Looking at a discovery have ?'s

[arktrekker]

We are looking buying a '96 Discovery SE. This will be my first rover, so I am a little unsure what I should be looking out for. Only known problems are that it will not go into low range and there is oil on top of the water pump on the front of the engine. Not sure where that is coming from yet. Rig has been lifted a couple of inches and has a detroit locker in the rear. I know if we buy it the locker will have to get replaced with a selectable locker.

So what should I be leery of and looking for on this rig?

 

[lake_bueller]

The CDL not working is usually an indication of lack of usage. The best fix is to remove the cover and soak the selector area with something like PB Blaster. There is a shallow area where the selector slides to hold about 3-4 ounces of fluid. DON'T try to force the lever. Trust me, you will break something Once you get the lever moving, fill that area with some good marine/bearing grease.

As for the Detroit locker....sell it to me

How many miles are on the truck?

Things I'd do first:
Have the OBDII codes read. It may not be showing codes because: a) somebody disconnected the light, b) light is burned out, c) everything is running perfectly.

After purchasing:
Change plugs and wires if they don't look new
Change oil, gear lube, transfer case lube and trans fluid/filter

Lastly....enjoy!!

I've had a love/hate relationship with my trucks for the past 13 years. It's mostly love. The hate comes from the times that I break something on the trail:bike_rider:

 

[arktrekker]

It has 170k on it.

Figured the low range was a quick fix.

Body is perfectly straight so I doubt it has had any real time offroad.

 

[benlittle]

Uhh.. Shifting into low and engaging the CDL are two totally different things. If you can't shift into low, which is what you indicated. There is a solenoid on top of the tranny which will either need to be replaced, or removed. It should take you 45-60 minutes.

Locker? Why would you remove the locker? If it has a DT does it have rear HD axles? Keep in mind if it doesn't that if you bust an stock axle with a detroit, you may grenade your detroit

Look at the engine. Is it clean, oil free? Power steering box, clean or leaking? Tranny fluid, red or brown? If it has 100K miles or more plan on doing head gaskets along with other maint etc.

 

[stu454]

With that many miles the truck isn't worth more than $1500 or so, even with the locker and an immaculate interior and body.