Fave Mod : Converting to 2WD - it saved me loads of cash when the transmission imploded. Has given perfect reliability without needing to worry about the VCU or being anally cautious about tyres. On-road it hasn't affected handling that I can detect. Oh and if I come to sell it, it has improved fuel economy :)

Worst Mod : Converting to 2WD - why did I save a few pennys, I can't go where I want to now!

Other than that, I haven't modded it other than installing 'standard' Freelander options that were not on my car.

I am though getting more and more tempted to start pushing the boat out as I see what people have done. There's some pretty inspirational threads to follow. The first thing will be to put it back 4WD - we have family visiting in the new year, so won't touch it before then as it will be performing its tour bus duties - but I have given myself a target that once they've gone - that's when the transmission gets swapped!
 
GrumpyGel said:
Fave Mod : Converting to 2WD - it saved me loads of cash when the transmission imploded. Has given perfect reliability without needing to worry about the VCU or being anally cautious about tyres. On-road it hasn't affected handling that I can detect. Oh and if I come to sell it, it has improved fuel economy :)

Worst Mod : Converting to 2WD - why did I save a few pennys, I can't go where I want to now!

Other than that, I haven't modded it other than installing 'standard' Freelander options that were not on my car.

I am though getting more and more tempted to start pushing the boat out as I see what people have done. There's some pretty inspirational threads to follow. The first thing will be to put it back 4WD - we have family visiting in the new year, so won't touch it before then as it will be performing its tour bus duties - but I have given myself a target that once they've gone - that's when the transmission gets swapped!
Click to expand...

I have been informed in no uncertain terms that converting to 2wd makes it handle dangerously and increases the emergency stop distance considerably so apparently you're driving a death trap.



It's amazing what you can learn on Facebook :D:D
 
blue beasty said:
I have been informed in no uncertain terms that converting to 2wd makes it handle dangerously and increases the emergency stop distance considerably so apparently you're driving a death trap.



It's amazing what you can learn on Facebook :D:D
Click to expand...

I thought the brakes stopped the car, not the VCU. However do normal 2WD cars avoid crashing then :confused::D
 
Diesel Do said:
I've done it on a couple because they ran so badly. Announced that they need a new one, then you never see them again cos they run so well with them unplugged.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I fitted a correct genuine Bosch maf and it done the same. It runs perfect now with it unplugged, been out all morning in it. Driving through all the big puddles lol :)
 
blue beasty said:
I have been informed in no uncertain terms that converting to 2wd makes it handle dangerously and increases the emergency stop distance considerably so apparently you're driving a death trap.



It's amazing what you can learn on Facebook :D:D
Click to expand...
It's like anything. It depends how you use it. If you have mud terrains and drive like a looney. Then they aren't great. But if your sensible they're fine. I think more come into the sensible bracket than don't so 2wd is rarely a problem. Put mud terrains on a v6 and a looney behind the wheel then throw in some rain and it'll under steer and wheelspin everywhere
 
blue beasty said:
It's amazing what you can learn on Facebook :D:D
Click to expand...
Don't believe anything read on Facebook - always go by Wiki :eek:
Diesel Do said:
Put mud terrains on a v6 and a looney behind the wheel then throw in some rain and it'll under steer and wheelspin everywhere
Click to expand...
I do try, I really really do.... but its really difficult to drive like a looney in a standard L Series Freelander. Actually, its just plain embarrassing if you try!
 
blue beasty said:
Some handling difference I could accept but the stopping distance claim made me smirk :)
Click to expand...
No idea on stopping distances. But I found with mine only once granted, no abs, wet road, mud terrains, missed a junction on a country lane and could I hell stop it. Fronts just kept locking up. It never did it 4x4. Can't say if there was diesel on the road or anything else contributing. But normally no real difference. This was my old one before someone blames my big brakes.
I maintain it's down to the driver as the vast majority have no complaints then there are some that all say they have the same issues.
 
GrumpyGel said:
Don't believe anything read on Facebook - always go by Wiki :eek:

I do try, I really really do.... but its really difficult to drive like a looney in a standard L Series Freelander. Actually, its just plain embarrassing if you try!
Click to expand...

My 1.8 would easily spin it's wheels trying to pull out quickly on a wet round about. But 4wd you could rev the nuts off it and dump the clutch and it'd just go.
 
Diesel Do said:
My 1.8 would easily spin it's wheels trying to pull out quickly on a wet round about. But 4wd you could rev the nuts off it and dump the clutch and it'd just go.
Click to expand...
You want to try a V6 in 2wd. It spins it's tyres for a past time. I had the TC kick in at 20 Mph in mine, when it kicked down into 1st one sunny afternoon. The V6 is a real handful as a 2wd, unless you are very careful with the throttle.
 
Diesel Do said:
My 1.8 would easily spin it's wheels trying to pull out quickly on a wet round about. But 4wd you could rev the nuts off it and dump the clutch and it'd just go.
Click to expand...
But what about on a cross roads going straight across - the steering would be straight. You won't get the round about Freelander ABBA - no not Agnetha, Bjorn, Benni and Arnold (names supplied by Wiki) - its the Freelanda Automatic Brake Binding Affect!

Anyway, I never floor the smoke peddle and dump the judder peddle. As I say, just to embarrassing :)
 
Nodge68 said:
You want to try a V6 in 2wd. It spins it's tyres for a past time. I had the TC kick in at 20 Mph in mine, when it kicked down into 1st one sunny afternoon. The V6 is a real handful as a 2wd, unless you are very careful with the throttle.
Click to expand...

I've heard that from others too which to be fair could make for some exciting times.
 
GrumpyGel said:
But what about on a cross roads going straight across - the steering would be straight. You won't get the round about Freelander ABBA - no not Agnetha, Bjorn, Benni and Arnold (names supplied by Wiki) - its the Freelanda Automatic Brake Binding Affect!

Anyway, I never floor the smoke peddle and dump the judder peddle. As I say, just to embarrassing :)
Click to expand...
I fall into the loony category at times.

My L would easily spin it's wheels 2wd.
Trying too hard in the wet at any junction will result in wheelspin, uphill you start wondering if the car bearing down on you will get you first
 
Diesel Do said:
I fall into the loony category at times.

My L would easily spin it's wheels 2wd.
Trying too hard in the wet at any junction will result in wheelspin, uphill you start wondering if the car bearing down on you will get you first
Click to expand...
I think I can honestly say that in 3 years I have only ever spun the wheels up on gravel. The wife though regularly spins them up!
 
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