Looking at a DII, What can you tell me?

[R_Lefebvre]

D1 parts for the ABS system are cheaper, and there are fewer of them. Additionally, the ABS system can be easily disabled or removed and is pretty commonly done. And it won't affect it's driveability, performance off-road or electronics.

I believe the same could be done for a DII? If/when mine ever goes, I'll probably just remove it entirely instead of fixing it.

There's is no "better" vehicle.

Absolutely, we all have different requirements. I went with an 04 mostly for the power for towing, and because an older truck meant lots more RUST, and we also needed more cargo space because my back seat is full of kids.

 

[MuddyOval]

When the hubs leak on a DII- the dealer sell you a hub. I replace the 0-rings for $1 each.
You can't easily put traction control on a DI. Traction control in slippery stuff rocks. Driving a DI in snow is scary in comparison... even more so if it still has ABS in it, the early ABS was horrible. The later ABS is very nice.
The shuttle valve kit is over $100, but it's not many that ever need it. It's a vast minority. Flush the brake system once in a while and it is reliable- and bleed it properly with the computer.
I'm not sure I buy the 'exposed to damage' CV's all that much- they are not terribly exposed, but if a boot tore on a stick or something you don't have to change a load of seals, shim and set pre-load on swivels.
Everyone likes different stuff, that's what makes it interesting.

 

[Antichrist]

I believe the same could be done for a DII? If/when mine ever goes, I'll probably just remove it entirely instead of fixing it.

Probably so. I've no idea what would be invloved in that since the electrics for the brakes is much more complicated.

 

[Funrover]

Well we got one! A 2000 DII. Really nice. It will be used mostly on road with some light off-roading

 

[R_Lefebvre]

On my Focus, it was as simple as removing the ABS actuator, plumb around where the block used to be and install an adjustable proportioning valve, disconnect the electrics, and you're done. I would think the Disco is similar, I only question if there's some freaky inter-relation, like say the Body ECU isn't happy if the SLABS ECU is missing. You know the way you have to replace the Engine ECU and the Body ECU in pairs, wonder if there's anything like that with the SLABS.

Regardless, I plan to keep this truck a long time, and eventually that might mean I rewire EVERYTHING to get rid of any issues.

 

[Antichrist]

When the hubs leak on a DII- the dealer sell you a hub. I replace the 0-rings for $1 each.

That's assuming it's leaking around the o-ring and not from around the "sealed" bearings.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Well, in that case, you needed new bearings anyway so it's not like you're spending $300 just to fix a minor oil leak. And I have to think that the "sealed" bearings on the D2 do last much longer than the older units?

 

[MuddyOval]

I've only seen one bearing fail on a very abused truck, but quite a few o-rings. There seems to be a corrosion issue where the hubs meet the housings.
There seems to be quite a few people whose answer to technology is to rip it out- but why not just fix it? It's really not that big of a deal. I think what fuels some of it is that dealers are quick to play 'part swappers' instead of troubleshooting and fixing things, and they charge a lot for it. Get the repair manual and dive in!

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I don't rip out technology for the sake of ripping it out. I rip out "blackbox" technology that is not servicable, or designed to bring repair bay work. I wouldn't remove an ECU and go carburetted, I'd replace it with an aftermarket programmable stand alone unit. That's what I did on my Focus.

It's not that I don't want the TC, it's that... if it's going to cost as much to fix as it would be for a locker... guess what, I'll just put a locker in.

IMHO, the biggest problem with modern cars is not the complexity, it is the fact that the laws have not been updated to mandate that ALL computers on the car provide end-user diagnostics the way engine computers do via OBDII.

 

[Antichrist]

Well, in that case, you needed new bearings anyway so it's not like you're spending $300 just to fix a minor oil leak.

The taper roller bearings themselves could very well be fine, but you can't fix the sealed bearings if they are leaking so you have to replace them. And to replace them you replace the hub.
On a D1, ff you have a hub seal leak, provided you fix it in time, you don't need to replace your bearings.
For me I'd rather do routine maintenance and at worst have a $30 repair bill. Or absolute worst and spend another $40 for a speedy sleeve for the bearing distance piece on the stub axle.

And I have to think that the "sealed" bearings on the D2 do last much longer than the older units?

Not likely, provided serviceable bearings are maintained.
If you don't maintain them, that would be true. In fact, I'd argue that serviceable hubs would last longer (or at least not leave you stranded), since you can feel confident that there aren't any contaminants in the bearings, provided you ditch the POS disco hub seal. The same holds true for sealed vs serviceable u-joints.
Now, for people who want to be able to do the minimum scheduled maintenance, sealed is better.

 

[NCLR015]

I have a D1, used to have a D2. I'll take the D1 any day of the week.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Do you *have* to replace the hubs when you replace the D2 bearings? On other cars I've worked on, when you push the hub/bearing out of the knuckle, one of the inner races is stuck on the hub. That's why the hubs are often replaced, just because people are too lazy to get the inner race off and reuse the hub. But you don't have to do it that way.

Same deal on the D2, or you *must* replace the hub? Just curious.

In my experience, modern sealed bearings have better seal integrity than old style bearings with independent seals, and last much longer *when both are unserviced*.

 

[muskyman]

I have yet to see someone service a DII unit bearing...if its bad it has to be replaced.

now something to keep in mind is that just because it is leaking from the bearing does not mean the unit bearing is bad, I have seen a number of those that were actually a plugged breather and a brand new o-ring on both sides.

 

[Antichrist]

Do you *have* to replace the hubs when you replace the D2 bearings?

I haven't seen reports of anyone who's been able to rebuild them. With the ingenuity of the many DII owners I'm aware of, if it were possible I would think it would have been done by now.

In my experience, modern sealed bearings have better seal integrity than old style bearings with independent seals, and last much longer *when both are unserviced*.

Agreed, that's what I said.

 

[michaelgroves]

IMHO, the biggest problem with modern cars is not the complexity, it is the fact that the laws have not been updated to mandate that ALL computers on the car provide end-user diagnostics the way engine computers do via OBDII.

Absolutely! I'd be much happier to take a vehicle full of electronics into the bush if I had the tools to diagnose any problems, and bypass those that are not physically disabling.

I'm a D1 fan myself, but my brother has a DII, and I must say, I am impressed with its capabilites (even without CDL) and manners. On the other hand, I wouldn't touch a petrol engined DI or DII!