nice D-I 5spd SD

[4Rescue]

the snorkle is the highest point, a good couple inches higher than the highest point on the cage, and it fits in a standard 7' garage door with tires fully inflated!! But barely fits on a car hauler trailer for width- in fact, same width as my PW. It is truely 'low', and like 18" ground clearence. It has come quite a ways since we cut the roof off several years ago...

AS I said... THat is flat out AWESOME!!!!! Waht Portals did he use??? Are they boxes adapted to his Rover axles??? Seems like that would be SUCH a fun truck to drive. Funny that is the same width as you PW and truly neat that it fits in the garage w/o having to resort to using temporary wheels/doughnuts to get it in. Sorry to take away from the OT of the thread, but frankly you sort of set it up by even MENTIONING a Disco on Portals and 40's eh and, frankly I'm GLAD you brought it up cause I'd have never have seen this amazing truck.

BUT, I'm also glad to see more 5spd Disco's out there. I'm actualy heading up to Idaho here ina few weeks and if the one posted later in the threads is still available I may well be droiping in on the guy to test drive it. I hate to even say it, but I'm toying with the idea of Buying a ROver to make into a play rig, OR take over from teh 4Runner as my DD so the Runner can progress further. Either way I think that I'll be running (and please don't hate me for this...) Toyota 80-series axles under the Disco/Rover if it ends up as a Trailrig. I'd leave it stock for DD use, bt for trail use, I see the Toyota parts as being the best step to making the DIsco last.

Anyone know what motor is in the DiIs with the 5spd??? I'm hoping to get better milage is used as a DD then my 4.10's a 22RE are net'ing me but if the ROver ends up as a Trail rig I won't bother with the engine and just focus on the gearing since whatever I use as a trail toy will simply be a 4-seat tractor and I don't care about speed. That said, the DD will also serve as my Expo rig with the other being my more "hard-core" rig (the 4Runner would get SAS'd if it got the nod for OR uyse only). How do the dimensions of the DI match up against the 1st Gen 4Runners??? I'm thinking that a 4dr DI would make for a better DD and the 4Runner (unless the back doors are like say a RR or XJ's in that they're very hard to get into and out of...)would make for the best trail-rig seeing as it's all but an SFA and gears/lockers away from being the ultimately more capable of the two. It'd also cost alot less then finding and swapping in 80-series axles into the DI and what not. BUT that would leave me wanting to swap in a Diesel to the DI (maybe a 300TDi or a TD5??? ANy suggestions for this) for DD duties and range for the Espo truck...

Course I could very well end up finding a nice 60-series (there are TONS of them here in Portland) and swaping in a Toyota Diesel... BUT I'm definatly giving the LR a good hard look... That's something I'd never thought I would have doen a year ago. I'm still a DIEHARD Toyota guy hence the ideas of using Toy parts in an LR, but the ROvers have just grown on me as I've been watching the Camel Trophy vids lately and they just look so neat and are actually very roomy in my exp.

I think I've caught the sickness though so if anyone has some good rationale to keep me from buyng a ROver, please pipe up and E-slap me back into reality... Will I ever be happy with a Rover if I'm loking to compare it side by side to an 80 or 60-series Cruiser??? Or are they just too different of trucks to compare???

I certainly always her Rover folks talk about personality and how Toyotas are just bland boring trucks... I couldn't find anything frther from the truth and I LOVE Toyotas, but I can see ROvers having their charm for sure. I imagne my mind will wander to the jungles and bush of far off lands as I drive a 5spd Disco I much like my 4Runner makes me think of being back on teh Farm in Australia... Plus the iunterior "fanciness" of the Disco is something I'm worried will bother me. I'd hate to trash a nice rig, but I'm used to being dirty on my travels and demanding a good lot of my 4wd's... Is the DI interior got any chance of being as rugged as I need it to be??? My Current 4Runner is all ruiber floored and is SO utilitarian that I'm worried about again, trashing te Rover jhust cause I'm used ot ruff-and -tumble Toyota... I know a 60-series Cruiser is gonna be VERY up to the task of handling my dirtiness so... I'm thinking that a near copy of Scott's DI would suit me really well. Chrome delete and black out everything that's not a body panel in white... :drool: oh that would be SO neat running some 255/85 BFG KMII's :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: OH BABY!!!

