Let's be honest the majority of 4x4 owners never go off road and never actually need 4 wheel drive. Most, including me, buy a 4x4 because they like the body style, space and commanding driving position etc. Many wouldn't even know if all four wheels were driving or not. I've previously owned a couple of X-Trails with switchable 2 or 4 wheel drive before the Freelander and in all the years I owned them they were only ever in front wheel drive even when towing our 1540kg caravan, whatever the weather.
With the Freelander I felt the system was unnecessarily tight and much the same as Russ commented earlier in this thread I saw little point tempting fate winding up the transmission every time i drove the car if it wasn't required so I ran in mondo except for during a few months of winter weather. It towed the van as well as any of the other front wheel drive towcars I've had and the transmission and everything else was well up to the job.
 
RichM said:
Are you saying that in 2001, the IRD ratio was changed? I have a 51 plate Freelander TD4 and I'm not sure if my VCU should be replaced. Done nearly 80k on the clock. Did a tippex about a month ago, and it seemed to be fine when I checked it, but I know I shouldn't depend on the tippex test as it will only give an indication of whether or not the VCU Is completed seized.
Click to expand...

Yes around 2001 ratios changed, previously it was 0.8% difference between front and rear, it's all been covered on here before.

Tippex test is fine by me, there are other threads on torque values by rotating the rear wheel axle nut, Austen has just done a thread on VCU test using approx 1Nm load on the prop but he doesnt give a service value range.
 
Last edited:
Northern Irelander said:
You should be getting around 20% fuel saving (speaking for the old pre 2001 IRD ratio) in 2wd on a 50mph road

In 4wd, it's the increased engine braking and that lead us to believe it handles better

2wd causes less strain on the drive train, but i'm convinced the two front sets of IRD bearings suffer more in 2wd

2wd isn't for everyone, it would have been twice the car if LR made it selectable 2wd/4wd at the concept stage......


still it can be done and it's simple and cheap
Click to expand...

Hi, do you mean to modify to 2wd/4wd selectable?

If yes, please let me know how & cost! Thanks.
 
The Mad Hat Man said:
no
not possible
too much.
Click to expand...
Originally Posted by Northern Irelander
You should be getting around 20% fuel saving (speaking for the old pre 2001 IRD ratio) in 2wd on a 50mph road

In 4wd, it's the increased engine braking and that lead us to believe it handles better

2wd causes less strain on the drive train, but i'm convinced the two front sets of IRD bearings suffer more in 2wd

2wd isn't for everyone, it would have been twice the car if LR made it selectable 2wd/4wd at the concept stage......


still it can be done and it's simple and cheap


Perhaps you could give me some idea as to what the poster meant, thanks
 
remove the drive (prop shaft) to the rear.

No-one has successfully achieved a switchable 2/4wd on the Gaylander, although it has been discussed in depth many times ( Except, possibly, an Oz/NZ who was cobbling something together, but he hasnt been heard of for several years).
 
Last edited:
At the Pre Delivery Inspection and at routine service intervals, adjust the tyre pressures to the new settings below:

Normal driving conditions (Carrying up to 4 passengers and luggage) Front 1.8 bar (26 psi) Rear 1.8 bar (26 psi)
Maximum load conditions and / or towing (Up to maximum allowable Gross Vehicle Weight) Front 2.1 bar (30 psi) Rear 2.1 bar (30 psi)
Parts Information
 
jedi said:
O yes I forgot that one.

7. Fuel saving!


I can`t tell you how much fuel you would save though sorry.

As a guess I would say........Hmmmmmmm tupence maybe? :p
Click to expand...

Just removed prop on mine and i like it - mind you i'll miss the 4WD in event snow returns next winter and for this reason have every intention of replacing vcu and refitting prop. I should say that I dont really go offroad. I never quite go used to the tightening when parking etc. No vibration in mine and very comfortable at indicated 80mph. I think swopping the prop in and out gives us FL1's best of both world options. One Q though, does removal of prop affect MOT?
 
DD3 said:
Just removed prop on mine and i like it - mind you i'll miss the 4WD in event snow returns next winter and for this reason have every intention of replacing vcu and refitting prop. I should say that I dont really go offroad. I never quite go used to the tightening when parking etc. No vibration in mine and very comfortable at indicated 80mph. I think swopping the prop in and out gives us FL1's best of both world options. One Q though, does removal of prop affect MOT?
Click to expand...

Shouldn't affect MOT but will invalidate your insurance unless you declare the modification.
 
RichM said:
Shouldn't affect MOT but will invalidate your insurance unless you declare the modification.
Click to expand...
Has any of us been thru MOT with prop removed? On insurance, I guess it could be deemed less stable and therefore more expensive to insure? Can you switch the drive on the new one with a button or lever - this is clearly the real answer!
 
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