Antichrist
Expedition Leader
Not if you make it cable operated.
Overland Journal: Discovery I, 5-speed
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
Scott Brady
Founder
I just returned from a nice trip to Utah in the Discovery. All systems are working well, and the truck ran perfectly. It will be nice to fit the 3.90 gearing.
The trip created a short list of improvements to be made. Mostly on the "in camp" side of things, like a fold-down table on the rear door, better water storage (I used Dromedary bags on this trip), finish the electrical system and install a mobile VHF/UHF (I was using a HT).
Other than the possibility of a Mantec snorkel, not much will ever change with the appearance. I appreciate the visual simplicity, lack of window tint, etc. I suppose it is the yin/yang with the EarthRoamer :ylsmoke:
.jpg)
The trip created a short list of improvements to be made. Mostly on the "in camp" side of things, like a fold-down table on the rear door, better water storage (I used Dromedary bags on this trip), finish the electrical system and install a mobile VHF/UHF (I was using a HT).
Other than the possibility of a Mantec snorkel, not much will ever change with the appearance. I appreciate the visual simplicity, lack of window tint, etc. I suppose it is the yin/yang with the EarthRoamer :ylsmoke:
gjackson
FRGS
Scott Brady
Founder
A new photo from a recent trip in Arizona
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I currently have four projects developing on the Discovery.
1. 12v Auxiliary power systems: (this will be detailed in the next issue of the Journal)
a. Low voltage disconnect to separate the truck starting requirements from the auxiliary systems should the voltage drop below 11.8v.
b. New AGM Battery.
c. BlueSea six-circuit fuse block
d. New battery terminals
e. two additional 12v power sockets in the front and three in the rear.
f. Hard wire the National Luna fridge
g. Install 2m/70cm radio
h. Run wiring for possible trailer brake controller
I. Install Endurance 12 sealed controller on winch.
J. Install controller for two small, rollable solar panels.
Originally, I was going to permanent mount a big inverter, but now I am reconsidering. For this truck, my greatest power requirement is 100 watts for the MacBook Pro. So I am going to buy a two smaller inverters, like this one from Xantrec:
2. Axle Rebuilds.
a. Install new third members with 3.90:1 ratio and ARB locking differentials
b. Rebuild all seals, bearings, etc.
c. Complete service of braking system, remove ABS components. Most likely D90 front brakes.
d. Front and rear pinion skids. (The rockware looks good, but am open to suggestions.
e. Front and rear diff bash plates (not sure which are best here)
f. Upgrade brake lines
g. Install upgraded front and rear axle shafts with new drive flanges.
h. Install Tom Wood rear drive shaft.
3. Detailed camping, tool and spares kit for the truck. The goal being to leave the truck always in service with full camping kit, support equipment (Bug out bag, medical, comms), full tool kit, full spares kit. That way the Discovery will always be ready for a trip, even if I decide to ship it to Cartagena.
4. Remove airbag and abs computers. Remove alarm system. Evaluate change to manual window and door locks. Possible conversion of dash to non-airbag.
Considering a Mantec snorkel too.
With these projects finished, I am going to begin researching the diesel conversion. I would like to do that later this year or in early 2010.
I currently have four projects developing on the Discovery.
1. 12v Auxiliary power systems: (this will be detailed in the next issue of the Journal)
a. Low voltage disconnect to separate the truck starting requirements from the auxiliary systems should the voltage drop below 11.8v.
b. New AGM Battery.
c. BlueSea six-circuit fuse block
d. New battery terminals
e. two additional 12v power sockets in the front and three in the rear.
f. Hard wire the National Luna fridge
g. Install 2m/70cm radio
h. Run wiring for possible trailer brake controller
I. Install Endurance 12 sealed controller on winch.
J. Install controller for two small, rollable solar panels.
Originally, I was going to permanent mount a big inverter, but now I am reconsidering. For this truck, my greatest power requirement is 100 watts for the MacBook Pro. So I am going to buy a two smaller inverters, like this one from Xantrec:
2. Axle Rebuilds.
a. Install new third members with 3.90:1 ratio and ARB locking differentials
b. Rebuild all seals, bearings, etc.
c. Complete service of braking system, remove ABS components. Most likely D90 front brakes.
d. Front and rear pinion skids. (The rockware looks good, but am open to suggestions.
e. Front and rear diff bash plates (not sure which are best here)
f. Upgrade brake lines
g. Install upgraded front and rear axle shafts with new drive flanges.
h. Install Tom Wood rear drive shaft.
3. Detailed camping, tool and spares kit for the truck. The goal being to leave the truck always in service with full camping kit, support equipment (Bug out bag, medical, comms), full tool kit, full spares kit. That way the Discovery will always be ready for a trip, even if I decide to ship it to Cartagena.
4. Remove airbag and abs computers. Remove alarm system. Evaluate change to manual window and door locks. Possible conversion of dash to non-airbag.
Considering a Mantec snorkel too
. With these projects finished, I am going to begin researching the diesel conversion. I would like to do that later this year or in early 2010.
