the fronts through wheel spin (not applicable on a L Series!).
I think the only time there may be any real financial benefit is if there are problems with the transmission - ie it will be cheaper to remove the props than fix the problem.
Even then, there may be factors that make it more costly - as Nodge says a hike in insurance and even things like increased tyre wear on the fronts through wheel spin (not applicable on a L Series!).
I think the only time there may be any real financial benefit is if there are problems with the transmission - ie it will be cheaper to remove the props than fix the problem.
Arty1
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Not so much economy just read so much about the vcu causing problems and damage
GrumpyGel
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My IRD went bang 3 years ago and I've been running 2WD since with perfect reliability and not having to worry about the VCU and tyres. I rebuilt the IRD but removed the pinion gear and an still running (carrying) props.. However, up there in the colder climes, I would have thought 4WD would be a big advantage on road as well as off.
Arty1
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Hi GrumpyGel I have ordered a blanking plate for the IRD we dont really get much bad weather on the east coast of scotland and it's mainly higher up on the west coast that suffers bad roads being nearer the highlands we get the odd wee flurry of snow but nothing two wheels cant cope with. The reason i want to change is just incase the vcu goes and im left in the middle of nowhere with a knackered ird box
Nodge68
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The VCU doesn't just go. It does slowly stiffen as the fluid degrades over time. This degradation increases with mismatched tyres and wrong pressures.
If all the tyres are the same and new replacements are always fitted to the rear, the the VCU has a long life. Mine is almost 120K miles old and is about due for a rebuild. I'll do it over the summer this year.
Before removing your 4X4 system. Check with your insurance company about premium changes when modified to 2WD. Most insurers classify the removal of the props as a modification and charge extra as a result. Last time I enquired, they wanted to add over £200 to the remaining 9 months premium. Obviously that's the price of a reconditioned VCU. So it was better use of money to replace the VCU and keep the car standard. Instead of wasting the money on insurance.
So before going ahead and ruining (imo) the way the Freelander drives. Check how much extra it could cost to insurer it
If all the tyres are the same and new replacements are always fitted to the rear, the the VCU has a long life. Mine is almost 120K miles old and is about due for a rebuild. I'll do it over the summer this year.
Before removing your 4X4 system. Check with your insurance company about premium changes when modified to 2WD. Most insurers classify the removal of the props as a modification and charge extra as a result. Last time I enquired, they wanted to add over £200 to the remaining 9 months premium. Obviously that's the price of a reconditioned VCU. So it was better use of money to replace the VCU and keep the car standard. Instead of wasting the money on insurance.
So before going ahead and ruining (imo) the way the Freelander drives. Check how much extra it could cost to insurer it
Last edited:
Arty1
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will do mate cheers for that
The VCU doesn't just go. It does slowly stiffen as the fluid degrades over time. This degradation increases with mismatched tyres and wrong pressures.
If all the tyres are the same and new replacements are always fitted to the rear, the the VCU has a long life. Mine is almost 120K miles old and is about due for a rebuild. I'll do it over the summer this year.
Before removing your 4X4 system. Check with your insurance company about premium changes when modified to 2WD. Most insurers clarify removal of the props as a modification and charge extra as a result. Last time I enquired, they wanted to add over £200 to the remaining 9 months premium. Obviously that's the price of a reconditioned VCU. So it was better use of money to replace the VCU and keep the car standard. Instead of wasting the money on insurance.
So before going ahead and ruining (imo) the way the Freelander drives. Check how much extra it could cost to insurer it
GrumpyGel
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I can see both sides of the keep it 4WD / convert to 2WD debate. When my IRD went it was going to cost over £3,500 to get an IRD & VCU in NZ. That and the thought of going through it all again made my decision to go 2WD quite easy really! I hadn't noticed any problems with the car, no tightening up on turns etc but similarly I didn't know about testing the VCU or the importance of tyres.
I noticed the car wasn't driving quite right when we went out 1 day, but had visitors we were showing around, so put it to the back of my mind to sort out once they had gone. The next day a rattle developed that I thought was the exhaust fallen off a mount or something and within a mile of that BIG BANG. I think the 'not feeling quite right' was probably a tyre low on pressure and within 2 days the transmission had shafted itself.
So I can understand your reluctance to want to go through that. However, knowing what I know now, I'm sure it would never have happened.
I have missed the 4WD though as I haven't been able to use the car to its very capable potential since then and its stopped me going places. I've got myself some parts now and I should have it reinstated very shortly
I noticed the car wasn't driving quite right when we went out 1 day, but had visitors we were showing around, so put it to the back of my mind to sort out once they had gone. The next day a rattle developed that I thought was the exhaust fallen off a mount or something and within a mile of that BIG BANG. I think the 'not feeling quite right' was probably a tyre low on pressure and within 2 days the transmission had shafted itself.
So I can understand your reluctance to want to go through that. However, knowing what I know now, I'm sure it would never have happened.
I have missed the 4WD though as I haven't been able to use the car to its very capable potential since then and its stopped me going places. I've got myself some parts now and I should have it reinstated very shortly
Arty1
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now you have got me thinking again LOL
I can see both sides of the keep it 4WD / convert to 2WD debate. When my IRD went it was going to cost over £3,500 to get an IRD & VCU in NZ. That and the thought of going through it all again made my decision to go 2WD quite easy really! I hadn't noticed any problems with the car, no tightening up on turns etc but similarly I didn't know about testing the VCU or the importance of tyres.
I noticed the car wasn't driving quite right when we went out 1 day, but had visitors we were showing around, so put it to the back of my mind to sort out once they had gone. The next day a rattle developed that I thought was the exhaust fallen off a mount or something and within a mile of that BIG BANG. I think the 'not feeling quite right' was probably a tyre low on pressure and within 2 days the transmission had shafted itself.
So I can understand your reluctance to want to go through that. However, knowing what I know now, I'm sure it would never have happened.
I have missed the 4WD though as I haven't been able to use the car to its very capable potential since then and its stopped me going places. I've got myself some parts now and I should have it reinstated very shortly
