2WD Freelander

[Charlies boy]

Greetings to all and a Happy New Year from a new member!

This topic was last aired in 2008, so I think I am OK to revive it.

I have been running my 56reg Freestyle without propshaft for several months very successfully, even in 4 inches of snow! (of course, not quite the same performance). I was wondering if anyone has considered, or attempted going the whole way and disabling the rear diff, to further reduce drag? Before anyone asks, I have cleared running 2WD with my insurance company!

[Llanigraham]

If you've taken the prop off then you have disabled the rear diff; it isn't being driven.

[Charlies boy]

Not by the engine, but still turned (un-necessarily) by the rear wheels???

[FridgeFreezer]

Unless it's seized up it's not going to be generating any appreciable drag.

[Matt S]

"I have been running my 56reg Freestyle without propshaft for several months very successfully..."

OK... why???

[FridgeFreezer]

OK... why???

Usually because it's considerably cheaper than fixing the IRD/VCU. That's why mine is running in 2WD anyway. Sucks in the snow with no ETC though

[Matt S]

OK - I understand the theory behind doing it if it's broken... but surely a 56 reg vehicle should still have been covered by LR warranty (especially if this 'mod' was carried out several months ago) so there would be no need to disconnect the propshaft?? I'm just interested as to why it was done on such a new vehicle...besides, I thought the IRD/VCU problems were pretty much sorted by the facelift versions?

[johny105]

we've run our freelander on 2wd for nearly 3 years now.

johny

[Charlies boy]

Thanks for all your comments. I have heard such a lot about gearbox problems, and how people have been running 2wd, and noticed the wind up when cornering sharply. Having discussed the whole thing with our local LR specialist we decided to give it a try, thinking that the prop could be easily be replaced anyway. Now I am so pleased with the results - free running and quicker getaway, and it irks me that the rear diff is spinning away doing nothing, and using fuel to do it (although only a tiny bit). You might say "Why not go for an ordinary car anyway?", but I like the Freelander for visibility, ride, and the seat suits my arthritic back (this is crucial).

I assume to remove the half shafts, one would have to fit short 'dummy' shafts, minus the UJs to hold the wheel bearings together?

[FridgeFreezer]

Seriously, the drag in the rear diff is not just minimal, it's so close to zero that it's really not worth worrying about. You'd get more fuel saving by making sure your tyres are pumped up and scraping the dead bugs off the front.

[Charlies boy]

Thanks again, you are probably right! I certainly have no intention of replacing the prop. I live in a village where salt is unheard of and I've only seen the TC lamp two or three times in the snow.

Congratulations to whoever runs this site - can't fault it!

[Llanigraham]

I presume you have informed your insurance company of the radical modification?

[GBMUD]

I presume you have informed your insurance company of the radical modification?

From post one:

Before anyone asks, I have cleared running 2WD with my insurance company!

Chris

[FridgeFreezer]

I presume you have informed your insurance company of the radical modification?

Radical in the sense of making it exactly the same as a standard Rover 2/4/600

[Aragorn]

If you really want to do it, take the driveshafts out of the outer CV's then bolt the outer CV's back in on their own. This will hold the bearings together as you describe.

You can then remove the diff, saving some weight (which is about the only valid reason for removing it at all imo)

I have to say though, not only have you reduced the vehicles capabilities, but likely affected the resale value too. I'd suggest that if you do take all these parts off, you store them all safely in the garage, so you can have them refitted when you come to sell it.