here is some info i came across, could be usefull for anyone worried about drivetrain issues ,

The Freelander has 3 main drivetrain problems areas, the Intermediate Reduction Drive (IRD), Viscous Coupling (VC) and the rear differential.
The reason for this is the front wheels on the Freelander are driven faster than the rear wheels so it handles well, like a front wheel drive car. To accommodate this ratio difference, a VC is fitted inline with the rear propshaft which thus is constantly slipping.
On the earlier models this ratio difference was too great resulting in the viscous coupling working overtime and failing by siezing solid. When the viscous coupling is too tight or seized solid the front tyres are fighting the rears as the transmission is "winding up", initially this just wears the tyres (causing a "saw tooth" effect) but it also puts increased load on the IRD and rear diff as they are fighting each other causing rapid wear on both and ultimately failure of one or both.

Ashcroft Transmissions

Yep john is reet. . . .but after the mod most the [wind up problems went] but if that vcu should drive all the time[no slip] it can do untold damage , the first sign of this is scuffing tyres at the rear or dragging at low speed ,it [the vcu] can go the other way [not driving at all] this will in effect turn it to two wheel drive ,we call this mondo mode, this will not cause any damage , but you'll get bogged down if you orft road , we on the loony zone recommend the tippex mark up the drives test ,we call this willo test mode ,after uncle willo from Belgium [titter] go into search and you will find it. . . .the gaylander is a very able motor orft road , un if looked after will give years of fun great to drive good mpg ,from both the doozle models, the best 4x4 in its class , , , , ,but niffer i say niffer buy er slitty spit!!! oops shorry bout thet i gets all passionate. . . . . . .

ming ,,,,have you any idea what year LR modified the ratio difference between front and back wheels ?

i like the idea of the tippex test , but here is another way of testing vcu

this was taken from the ashcroft site site how to check your vcu

As described in the Freelander section this component is prone to failing causing further potential damage.

To check the condition of your unit :

1) Jack up one rear wheel
2) put an 18" bar through the rear prop UJ and try to turn it.
3) it should turn slowly with resistance

Please note even a good one will be quite tight.

fink it wez 2001. . . .80%sure but the old memory is goin. . . .jim

thats comforting to know , as i have a 2001 ?

but mine drives really well, and tyres last 35k both front and rear so i dont think its and issue, but i will check it on a regular basis now just for peace of mind

YUP JOHN JIST CHECKED UN YOURS IS MOD DRIVE. . . .any hows that other check is a good un [tryed afore] un yup its really tight but you can move it wiff a bar . . . . .