Buel10 said:

The quote I put in bold:
and that the previous owner hadn't removed the front prop?

It's a common 'issue' ...

Is it really a 'thing'?

Click to expand...

Yep

So, why is this?

Buel10 said:

So, why is this?

Click to expand...

I'm still not 100% sure as to what you're referring to.

Why the previous owner had removed the propshaft, do you mean?

Propshaft removal was common on the FL1, if there was an issue with the VCU or IRD. Basically the VCU fluid thickens, resulting in a constant coupling between front and rear, which overloads the IRD, and it fails. Removing the propshafts hides this fault, but also results in a FWD vehicle, which is kinda pointless.

Prop removal is not a thing on the FL2, as the AWD is automatic, controlled by the TR computer, via the Haldex coupling.

The main problem with the FL2, is the rear diff is made of chocolate, where the input bearing fails regularly. My own FL2 rear diff has seized, resulting in the rear wheels locking while I was driving, which was a bit alarming.

I'm taking the diff / Haldex out this morning, so I can rebuild it, if it's not too badly damaged.