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revor
Explorer
I just did our first trip using the Blue Sea S1 ACR, it worked fantastically
http://bluesea.com/category/2/productline/overview/387
I connected my Voltmeter to both systems and use a two position Rocker switch so I can monitor either system at the flip of a switch.
One morning after the Kids had watched a movie (oh shoot me!) and a serious fridge load (hey when you watch a movie you need to have snacks every 3 minutes) You could really see and hear the load on the engine when the ACR kicked in. At no time did the starting system drop below 11.8 VDC.
Seems a tough unit as well.
http://bluesea.com/category/2/productline/overview/387
I connected my Voltmeter to both systems and use a two position Rocker switch so I can monitor either system at the flip of a switch.
One morning after the Kids had watched a movie (oh shoot me!) and a serious fridge load (hey when you watch a movie you need to have snacks every 3 minutes) You could really see and hear the load on the engine when the ACR kicked in. At no time did the starting system drop below 11.8 VDC.
Seems a tough unit as well.
Scott Brady
Founder
If you really appreciate visual simplicity, you should remove the rubber side moldings
I have considered it...
Scott Brady
Founder
I am looking for feedback on the best differential housing guards (the tin material covering the ring and on a front and rear pinion guard.
The good design of the Discovery affords quite a bit of rock protection, and I have upgraded to Keith's strong rear lower control arms and steering components.
For the pinion guard, I am looking for something that bolts to the bottom of the axle housing and extends back past the pinion to also protect the ujoints of the driveshaft.
RoverTym makes some nice covers, and I am happy to weld them on. My only concern is if they will end up being mud and rust traps?
EE sells nice pinion guards from Rock Ware. I do not have any experience with them, so am interested in any feedback. They look relatively light weight and simple. With low pinion third-members and my limited tire height, I can see the advantage of these.
The good design of the Discovery affords quite a bit of rock protection, and I have upgraded to Keith's strong rear lower control arms and steering components.
For the pinion guard, I am looking for something that bolts to the bottom of the axle housing and extends back past the pinion to also protect the ujoints of the driveshaft.
RoverTym makes some nice covers, and I am happy to weld them on. My only concern is if they will end up being mud and rust traps?
EE sells nice pinion guards from Rock Ware. I do not have any experience with them, so am interested in any feedback. They look relatively light weight and simple. With low pinion third-members and my limited tire height, I can see the advantage of these.
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Purple People Eater
Explorer
I can understand the removal of the alarm system, ABS, and the manual window and door lock conversion, but what is the reason behind ridding the airbag? In a relatively small vehicle like the Discovery, I would want all the protection and safety I could get... (consider the source)
pnorvell
Adventurer
My experience with Rovertym has been exceptional, but when it comes to diff. guards, I prefer QT.
http://www.qtservices.co.uk/product.asp?id=2811#
I know it's a little flashy but I think it's one of the best guards out there. Really easy to clean and will not rust, a factor that should be thought of since its sole purpose is to take the brunt of a hit. Also, QT is one of the only diff guards that I know of to protect the underside of the diff. as well as the front.
Rovertym's very nice in the sense that it blends in very nicely while offering protection. As you stated about the mud, I don't know how bad that would be. I know Michaels on here has the Rovertym's on his but have never heard him say anything about it. Hope that helps a little.
Peter
http://www.qtservices.co.uk/product.asp?id=2811#
I know it's a little flashy but I think it's one of the best guards out there. Really easy to clean and will not rust, a factor that should be thought of since its sole purpose is to take the brunt of a hit. Also, QT is one of the only diff guards that I know of to protect the underside of the diff. as well as the front.
Rovertym's very nice in the sense that it blends in very nicely while offering protection. As you stated about the mud, I don't know how bad that would be. I know Michaels on here has the Rovertym's on his but have never heard him say anything about it. Hope that helps a little.
Peter
R_Lefebvre
Expedition Leader
Those will rust everywhere they get scratched by rocks. That appears to be a zinc dichromate coating, which is on OK rust prevention, but it will still get removed by heavy rock contact.
I have these same ones, and like them, but they're not impervious to rust.
Scott Brady
Founder
The QT does integrate a pinion skid, but does not seem to go far back enough to protect the ujoint.
I will look into those a little more.
I will look into those a little more.
Scott
since you are planning a complete tear down of the axles right now for shafts. brakes and so forth you really should just go sewer cap and be done with it.
They are bomb proof, hold more gear oil then a stock housing without over filling the housing and you dont have the issue of mud and water getting trapped against the stock tin and rusting a hole through it.
Thom
since you are planning a complete tear down of the axles right now for shafts. brakes and so forth you really should just go sewer cap and be done with it.
They are bomb proof, hold more gear oil then a stock housing without over filling the housing and you dont have the issue of mud and water getting trapped against the stock tin and rusting a hole through it.
Thom
Abel Villesca
Explorer
The QT does integrate a pinion skid, but does not seem to go far back enough to protect the ujoint.
I will look into those a little more.
I have these and love them. I've abused the heck out of them when I did more rock crawling than back country camping.