here goes, where the prop shaft bolts to the flange on the ird unit, there is some lift in the bearing, is it possible to remove the 5 bolts & the housing to replace the bearing{without any gears falling}, in the haynes manual it shows a diagram but no mention of the bearing only replacing the oil seal?

No parts are available from land rover to rebuild the ird and is what land rover call, "black box". i.e. you "cannot" rebuild or repair it. Thats utter tosh!! you'll be able to get the bits from somewhere.

You can undo the 5 bolts and pull the housing off, nothing will fall out, there is a spacer behind the housing though so watch for that.

The size of the bearing will be stamped on the bearing race, someone will be able to supply one for you, do a search on the net.

thanks clutchdust, i'll dothat + try and get one without any lift from a breakers, what a cock to have non servicable units like these!!!!!!!!!!