Freelander 1 removing the rear axles

Can I remove or cut the rear axles to stop the grinding in my freelanders diff. propshaft is removed. I was thinking about either cutting the axles a couple inch's from the bases so they are still there yet or connected to the diff. or is it possible to remove the pins from the CV joints ? can any pieces of the diff be removed without removing the axles ?

Are you in the UK? With no rear prop, do you have this declared as a modification with your insurance? Hacking the rear driveline up may well be boarderline on if it is truly roadworthy or not. Fixing the vehicle is really the best option or simply getting another car if you don't want to fix and maintain this one.

An AWD fully functional F1 is obviously the best way to use and enjoy the car.

However, my F1 has been giving great service in 2WD for a decade and is still going strong.

I have just removed drive in the IRD to the rear pinion, so I'm carrying everything that's original... except a gear.

What you are proposing, in many ways is more 'sensible' because I'm carrying a lot of weight that is wasted and just costing fuel to transport, and I'll have to maintain them if they go wrong... but does make it still look original when it comes to testing time

To achieve what you want to do, you must leave some of the drive shafts connected to the rear wheels/hubs... or else the wheels will fall off. The simplest thing to do is to simply split rear drive shafts at the outer CV joints. You can then remove the center and inner parts of the shafts, the diff, props and VCU... and replace the rear pinion with a blanking plate if you wish (or there is wear in its gears).