New to LR, Have questions.

[Darton]

Hey i'm new round these parts. I have a Jeep Tj but my parents bought a Discovery a few years ago. long story short it has become a fourth vehicle for them now. I am trying to entice my dad into bringing it out wheelin with me (guy bonding stuff i don't see him so much now that i'm married and not mooching off of him anymore). Anyway it's a 2001 discovery series 2 SE7? it's the seven seater and has all the neat off road buttons on the dash. I know nothing about LR's as does dad. so how capable is this thing? What would be some beginner mods to do and what are some long term things to think about in building it? Also it feels really top heavy to me when I drive it, is it or is it just me? Any response would be awesome . Thanks

 

[michaels]

a two inch lift and some more aggressive, slightly larger tires will take him some serious places. a CDL would help a lot, as the center diff is open. he may be lucky enough to have a 2001 with the "nipple" already on the transfer case--just needs a lever to actuate it.

 

[Darton]

a two inch lift and some more aggressive, slightly larger tires will take him some serious places. a CDL would help a lot, as the center diff is open. he may be lucky enough to have a 2001 with the "nipple" already on the transfer case--just needs a lever to actuate it.

Please tell me more of this CDL that you speak of? In Jeep lingo would a CDL be a locker??

 

[4Rescue]

Please tell me more of this CDL that you speak of? In Jeep lingo would a CDL be a locker??

SORT OF... A CDL is a "Center Diff Lock" so that the front and rear axles get even aplication of power and are quite literaly locked together. Basicly w/o the CDL it's like and AWD car system that alows the front and rear shafts to spin at different speeds so as to avoid bind on hard surfaces. In jeep speak it's like the full-time position on a Selec-trac T-Case in Jeep XJ's. Someone please correct me if i'm, as I often am, wrong.

Cheers

Dave

 

[R_Lefebvre]

All he really *Needs* is some decent A/T tires to get out there. IMO, a stock Land Rover is more than a match for a stock Jeep. My 04 with CDL, 2" lift and good tires was more capable than a new Jeep Rubicon with all the bells and whistles. He probably had a slight traction advantage due to the e-lockers and swaybar disconnects, but he was dragging his belly over all the obstacles I was clearing.

 

[Connie]

All he really *Needs* is some decent A/T tires to get out there.

:iagree:
As far as the top heavy tippyness, "Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down". It is unbelievable how far a LR can tip without going over. The pucker factor will stop you long before there is a problem.

I would say go ahead and take it out on a few trails before you decide on any modifications.

 

[Blueboy]

I know nothing about LR's as does dad

read the owner's manual to acquaint yourself with the Rover

so how capable is this thing

pretty capable as it does have ETC on all 4 wheels.

What would be some beginner mods to do

1. make the CDL functional; 2. add recovery points and recovery gear; 3. more aggressive tires

some long term things to think about in building it

that is a book unto itself

Also it feels really top heavy to me

probably because you are sitting higher than you are used to - note the side slope capability listed in the manual.

best thing to do is take it out, have fun, and go with another vehicle so if you get stuck they can get you unstuck.


Jaime

 

[Darton]

Thanks for all the great info. How would I go about making the CDL functional if it has the "nipple" and if it doesn't?

 

[Storz]

Welcome to the madness

 

[Abel Villesca]

I don't know if there are easier ways to do it, but I found this: http://www.boothroyd.com/cdl.htm

 

[nwoods]

Also it feels really top heavy to me when I drive it, is it or is it just me? Any response would be awesome . Thanks

It's very tall and people equate that with top heavy, but in reality, the body is light weight, and the frame is very heavy. Thus, the Center of Gravity of the vehicle is actual fairly low. However, the seating position is very high compared to most vehicles (which allows excellent visibility), so the feeling is common. It's amplified by the soft suspension which a Land Rover hallmark. LR's have very supple suspension with excellent articulation that allows the wheels to stay in contact with the ground, providing traction.

I agree with the others, with just decent tires, the Disco is a great off road vehicle. Add a 2" lift and its extremely capable. Enable the CDL and the world is yours to conquer.

However, you will want an exit plan. Stock, the Disco's did not come with hardpoints to attach a recovery strap. In the rear,most people use a trailer hitch. In the front, people often resort to buying a nice steel ARB or RoverTyme bumper with recovery points on it. And then of course, a winch will fit that bumper well....and then hey, they have a 3" lift, and then hey, I can upgrade my driveshafts and axels, and oh, ARB makes air lockers! and then......

LOL. Just start with decent tires. I highly recommend you go to www.LRRForums.com to learn more about the platform and what your options are.

 

[Blueboy]

How would I go about making the CDL functional if it has the "nipple" and if it doesn't

for the most "LR" approach, go here https://www.expeditionexchange.com/drivetrain/

and scroll down until you see 2004 Disco2Center Differential Lock (EW21):

my guess is it has the "nipple" - if it does not, there is not an easy way to do this with the existing transfer box.

and don't forget to buy that recovery gear!


Jaime