2WD conversion
- Thread starter Sandy 109
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saxavordian
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Most removed the rear prop VCU and front prop too. Also worth noting that you need to inform insurance company for modified vehicle with photos as confirmation. Question is though if you have any reason to doing it in the first place.
They pull forward skittish on loose gravel on hills but the traction kicks in. But to be honest it worth having the problem repaired albeit costly at least you have a fully working vehicle.
WhiskyLassie
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Just fix It correctly.
Easier said than done, here in the French countryside. Thanks for your helpful reply though...
Thanks for your reply. My problem is that my freelander is 23 years old, and although I love it and regularly maintain it, it's at the age where I'm really wondering whether I'm just throwing good money after bad now. I've just been quoted over two thousand euros to replace the IRD unit, when I'd be lucky to get near that sum if I sold the car...
WhiskyLassie
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It was said because removing can cause all sorts of issues and like sax said there are explaing to insurance etc. There are alot of threads here where people have bought 2wd Freelanders and want them back to normal spec.
GrumpyGel
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Why do they want them put back to AWD though?
They may want to go off roading. Which begs the question as to why they didn't buy 1 that was still AWD in the first place.
They may fancy doing it as a 'project'. People may like tinkering with their cars and if there's no other maintenance to do, its a rewarding project with quite a bit of achievement.
How many have done it because their car drives poorly and they want to improve it? Probably not that many.
I converted mine to 2wd in 2013. Its been a fantastic motor in that time. Its been awesome in the way it has serviced us, drives handsomely. Its even been on Land Rover group trips - where we stick to tarmac or gravel roads. But I can't take it down the beach fishing any more and have to be careful which river beds I drive on. I can still take it on 'proper' Land rover trips, but just to see how far it will go before bailing and jumping in someone else's car
Back in 2013 my IRD was trashed, I believe by a tyre going low on pressure. I got an IRD rebuild kit, rebuilt the IRD but removed the gear on the rear pinion. Put it all back together, including props and VCU, and its been like that since. I'm even still running original VCU support bearings and diff mounts.
Thanks for the info - much appreciated.Why do they want them put back to AWD though?
They may want to go off roading. Which begs the question as to why they didn't buy 1 that was still AWD in the first place.
They may fancy doing it as a 'project'. People may like tinkering with their cars and if there's no other maintenance to do, its a rewarding project with quite a bit of achievement.
How many have done it because their car drives poorly and they want to improve it? Probably not that many.
I converted mine to 2wd in 2013. Its been a fantastic motor in that time. Its been awesome in the way it has serviced us, drives handsomely. Its even been on Land Rover group trips - where we stick to tarmac or gravel roads. But I can't take it down the beach fishing any more and have to be careful which river beds I drive on. I can still take it on 'proper' Land rover trips, but just to see how far it will go before bailing and jumping in someone else's car
Back in 2013 my IRD was trashed, I believe by a tyre going low on pressure. I got an IRD rebuild kit, rebuilt the IRD but removed the gear on the rear pinion. Put it all back together, including props and VCU, and its been like that since. I'm even still running original VCU support bearings and diff mounts.
WhiskyLassie
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Where I live is in the middle of farming country and alot want them 4x4 again due to the roads and flooding etc, shooting etc.Why do they want them put back to AWD though?
They may want to go off roading. Which begs the question as to why they didn't buy 1 that was still AWD in the first place.
They may fancy doing it as a 'project'. People may like tinkering with their cars and if there's no other maintenance to do, its a rewarding project with quite a bit of achievement.
How many have done it because their car drives poorly and they want to improve it? Probably not that many.
I converted mine to 2wd in 2013. Its been a fantastic motor in that time. Its been awesome in the way it has serviced us, drives handsomely. Its even been on Land Rover group trips - where we stick to tarmac or gravel roads. But I can't take it down the beach fishing any more and have to be careful which river beds I drive on. I can still take it on 'proper' Land rover trips, but just to see how far it will go before bailing and jumping in someone else's car
Back in 2013 my IRD was trashed, I believe by a tyre going low on pressure. I got an IRD rebuild kit, rebuilt the IRD but removed the gear on the rear pinion. Put it all back together, including props and VCU, and its been like that since. I'm even still running original VCU support bearings and diff mounts.
GrumpyGel
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Why didn't they just buy 1 that was still 4x4?
There is an argument to buy a 2WD because they will be cheaper. Then buy a recon IRD, VCU, support bearings etc and you know you have an AWD Freelander with a transmission in good condition. However, it will cost you well over £2k for those parts, so it isn't cheap.
saxavordian
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Hey nothing like a bit of "Sax" to relax with.
Welcome to the Sax Hour clothes optional
WhiskyLassie
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Alot have been converted. I looked at a couple before I bought the 2 and neither had probs. Thing is the VC goes and people remove but not always tell the next buyer. Few people that arnt as mechanical minded have been caught out and cost lots to put right or not been able to sell on.
The end of the day it's the op's choice. I'm giving my experience like you are with yours. Also where I am the main roads seem to be just glorified wide farm tracks with the amount of dust, sand nd mud on them.
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Alibro
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Pull off the propshaft and see what you think. It will only take an hour or two and you can do it with standard 1/4" sockets and a couple of spanners.
If I remember correctly an 8mm socket fits the torx at the front well enough to hold it while you loosen the nut with a spanner and a 10mm fits the rear torx.
It will be more understeery and the drive train will feel a bit more sloppy but until you have tried it you won't know for sure if you are OK with that.
