Hi
I just did a transmission pan service and during the process had to remove the driveshaft from the transfer case going to the front to refill the pan. I then got wondering if it was possible to leave the shaft off and if any one has ever tried this or done this?
I am just curious to see if anyone has done this and have an 'Xi' be RWD.
Thanks

 

I've done it!
Because the rear driveshaft is directly connected to the transmission, the car ends up with RWD only, and if you remember to turn the traction control off every time you start it, it wouldn't give you a warning message either

 

Thanks. Couple of questions - do i have to switch off the traction control each time? and any issues if i dont - as i would prefer the car still prevent the rear wheels from slipping.
Second question is when my mechanic showed me the shaft removed - the one end which connects to the 'back of the car' that particular 'thing' (sorry not sure what to call it - but where the shaft bolts on to - has play in it - about an inch or so - it moves in and out.
How did you over come that issue?

 

The transfer case is designed with that play to allow distance tolerances when the front diff/transfer case move about, so no issues with the driveshaft gone.
You don't necessarily have to switch the traction off, but you might get an error message if the rears want to slip.
That's because the traction control uses Xdrive first, before braking an individual wheel or reducing power.

 

There is, however, another way:
Locate the transfer case control unit (under the carpet, front passenger side ) and disconnect one or both connectors.
That way though, you'll have no 4x4, no ABS and no traction along with error messages immediately after you start the car!
I figured that was a win - win as I hate all of those
...plus, if you want 4x4, just reconnect them - easier than reconnecting the front driveshaft
....anyway, in both scenarios you save alot of wear on the transfer case and win yourself a better steering feel, none of the nasty 4x4 feedback when exiting a corner aggressively

 

....by that I mean torque steer and under steer.
Instead you get nicely controlled oversteer....
....if you've welded your diff