T25's are cult vans with a huge following & the 4 wheel drive models are very sought after. There's a huge aftermarket industry for them, I know as my Dad runs one. Much as I like my Freelander, even I know it won't reach cult status.
 
I like the simplicity of the VCU system on my freelander. I don't do serious off-roading in it, so I don't need anything else. Ground clearance would always be an issue anyway. The 4 wheel drive on the freelander is well suited to the vehicle's purpose.
If the 4 wheel drive system is not enough for you then get a defender.
 
shirley a simple on/off dog clutch is as simple as a VCU which has to rely on the teeth on the discs, accurate alignment and gapping of said disks and a critical viscosity of the fluid and balls?
 
Don't call me shirley:p
I like the fact that i don't have to select the 4wd, it does it automatically when needed.
 
I just received a reply from Ashcroft, sounds positive so far!
interesting idea, some vehicles already have these, much better then the stock freelander design

something like this would be good :

Electro magnetic clutch

electro magnetic clutch, make it a direct replacement for the stock unit, sell it with wiring and dash switch and it could be a good product,

BUT !

it would need to be £ 500 max, we sell a new stock coupling for £ 370 + VAT, people may stretch to £ 500 + VAT as it will make the car drive much better being just front wheel drive, you keep the 4 wheel drive capability and you are far less likely to have the rear diff and IRD fail,

I would need to make it for £ 350 - £ 400 to make it worthwhile, this may be a challenge but worth researching for a few hours, I will have a look at it but we have quite a few development projects running at the moment,

thanks for bringing it to my attention
Click to expand...

Whoohoo!!! :)
 
If you can manually select 4wd then surely when selected you will be driving in permenant 4wd with no slipping of the vcu to protect the ird, could this cause more damage.
 
howardo said:
Don't call me shirley:p
I like the fact that i don't have to select the 4wd, it does it automatically when needed.
Click to expand...


if it is controlled electrically then it can be controlled automatically - or like most modern cars, manually or automatically.
 
howardo said:
If you can manually select 4wd then surely when selected you will be driving in permenant 4wd with no slipping of the vcu to protect the ird, could this cause more damage.
Click to expand...

cummon man - all defenders, rangies and dscos have locked 4wd - yu only use it on slippery ground where the wind-up is lost in wheel slip.

it wud be no different.
 
howardo said:
If you can manually select 4wd then surely when selected you will be driving in permenant 4wd with no slipping of the vcu to protect the ird, could this cause more damage.
Click to expand...

I think that would be the biggest concern indeed. I have been searching this hole idea a bit more on the web. People have suggested to leave in the VCU and then add a clutch system, instead of replacing the VCU.

I believe the older series Land Rovers had an 2WD and 4WD selection, if so, there probably is a reason they have replaced this for a central 3rd diff.
 
Making it electronically controlled will make it more complicated and more likely to go wrong. The VCU is simple, lightweight and maintenance free. You just need to keep an eye on it.
 
yep but i think the vcu in the rangie would protect the drivetrain when in 4wd, so i think it would still be needed in the freelanders drivetrain.
 
wot exactly are yu saying? that the system in series, defenders and discos doesnt work, coz it has no vcu? They are all mechanical locks into 4wd.
 
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