I had a Landy Freelander 1.8GLS, and it was a permanent 4WD. What model do you have? A good magazine to read is Land Rover Monthly, look at www.lrm.co.uk, you can get cheap spares if your unlucy enough to need them..........
We have a freelander and they are not actually permanent. They engage into 4x4 depending upon how much power you are putting through the engine.
I.e, put your foot down and it will be 4x4... pull away gently at the lights and it is 2 wheel drive.
But it is great off road, although not as good as our rangey for really muddy harsh harsh terrain, but for pulling the horse trailer over mud and grass it is fine.