Overland Journal: Discovery I, 5-speed
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
FourByLand
Expedition Leader
Scott,
Any updates???
Any updates???
Scott Brady
Founder
Updates...
I am working on the Chaser, adding the Espar water heater and air heater, and some other goodies. That will take me about another week.
Then, I am on the Disco project, full steam. As of now, it sits just as stock as the day I got it. I have boxes of steel wheels and suspension sitting in the garage.
I have been wheeling it though! Snow, mountains, desert. It is extremely impressive in stock form, which further inspires me to keep the build moderate.
Over the next few weeks, I will be talking with "experts in the field" about building the Disco, weaknesses, etc. The basic specification is to retain the excellent road manners while increasing the trail performance and body protection
Roseann spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel, as did Jonathan. Maybe they will chime in with some comments.
I am working on the Chaser, adding the Espar water heater and air heater, and some other goodies. That will take me about another week.
Then, I am on the Disco project, full steam. As of now, it sits just as stock as the day I got it. I have boxes of steel wheels and suspension sitting in the garage.
I have been wheeling it though! Snow, mountains, desert. It is extremely impressive in stock form, which further inspires me to keep the build moderate.
Over the next few weeks, I will be talking with "experts in the field" about building the Disco, weaknesses, etc. The basic specification is to retain the excellent road manners while increasing the trail performance and body protection
Roseann spent quite a bit of time behind the wheel, as did Jonathan. Maybe they will chime in with some comments.
adventureduo
Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
Dang, how'd you get your vanity plate so quickly? Takes CA like 4-5 months for ours... Ca, bunch slow pokes. Another reason to love AZ.
Scott Brady
Founder
SOCALFJ said:
Already had it... From the Jeep. AZ is so easy to change things around.
MuddyMudskipper
Camp Ninja
Can't wait to see more Scott.
Everytime I see pictures of your truck it brings back memories of my first Disco.
Everytime I see pictures of your truck it brings back memories of my first Disco.
bigreen505
Expedition Leader
Scott, how do the Disco and Trooper stack up on road and off?
Scott Brady
Founder
bigreen505 said:
Hmmm...
Trooper
Pros:
Much more cargo capacity
Factory LSD
Great motor (i.e. 30 more hp and very responsive)
It has been flawless for over 100,000 miles. Just recently having a few issues.
Built like a tank (drivetrain)
Cons:
Limited front end flex
No uber cool factor
Land Rover
Pros:
Exceptional visibility
Exceptional driver position
Manual trans
3.3:1 low range
surprising low speed stability
Smooth torque delivery
Rover coolness
Great road ride
Extremely maneuverable
Cons:
No traction devise stock
Limited rear storage
Driveline wind-up
Limited high-speed trail stability due to wheelbase
In stock form, the Trooper has the advantage from larger tires (265/75 R16 stock) and a good rear LSD. However, that is purely empirical, and looses all of the "roverness" the Disco has. It is just something that must be experienced. I know it sounds goofy, but not to another Rover owner. It is very tangible how the vehicle as a system engages and compliments a driver with a certain driving method. "as slow as possible, as fast as necessary"
MuddyMudskipper
Camp Ninja
A long time ago I had a Trooper but always had my eye on a Discovery. I know the Rover Effect first hand.:wings:
bigreen505
Expedition Leader
expeditionswest said:
No, that makes sense. I love the Trooper, but it was a consolation prize because the Rover world didn't quite work out. Never drove it though.