BAH. now I'm just talking to myself eh. Sorry for all the questions, but this is MY fav. place to get feedback on various rigs since most folks here I share alot more in common with then the specific boards for each individual rig. They tend to be fairly single minded where as here you have access to people with ALL SORTS of rigs and experiences.

Cheers and thanks in advance for any advice or answers to my querry's

Dave

Edit: One more important Question: IS 6K a fair price for that old of a Disco??? The reason I sak is that for 6K I feel like I could find a pretty well built FJ60 or even an older FJ80 or early FZJ80 fpo that and have less prep to do... Or I could find an LWB Samurai like I've been dreaming of and swap in the VW TDi I already have. OR, a nice 3rd Gen 4Runner could be had and SAS'd for not TOO much more then I'd be REALLY set m(unfortunately fort the ROver, this set-up would be PRETTY hard to beat IMO) Still, I'm really interested in driving the Manual DIsco to see if it changes my opinion of the slugish Auto box'd Disco's I've driven. FIngers crossed, I'll get this all sorted in a few years HAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Rovertrader]

first, contact jrose609 above as he is a good resource and knows the truck you are considering.
next, there is no absolute answer to picking a 'best' as all the vehicles you mention have international followings. Do not be afraid of the 'niceness' of the Rovers, for underneath, they are all CT capable- truely!! And the cloth interior litterally wears like iron- amazing stuff!
contact Keith @ Rover Tracks as he does a lot of Toy/LR hybrid stuff. Rover axles can be built fairly cheap though to be made durable. Greg is using Volvo 303s I believe. And then custom hub setup for disc brakes, wheels, etc.
In the end, drive what you like, as many others have said.
No worries taking the thread elsewhere from the OP, I was just passing on a hard to find Disco in nice shaoe for a buddy.
I think you mentioned motors also, D-Is had 3.9 through '95, then switch to 4.0 GEMS. D-IIs had 4.0 Bosch from '99 to '02, then 4.6 Bosch for '03-'04. They all have specifics to watch for, primari;ly headgaskets, which I understand is a Toy issue as well.
While the Defenders are awesome trucks, a 300Tdi D-I 5 speed is an amazing truck for about 1/5th the cost of a Defender, and just as capable. The Defenders come in 3 wheelbases for sspecific applications- the best kept secret being the 110 3 door, as it can transform into many configurations.
I think that covers most of what you ask. Come on over to the Rover camp, we play nice- most of the time :Wow1:
cheers!!

 

[spikemd]

I hate to even say it, but I'm toying with the idea of Buying a ROver to make into a play rig, OR take over from teh 4Runner as my DD so the Runner can progress further. Either way I think that I'll be running (and please don't hate me for this...) Toyota 80-series axles under the Disco/Rover if it ends up as a Trailrig. I'd leave it stock for DD use, bt for trail use, I see the Toyota parts as being the best step to making the DIsco last.

Since you already have a dedicated trail rig, I would recommend you keep the D1 close to stock and enjoy it as a daily driver or light/comfortable trail rig. Why have two hardcore trail rigs?

As far as price, they are definitely asking a premium. That is a lot for a 15 year old vehicle. It must be in pristine condition.

Since this particular D1 is unmolested and in good condition, it will be worth more in this same condition for the years to come. The more you modify it, the less it will be worth. As a stock rig, they are pretty capable, just get some nice pizza-cutters on there and hit the trail. Keep up with regular maintenance and don't neglect her. Any LR requires care and nurturing... like many women I know...

If you are close, go take a look and lets us know what its like.

 

[4Rescue]

THanks guy's, that pretty much answers most of mjy initial questions. I really like that they have cloth interiors and I'm in full agreament that I'd would keep the DI near stock with a Tire-upgrade and and just enjoy it. That will also make it more reliable for the long haul and trips. I like the cargo capacity the Disco has to offer as I'm always loaded down with rafting gear and having a cavernous rear end will certainly help in that area. I'm also wondering how hard it is to completely remove the rear seats in favor of a rear sleeping platform and drawer system. The overhead room certainly makes me want to take advantage of allthe space inside. If I can get comfy in a 1st Gen 4Runner I think a Disco will feel quite luxusious. I also really like the rear barn door.

