Xc90 2004 4 Wheels to 2 Wheels drive
 

Hi

I have 2004 Xc90 which i commute between work and home. I never tow anything or going off road. I am planning to go around Uk and Europe for holiday.
1.How can i convert 4wheels to 2 wheels drive?
2. Will it effect the safety and handling?
3. What are the benefit?
4. Will it save fuels?
5. Is it really worth doing it?

One of my college at work advise me to do so, but i have no clue of what to do. Please kindly share your opinion. Thanks

Jon

You just need to remove the propshaft (the one running from front to back).

It will probably affect handling slightly, but bear in mind it is not permanent 4-wheel drive anyhow (drive only goes to rear if traction is lost at the front) and lots of xc90's prior to 2006 have been 2wd for a long time until the owners notice - normally when the snow comes and they get stuck (due to the splined collar wearing on the earlier versions - ours was like this when we bought it - which I knew and fixed) - do you know for sure that your 4wd is actually working - does the propshaft turn when parked up (it shouldn't)?

You will get slightly better fuel consumption with only 2wd - maybe a few mpg extra and maybe the rear tyres will last a little longer as well.

The big issue though is insurance - you would have to notify them as you are making a change to the vehicle and they would always look for any excuse to get out of a claim.