Replacing auto box

Hi there,

I have the chance to buy an '02 Td4 Freelander very cheap as the automatic gearbox has apparently had it. I'm finding out more details tomorrow and will dodge it if it is high mileage but I was wondering if someone could answer a few questions for me beforehand.
Would an IRD failure be the most likely cause of the gearbox failing or is it common for them to fail independently?
If it's un-drivable is there a way to test the IRD and VC's, and is it as common for them to fail on an 02+ vehicle? (I think I remember reading that they were revised in 2001??)
Could the gearbox be replaced without specialized equipment (I'm thinking ECU)?

Cheers for any help.

It'd be a good idea to introduce yourself in the right section first but if it were me I'd budget for worse case scenario.
You won't know if the ird is goosed til you replace the box

ird failure is more of a failed viscous coupling issue not gear box,gear box is easy enough to swap apart from effort no special tools required

Unless you open it up to have peek while you're fitting the box

The ird generally only fails because the vcu has stiffened. This can happen at any milage but it seems to be around 70, 000 miles. You need to know what the gearbox is or isn't doing to have any idea of what is wrong.
Don't forget to introduce yourself

You can test the vcu with the One Wheel Up Test. This will give a good enough impression of what it's doing. vcu seized solid would suggest the transmission has failed. Either the ird and/or the rear diff.

You can do some tests manually. Lift rear wheels and turn 1. Other will turn in the opposite direction. Now lift front wheels. Turn 1 and the other will turn in the opposite direction. Now lift both wheels on 1 side. Turn 1 and the other should turn in the same direction. Now do the same on the other side. Some of these tests may need the auto in neutral. Also hand brake off on the rears. Don't forget to chock the wheels. It's been a long day so I can't remember at the moment. If the wheel doesn't turn then try neutral.

Does the engine run ok and is it worth it? Probably not, unless you know the true fault. The owner wants rid (thinks it will be a waste of money) and wants as much as they can for it. Could be a case they've had a quote and don't think it's worth it. Might just be the easier solution for them.