I'll be heading to Idaho here in a 2 weeks so if this one satys around I'll def. be stoping to see it. I think I'll call ahead and make contact and find out the specifics before I go out of my way though. I'm guessing we'll be headed either up through Lowman to the Payette river valley or through Orofino to the Lochsa depending on the weather. I'm just hoping the Toyota doesn't get upset at me for looking @ another woman... She's in perfect working order right now and I want her to stay that way.

Cheers

Dave

EDIT: yeah Rover trader that answers ALL my questions and I was thinking that a 300TDi or even a TD5 DI could certainly be plenty capable with some 33X9.50 BFG's on it just AS is. These trucks have Traction control that acts like Lockers don't they??? OR was that not part of the Drivetrain yet. Also, are they full-time 4wd with CDL or are they still Part-time??? I notice there's no locking hubs so I assume if they're Part-time they've still got the front DS spinning like a Jeep... If so are they Vacum operated 4wd lock??? I've had SO many bad experiences with Jeeps and Chevy's with Vacum connectors that I'd like to stay away from that kind of set-up. Maybe even a PT hub conversion with some Wolf or NATO wheels... SO many things to consider eh, aren't new ideas fun

 

[czenkov]

These trucks have Traction control that acts like Lockers don't they??? OR was that not part of the Drivetrain yet. Also, are they full-time 4wd with CDL or are they still Part-time??? I notice there's no locking hubs so I assume if they're Part-time they've still got the front DS spinning like a Jeep... If so are they Vacum operated 4wd lock??? I've had SO many bad experiences with Jeeps and Chevy's with Vacum connectors that I'd like to stay away from that kind of set-up. Maybe even a PT hub conversion with some Wolf or NATO wheels... SO many things to consider eh, aren't new ideas fun

I don't believe they have traction control. Should be full time 4WD with a high and low. Believe it should have diff lock as well. Never having owned one myself - someone with more knowledge will post up soon. Careful, LR's are a slippery slope. I got my D-90 up to speed and the low mileage '04 Tacoma is slipping away. Might end up importing a LHD ex-MoD 110 from the UK. Using the Tacoma as funds for the purchase. The Tacoma just doesn't make me smile the way my LR's do. Although it is warm, comfortable and reliable. Good luck.

 

[chirigringo]

Czenkov is correct - no TC, yes full time 4wd with center diff lock. 4rescue, I wouldn't exactly call the cargo space of a DI "cavernous." I can cram a hell of a lot of stuff in mine but I could get more in my old 2nd gen 4runner without covering the back window. Not sure how that compares to your 1st gen but I'm sure you're familiar with both.
-Michael

 

[4Rescue]

I guess I was looking at all the head room and getting delerious. Still it can't be much smaller then my 1st Gen. THey're close to a 2nd Gen Runner, but the lack of rear-doors makes access harder. Still, the GF and I sleep back there with the 130lb Bernese Mt. Dog sleeping on the tail-gate so I can't imagine the DI to be any LESS roomy.

SO, ok, NO Traction control (I like that, I prefer to use my Butt and the lump of coal between my ears) and +CDL (I don't consider anything W/O one a real 4wd) so is there a rear Locker available (factory, not an ARB or an Auto unit from the AM)???

I've been staring at these trucks for the last few days daydreaming over what could be... I'm starting to see quite a "mild" build that will of course be far more extensive then planned eh

On the Rover front, the only things that really intrest me are:
1 a 1st Gen Range Rover (Love these trucks)
2 a DI (I like the simplicity over the later DII's)
or
3 a Series Rover of some sort...

I'm still a Toyota guy at heart, but hey, there's room for both in my life right???

Cheers

DAve

 

[spikemd]

You can drop in a Trutrac to the diffs to get more bite without going full locker. I have heard these are great and hope to put one in my P38 in the next few years.

