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For all you land rover fans there is an interesting article about the new 2wd & 4wd

http://uk.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/land-rover-freelander-2wd-the-best-4x2xfar/?icid=main|uk|dl5|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fuk.autoblog.com%2F2010%2F11%2F04%2Fland-rover-freelander-2wd-the-best-4x2xfar%2F

My original Series II Landy had free-wheeling hubs, so you could choose whter 2 or 4WD.

Strange that, with all the technology loaded into modern cars, and particularly the ones from Solihull (?) this doesn't happen automatically these days..after all, they can turn the negine on and off automatically....puzzled

Quote: Originally posted by snifferg on 15/11/2010

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My 'V' reg Freelander is already 2WD - I've removed the VCU & propshaft!

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Quote: Originally posted by strax on 17/11/2010

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My original Series II Landy had free-wheeling hubs, so you could choose whter 2 or 4WD.

Strange that, with all the technology loaded into modern cars, and particularly the ones from Solihull (?) this doesn't happen automatically these days..after all, they can turn the negine on and off automatically....puzzled

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Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 18/11/2010

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Gosh don't all 4x4s have the ability to run in 2 or 4 wheel drive? It appears I've been spoiled by the reliable Asian offerings.

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Yes and no, depends on the 4x4.

the most common (at least it was) is not true 2WD as the half shafts and drive shaft are still attached to the non driving wheels, and only disconnected from drive at the transfer box.

landrover (on the proper ones) you could have freewheeling hubs, which was essentially a dog clutch in the hub turned by a spanner to disengage the wheels from the halfshaft, thus reducing the drag caused by turning the extra drivetrain.

AFAIK, most 4x4s do not disengage the hubs, only the transfer box, so the drag form the non-driving drivetrain is still there, reducing economy.

you could get an extra 2-3mpg out of the freewheeling hubs on a landy...

not sure if I could stomach the shame of a non-4x4 suv if i got stuck on a site.

can you pull me out??.... dont you have a freelander?... yes, but its only 2WD....

Wouldnt think it would affect the MOT, not sure about the DVLA, but imo insurance should be informed as its a modification, I wouldnt think it would affect the premium, but could be used as a get out in a claim.

Quote: Originally posted by fortracfan on 17/11/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by snifferg on 15/11/2010

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My 'V' reg Freelander is already 2WD - I've removed the VCU & propshaft!

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Does it pass MOT with it removed? I've often thought about doing the same but figured it might fail MOT.

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Hi,

Series Land Rovers are PART TIME 4x4, Discos etc are FULL TIME. If you remove the front (or rear) prop from a full-time system, you will need to lock-up the centre diff. I once destroyed my rear diff on a Series 2 Landy (would you believe it caught fire?) I had to remove the rear prop and half-shafts, drive home in front wheel drive .... towing a caravan ..... from France.

I had to remove a totally knackered front prop from a Series Landy, to get it through its MOT. The tester claimed it was part of the steering. I'm not sure he was right, but politic not to argue.

I always thought that a 4x2 Discovery would have made a good replacement for the old 7-seat Montego estate. Of course, it would need to have front wheel drive and 14" wheels, so you could tell the difference between his and hers.

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