Land Rover Repair: Driving without a rear prop shaft, prop shaft, prop shafts


Question
I have a Land Rover 1989 110 and I am replacing the rear prop shaft.  I was under the impression that the 110 was full time 4x4.  So in that case I should be able to operate my 110 without my rear prop shaft.  When I finished removing the rear prop shaft The only way I could get my 110 to move was to engage the diff lock.  I believe that this should not hurt my transfer case since I have my rear prop shaft removed and thus operating my 110 as a front wheel drive.  My question is if the 110 is full time 4x4 why does it not work except in diff lock with the rear prop shaft removed.

Answer
Hello Lincoln,

All permanent 4WD Land Rovers will need the diff lock engaged if you remove either of the prop shafts. This is because the diff in the gearbox (like all diffs) will spin the 'side' that has least resistance.  Remove one of the prop shafts and you have created *no* resistance.  Your LR will just sit while spinning one side of it's centre diff.

Best of luck,

JohnMc