Yes, there is room for both... I have an LR and a 4th gen 4Runner. I started my truck-life off with the 4Runner after having a kid. I fell in love with it quickly. Nice smooth ride, lots of cargo space, great V8 with full time 4-wheel drive and pretty capable stock. Then the family kept growing... I looked at even getting another 4Runner for myself, since the rig was my wife's for hauling kids around and a toy for camping/travel. I couldn't modify it much since it was her truck and she is 'vertically-challenged.' I also looked a few Land Cruisers, 100s and 80s. But I have always lusted after the LRs. I am a capable mechanic and know they take more 'love' i.e. maintenace/fixing than a trusty Toyota. But once I got my LR, my Toyota felt so 'pedestrian'. Maybe it was all the hype in my head, but I also see the Toyotas everywhere. When I was looking, I drove a D1, a few D2s and then looked at some P38s for the hell-of-it. Well, I was sold on the P38 even with all the nasty distaste for them. My P38 is solid, has the best driving position of any truck I have been in and drives like a dream with the EAS. Now I have MY rig, free to modify it. I am now sold on LRs. Next rig will be an LR3/4 for the wife in a few years. I was bitten and the sickness is growing...:drool:

Anyway, enough of the rant. Go drive it! Let us know what you think.

 

[4Rescue]

Glad to hear you're so happy Spike, that's what I wanted to hear. I'll let you know what I find when I get there. I'll be off in the boonies for a good week so it'll be awhile untill I get back. Looks like were going to be ALL OVER Idaho so this won't kink my plans. Besides, what could be more important then passing on info on a sweet rig to the Portal eh

Now, to go load the truck up and base line the 4Runner before setting out. I'm hoping to get on the road Friday early to miss all the traffic getting out of Portland. Should hit Boise by Sat. Morning.

Cheers

Dave

 

[4Rescue]

OK... SO now I'm not leaving till middle of next week... BAH I hope this thing is around to sniff over when I get there. I called but got no responce today.

WORST of all, is now as I've been snooping the vast ammount of pictures here in the Rover section, I REALLY want a 110 or 109 3dr with the Ex-mod compartments on the sides. I just LOVE how modifiable they are (as Terri Ann says "like mobile Tinker Toys) and how bare bones they are. If I went the Series route I could leave the 4RUnner as a nice, reliable, well known to me long distance tourer and do what I want to do with the Series (namely a FZJ80 Drivetrain swap or even a Portal conversion like Oilworkers :drool: ) Just like the idea of being able to bolt on an exterior rack/cage and all the oher sweet kit that is available. If money was no option I'd even go so far as to do something simillar to SONKE's 40/80 Hybrid and widen the series down the middle to match a wider track and I'd have a REALLY stable crawl capable rig... I'm SO torn. Add to the confusion a First Gen Range Rover that just poped up on my Radar from a friends Dad and I'm REALLY torn... OOh OOh OOh how about a 2dr 1st Gen Range Rover on Portals with minimal lift and some 34x10.50 LTB's or 35x10.50 SSR's oh BABY :drool:

man I don't think I'll EVER make up my mind... Maybe by the time I do I'll have all the oney I need to make my dreams come true. Course by then a suitable 70-series Troupy will be importable and that will completely eliminate the Rover Lust from teh picture (sorry Rover folk, but to me a 70-series Cruiser is THE vehicle of my Dreams... The the 4Runner would be back on teh Trail-Toy butting board wich would be the bnest option really... hard to beat an SFA 1st Gen 4Runner for a trail rig... REALLY hard)

I'm just rambling so i'll stop now... ramble... ramble ramble ramble... ok I'm done

Cheers

Dave

 

[Rovertrader]

let's make it tougher, all the same truck:

 

[mongosd2]

awesome...we'd you get the top?

 

[4Rescue]

That is AWESOME Rover trader... now THAT would fit my bill perfectly... I really love tha truck

Cheers

Dave

 

[spikemd]

Yes, an imported 109/110 LHD TDI would be perfect. But now you are talking REAL money as compared to $5K for a very nice condition Disco I.

Its nice to dream... Someday, someday....:drool:

I got a question, RoverTrader... Once you get all the federal paperwork handled, how do you go about insuring it? Is it based on appraised value by the insurance company? I mean, they would be insuring a 1985 vehicle and I have seen these selling from $10K to $80K depending on extent of restoration.

(I guess we might be hijacking this thread now. sorry.)

 

[Rovertrader]

several options on insurance, but safest is agreed value.