Got a Mahindra CL500 DI from a govt auction but it's missing 4x4 parts

I have been told that the 4x4 parts have been removed to increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. From where can I get the replacements?

BHPian xyzdiesel recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Got this Mahindra 1996 CL-500-DI about four months ago in a government auction.

It was mainly for farm use, so naturally, I did not want to spend a lot of money on it. I was not looking for fancy mods just good enough restoration so that I can use it for the purpose it was bought for. After spending a little over 70K on it, it looks like this.

Sorry about the laddus melting over the engine.

After having driven it for over a month now, I have completely fallen in love with it. A vehicle so bareboned and yet it dominates the rough and sandy terrain of rural Rajasthan. I want to restore it to its former glory but I have zero experience with 4X4 vehicles, let alone a Jeep from 1996.

The 4X4 gear levers are missing. I was told that the 4X4 parts were removed to increase mileage and later sold by the driver. Classic Sarkari behaviour.

How do I find out how much really is missing? And where can I get the parts for it?

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

A lot of these were sold only in 4x2. A few owners sold their 4x4 drivetrain as the vehicle aged. Lesser maintenance & no usage, we can presume.

Look under the car and see which all 4x4 components it has. If not, you can always add them at a good workshop.

That is such a good looking Jeep, congrats.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say about the matter:

Good on you to keep the old Mahindra spirit alive and to use it in exactly the terrain in which it was meant to serve.

Many of these old CLs actually were sold in 2WD form so it is also quite possible that this particular vehicle to have been a 2WD from the outset itself.

It may be a good idea to try and use the Chassis Number and Engine Number details and check with Mahindra themselves with the help of their archives if they have such a thing. This is if you want an absolutely authentic restoration job. Then there are also accomplished restorers and mechanics in Rajasthan and Punjab and MP and all. These are the hotbeds of Jeeps like this in Northern India.

And this forum is a great place to seek info. There is one wonderful thread here which tells the story of a Mahindra Major, procured from Chambal and which is now doing duty in Kerala and Karnataka.

Here's what BHPian Jaggu had to say about the matter:

For starter, you have a front differential axle tube, check if it is connected to a transfer case by a prop shaft. Or if the transfer case is there on not?

If you can share some underbody pics, folks here would be able to assist more.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.