X-plore I Discovery I Build

[X-plorenow]

I was lucky enough to pick up a 1997 Land Rover Disco with 130k on it recently after I rolled my Jeep off a pass. I had put a lot of hard work into my Jeep but now am starting over. I was originally looking for a Disco when the Jeep fell into my lap, so I guess I have come full circle.

Currently dealing with basic maintenance and clean up fixes but will begin mods and custom fab shortly. Can't wait! Thought I would share it with everyone.

I will put up a few before pics in a few.

 

[David Harris]

Congrats! I think your going to love the Disco. I was a Jeeper until I came across an inexpensive 96 Disco 1 and tried it out. After that, I sold the Jeep and went LR all the way. I've never looked back. They are just great vehicles. Just remember to be religious about the maintenance and they will always bring you home.

 

[X-plorenow]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I have already driven it quite a bit offroad and have had a blast and been very impressed. It is as capable stock as I had heard and expected.

I hear you on maintenance. I am currently going through the truck inch by inch.

 

[leeawalden]

If you plan on building this as a full on trail rig you are on the right start. Getting everything sound mechanically is key...sets the baseline and you know what kind of shape everything is in. Do some research on bumper builds, etc. there is a ton of info out there beyond expo. check out discoweb.org, expeditionexchange.com, lrrforums.com, are chock full of info. Also, pirate4x4.com is decent for rovers.

Good aftermarket companies

www.rovertym.com
www.lucky8llc.com
www.rovertracks.com (do the toy conversion and don't look back)
www.safarigard.com (dunno if they are in business or what, but they have a front 3link that is nice).
hardlabor creek fabrication

goodluck and don't be afraid to ask questions, its better to ask questions because it has all been done.

 

[Errant]

Welcome! I sort of did the same thing. Wanted a Rover, settled for a Jeep. Wore out that XJ, bought another, kid totalled it 5-6 years ago, and have been driving my Disco ever since

 

[AxeAngel]

If you plan on building this as a full on trail rig you are on the right start. Getting everything sound mechanically is key...sets the baseline and you know what kind of shape everything is in. Do some research on bumper builds, etc. there is a ton of info out there beyond expo. check out discoweb.org, expeditionexchange.com, lrrforums.com, are chock full of info. Also, pirate4x4.com is decent for rovers.

Good aftermarket companies

www.rovertym.com
www.lucky8llc.com
www.rovertracks.com (do the toy conversion and don't look back)
www.safarigard.com (dunno if they are in business or what, but they have a front 3link that is nice).
hardlabor creek fabrication

goodluck and don't be afraid to ask questions, its better to ask questions because it has all been done.

Have you done the toy conversion yet? I remember michaels was interested and is pretty close to you. Was hoping to do a regional install day and knock them all out over a weekend. Got a rear v6 with 4.10s and elocker and hope to get Keith to give us a good deal.

-Sam

 

[leeawalden]

Yeah, Michael and I were at Auburn but I graduated, but am still close. Last I heard there is no longer going to be a DII "kit" due to low demand and lack of a future market, which I can completely understand. I've been told RCV can still mill the axles and you could make it work, but I don't know. I was ready to put the cash into the swap but its taken a back burner right now. The DI conversion is still there tho. Yet another thing DI owners get a leg up on!

I haven't talked to Keith so I can't confirm it.

 

[AxeAngel]

Yeah, Michael and I were at Auburn but I graduated, but am still close. Last I heard there is no longer going to be a DII "kit" due to low demand and lack of a future market, which I can completely understand. I've been told RCV can still mill the axles and you could make it work, but I don't know. I was ready to put the cash into the swap but its taken a back burner right now. The DI conversion is still there tho. Yet another thing DI owners get a leg up on!

I haven't talked to Keith so I can't confirm it.

All we need is the template and the axles. Which is why I was hoping if wecan get a few people together we can make it happen. Especially if we can all do it at the same location. East coast gear supply isn't too far from me and they can rebuild yoga diffs as well as supply them if need be. Typically I can get a stock yota 4.10 diff for 100, rebuilt for 250 ish and elocker and all rebuilt for 500.

If you are interested PM me and we can both talk to Michaels. I know others are interested too especially once we get the ball rolling.

-Sam

 

[X-plorenow]

Jeep Pics

Here are the pictures of my Jeep Wrangler just after I rolled it off Jones Pass in CO. Not pretty! :Wow1:

 

[X-plorenow]

Disco Pics

And here are the before pictures of my new Disco I. And yes these were taken about 1/4 of a mile down the pass from where I rolled my Jeep. Will post upgrade pics as the build continues. Currently focusing on core maintence.

 

[AxeAngel]

Change all your fluids and do the preventative maintenance first. Where you able to take off any of the mods on the jeep to use on the rover?

Glad you made it out safe.

-Sam

 

[X-plorenow]

Change all your fluids and do the preventative maintenance first. Where you able to take off any of the mods on the jeep to use on the rover?

Glad you made it out safe.

-Sam

Thanks, I am. I got it and basically every fluid was either low or empty. After filling I am currently dealing with leaks. I have a small colling system leak, I have some K-stop I have to put in. I have an oil leak that I am still trying to figure out. I also have a MAJOR steering fluid leak. I loose it in like 3 days after filling, if that. The engine is dirty, I am currently trying to clean and degrease so I can diagnose the issues.

I was able to salvage a decent amount from my Jeep. I spent like 4 hours one day with my wife stripping parts and them pulling little pieces of glass out of our hands .

Some of the parts are Jeep specific and are currently listed on eBay. I will put the rest in my Disco, starting with the Yellowtop that I am working on now.

We are OK. My wife and I were in the Jeep but were able to get out just in time. Thanks for asking.

 

[achampagne]

I had a leak with the power steering, turns out the factory hose clamps were wearing out, so I snipped them off and replaced with new stainless for $1.78. right as rain and no leaks now. I would take a pic but I am in a hotel for the week. it was the closest to the pulley on the pump at the top of the hose. Hope this helps.

 

[David Harris]

I had a leak with the power steering, turns out the factory hose clamps were wearing out, so I snipped them off and replaced with new stainless for $1.78. right as rain and no leaks now. I would take a pic but I am in a hotel for the week. it was the closest to the pulley on the pump at the top of the hose. Hope this helps.

x2

The hose clamps were the problem on mine as well, but they were just loose. Tightened them and stopped the leak.

 

[exporover]

Congratulations on the disco! Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the coolant overflow tanks that came on these trucks from the factory have a tendency to start leaking at the seam at some point. The original tank should be black. The replacement ones should be a white/beige color. I would check to see if this is where your cooling leak is coming from. (as well as all the hoses and clamps being secure of course) good luck!