Hey guys i currently have a jeep but im thinking of switching over to something a little more expedition friendly. Im thinking of going with a disco 2, i have a few questions.
how reliable are these? (what kinda mileage should i stay away from)
stock axle and gearing setup?
stock tire clearance?
where do you guys get your stuff? (lift bumpers etc..) what companies should i go with. im on a budget but i dont want to sacrifice quality.
thanks
kidA
I'm a jeep guy, but I've owned many different 4x4 over the years:
jeepster commando
toyota 4runner (1st gen)
fullsize chevy blazer on 38's
Chevy suburban 3/4 ton
subaru GL 4x4 wagon (classic!)
Jeep wrangler Unlimited (2door model)
Jeep Cherokee (currently own)
If I had to pick one of the trucks that I have owned to run an expedition to someplace like alaska or the montana wilderness (or the mojave desert even), I would choose it for these reasons...
1. Reliability
2. Cargo capacity/passenger comfort
3. spares availability
4. aftermarket upgrades
5. good mpg's
With a family of five, I need capatious seating AND a healthy cargo area. I have also been very remote camping and backcountry travelling and there is nothing more frustrating/concerning than a vehicle that can't (even in working order) be completely relied upon.
In that case I'd probably choose the Toyota 4runner. Even though it has only 2 doors making getting in and out a chore, it's the truck on the list that I would trust to take me around the world if need be. Very tough, good on gas, very reliable, good parts availability, etc. (though, I have to say my XJ is growing on me, having been in my ownership for 3 months now and put to daily driving 40 miles a day without leaving me stranded)
Why am I telling you all this? Cuz you sir, need to make a priority list. Be honest about your priorities and really look at why a Jeep doesn't meet your needs...(I still don't know what KIND of jeep...haha!)..and why a rover may or may not do the job better.
I'll admit a certain sense of romanticism with Discoveries, but when its a matter of getting your wife and kids into the outback and back again, romanticism means nothing to me. I think its the trips YOU take that defines a vehicles "expedition" quality. People travel the world in Subaru foresters, dude, relishing in the mpg's, comfortable ride, and excellent traction on unsealed roads. (Good example of well-defined priorities NOT leading towards a 4wd)
Discoveries might be what you need, but I'd encourage you to really look at the motivations behind that choice. Might be that a CR-V or a 4x4 van are good choices, too.
Happy tuesday!
-B