Grinding noise

Hi all,

Bought a 2006 3 door Freelander last month, it's done 67k miles of which I've done about a 1000. Last week I noticed a intermittent metal grinding noise in second gear when off the accelerater from 3000rpm to nearly standing. Now it's developed and does it MOST of the time and now it's started in first gear too. Now I know bits and bobs about the running gear, I know the VCU is pretty tight because it's quite stiff when reversing. Am I right in thinking this tight VCU has perhaps wrecked the transfer box or even the gearbox. Oh the noise goes when I press the clutch but it's no noise I've ever heard from a faulty clutch.
Any diagnosis welcome

Many thanks

Take the propshaft off and see if the grinding noise stops or It could be the dual mass flywheel as mine did that until it was changed...is there any oil leaks around the transfer box? i.e. were the prop is connected or drive shafts fit? as it could be low on transfer oil.

Not had time to check yet, probs won't have time till Saturday morning. If it was DMF then it would do it in 3rd gear too tho don't you think?

Anythings possible with these cars that's for sure...but your first job is get that stiff vcu/prop off asap before something goes bang and check for oil leaks on the transfer box...and take it for a spin see if the grinding has gone? let me know how you get on.