rear prop removal - just how hard is it??

A

OK So here's the next question on this subject - now you've got the prop shaft out, and decide not to put it back (or leave it till a later date) - you now have a rear diff (final drive) with a drive shaft going out each side to the rear wheels. Can you remove the diff (fdu) altogether with the 2 drive shafts and drive it like that?

There is a bloke with a V6 FL on here, he was talking about doing that as a series of changes he'd made to the car. Problem is I can't remember his user name, or remember if he posted about the mods..

He had changed the autobox for one out of a Rover 75, along with modified drive shafts etc, might be worth your while searching for posts along those lines?

Just to clarify weights.

If it dropped on you it would certainly feel like two tonnes, so be carefull.

VEHICLE WEIGHTS
NOTE: Axle weights are non additive; ie Maximum gross vehicle weight is not calculated by adding
together maximum front and rear axle loads.The individual maximum axle weights and gross vehicle
weight must not be exceeded.
*NOTE: When towing, the gross vehicle weight can be increased by a maximum of 100 kg, provided
road speed is limited to 60 mph (100 km/h).
Approximate unladen vehicle weight (full fuel tank, excluding options):
Petrol models 1427 - 1650 kg (3146 - 3638 lb)
Diesel models 1555 - 1640 kg (3428 - 3616 lb)
Maximum gross vehicle weight:
1.8 Petrol models 2040 kg (4497 lb)*
2.5 Petrol models 2060 kg (4542 lb)*
2.0 Diesel models 2080 kg (4586 lb)*
Maximum rear axle load:
Petrol models 1120 kg (2470 lb)
Diesel models 1120 kg (2470 lb)
Maximum front axle load:
1.8 Petrol models 1050 kg (2315 lb)
2.5 Petrol models 1080 kg (2381 lb)
2.0 Diesel models 1100 kg (2425 lb)

I took my propshaft out last autumn, and never got round to replacing it (with the re-con vcu and bearings I bought) and even though we've had no bad weather it's been great in sub-zero conditions, where workmates have complained of their cars slipping about on the road.

The prop assembly's not too heavy (I thought I saw someone say 25kilos), but the manuals say not to put too much of an angle on the joints, so what I intend doing before replacement, is to make up a wooden jig to hold the thing, nothing fancy, just a plank of wood with some uprights with 'V' cuts to hold it steady.