Potentially building a Disco2. Thoughts? Opinions?

[Aegis]

Yeah, I think I've all but ruled-out the ZJ. Though there seem to be a lot available, it also seems like they have their fair share of weird electrical gremlins and issues. If I'm going to deal with that, I may as well go for something I'm more aesthetically drawn to and have a deeper emotional connection to, for whatever reason, lol

 

[Blueboy]

Owned a D1 when living in Japan and used it as a DD plus light off-roading similiar to what you are describing.

Also carried 2 large Labs in the rear seat.

With a locked CDL, decent MTs tires even in stock size, and some common sense you will be suprised at how well the Rover will perform.

Currently have a '94 LWB that I brought over from the US here in Switzerland and have kept up with many kitted out Defenders without any difficulties.

And the advice to buy outside of NE is spot on - liquid calcium used in the NE will just cause havoc with them.

Shipping a vehicle or driving one back is cheap compared to trying to fix rust.

Once you have found one, live with it for awhile and then see what you need.

It is a common theme here and mentioned frequently, yet, from some of responses in other threads sometimes wonder if the advice is heeded.

Rovers are great vehicles and if looked after, will do you well.

 

[Antichrist]

Definitely a non-NE truck.
My personal preference is D1's, ideally '94 or '95. If not a D1, then an '04 DII. Or a RRC if the size better suits your needs.
When you get it, don't start throwing money at it other than routine maintenance, any needed reparis and maybe a bit more aggressive set of tires (depending what comes on it). Then drive it for 6 months, at least, with a lot of off-roading to see where it's short comings are, then throw money at it.

 

[Aegis]

Unless I can find a solid example up here within a (somewhat) short distance of me, I'll definitely be looking outside of New England. The hard part there is finding someone to go give 'er a once-over on my behalf, lol.

 

[jgdisco2]

Lots of good advice here so far.

I daily drive a 04 discovery so here are my thoughts on them.
They are a good driver on the road and off. Gas mileage is not great( I get 12-15 depending if the roof rack is on) granted mine is lifted with 265's and RTE armor all over.
I bought it bare bones stock in 2010 and it had service records so I knew it was taken care of. ** make sure you can get this or your truck could be more of a wild card. If you want to eventually modify it, I would suggest getting the S model. 16 rims, no air suspension to worry with. For comfort, I found some SE seats and bolted them in and instantly had heated leather.
Ive been told this personally and seen it on the forums but buy stock, wheel it, modify it as needed per your adventures.

Good luck on your search!

 

[LR Max]

To steal a quote, "80 Series Land Cruiser is the answer to every question on this forum". But in all seriousness Disco's are a great bang for your buck, don't let the reliability scare you.

LOL yes. See below.

Cut the crap and start with a V8 LR3. This will do everything you just said you wanted except for the VOT straight out of the box. Add 18" wheels with decent tires, Johnson Rods, bumpers, winch, and armor, and you can now you are good to go for VOT. You get a MUCH better platform and an engine that doesn't make all kinds of fun noise. Also I assure you, this will be a huge hit with the womenfolk. The LR3 will be able to tow...and tow BIG things comfortably (ok not like, 1 ton 800 lb-ft diesel engine in a F-350 comfortable, but if you gotta tow another vehicle once in a while, it'll do it) and they have pretty good space inside. Reliability blows the D2 out of the water.

 

[RangeBrover]

LOL yes. See below.

Cut the crap and start with a V8 LR3. This will do everything you just said you wanted except for the VOT straight out of the box. Add 18" wheels with decent tires, Johnson Rods, bumpers, winch, and armor, and you can now you are good to go for VOT. You get a MUCH better platform and an engine that doesn't make all kinds of fun noise. Also I assure you, this will be a huge hit with the womenfolk. The LR3 will be able to tow...and tow BIG things comfortably (ok not like, 1 ton 800 lb-ft diesel engine in a F-350 comfortable, but if you gotta tow another vehicle once in a while, it'll do it) and they have pretty good space inside. Reliability blows the D2 out of the water.

Oh it'll tow and haul a bunch of fat chicks with ease. The best part about the LR3 is you can stick your mother in law in the third row.

 

[LR Max]

The best part about the LR3 is you can stick your mother in law in the third row.

Indeed. Bring back-backseat driving to a whole new level.

Or you can get the HSE package with the upgraded stereo. Then you have a shot at actually drowning her out.

 

[Aegis]

Luckily for me, I'm not looking to pick-up anyone new or anything new, so I'm not THAT dependent on the third row, hahaha.

 

[LR Max]

Good. Then you can remove the seats and now you have a nice hidden cubby hole-thingie to hide...stuff.

 

[Aegis]

I'm sort of on the fence about the LR3s. My initial response is to like them, but they don't really speak to me. Call me weird, I dunno...

 

[ZG]

Admittedly, your D2 is one of the vehicles I genuinely envy.

As far as a budget, I won't go as far as to say "I don't have one", because that implies that I have all sorts of money to do all sorts of things. Which I don't, lol.

... However, being that the vehicle will be my DD, I can justify spending a bit more on it in the way of parts/maintenance because, though it also will be a hobby, it won't be JUST a hobby. If that makes any sense?

Well, thank you! I take pride in my Disco as I've put hundreds of hours in labor into it myself.

Budgets are all relative, I understand that. If I could give you the soundest advice, it'd be to make the right decision the first time. I am about to purchase my 3rd set of shocks after less than a year. First were +2", second were +3", and now I'm going with Bilstein 7100 remote reservoirs. It's not planning ahead that costs the most! Take care of everything you can to make it mechanically fit, and then replace the weak parts. DIIs are a fun truck and they're quite capable.

 

[Aegis]

Well, thank you! I take pride in my Disco as I've put hundreds of hours in labor into it myself.

Budgets are all relative, I understand that. If I could give you the soundest advice, it'd be to make the right decision the first time. I am about to purchase my 3rd set of shocks after less than a year. First were +2", second were +3", and now I'm going with Bilstein 7100 remote reservoirs. It's not planning ahead that costs the most! Take care of everything you can to make it mechanically fit, and then replace the weak parts. DIIs are a fun truck and they're quite capable.

If you don't mind me asking, what're the benefits of the 7100s versus a traditional +2" or +3"?


... And a general inquiry to the masses here: I've, recently (read: 24 hours or so), heard that the D1 and D2 can be, shall we say, less than comfortable for some of us taller folks.

For reference: I'm 6'3" ... Is this going to pose a problem?

 

[EricTyrrell]

Just go to a used car lot and sit in one.

 

[ZG]

7100s are a better shock overall, but the main point is length compressed and length extended. I'm not going to be able to get full articulation on a +3" shock, as I've converted to a panhard bar rear, rather than the watts linkage.