Propshaft problem

Hi everyone,
Just bought a Freelander 1.8 (2000 on an X plate) - fortunately reasonably cheaply. Noticed a slight knock from the rear diff on the drive home so thought I'd stick my head underneath for a look and guess what, someone has removed the complete propshaft.
It actually drives really well on the road and I've read plenty on here as to why people remove these things. My problem is that the advice given to help diagnose whether its the diff or the viscous coupling thats stuffed, involve the propshaft actually being fitted in the first place. Is there anyway I can work out whats wrong without the propshaft in place? If the viscous coupling is stuffed, I can probably buy a decent secondhand one cheaply and solve the problem. I don't want to do this and then find that its the diff thats not working because I'd need a major re-think then. Anyone got any suggestions?

welcome to Loonyzone.

If yu are getting a knocking from the rear, it is likely to be rear diff mountings - an easy job - speshully the front one. Or chassis cracked/rear subframe mounting broken - also fairly easily fixed....


however - first option has to be take it back from where you got it and demand yo money back as car was sold "unfit for purpose". Threaten trading standards if it isnt fixed at no cost to yoself.


then go buy a TD4 or a decent motor.

Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunetley, the take-it-back-to-where-I-got-it-from from option is not one I can use: I'm a part time trader dealing in sportscars and I took this in part exchange in a trade deal, so its down to to me on this one I'm afraid. I will be selling the car on but I don't want to sell it unless its right. I'm not too concerned about the diff mounts - they look straightforward: its the prop/diff problem that I'm worried about.
Steve

Careful Steve there is probably a reason for the shaft removal and it could be IRD VCU or Diff or all of them If the complete propshaft has gone then the VCU isn't turning anyway. If its there at all?