Please take it easy on me . . . 2001 Disco

[Colorado David]

I am pretty close to buying a 2001 White Disco. So far everything checks out. It is a two owner, 110,000 mile vehicle with a one year old engine. I am swamped right now and don't have time to search all the Discovery topics to find everything I need to know before making the deal. I need some kind soul to patiently give me the 2001 Disco Primer. The way things stand right now, I have first right of refusal on the truck. I am looking to firm it up by Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for your help.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Hi David:

Here is a list of a few thinkgs, note that some may be more involved than others:

-Does the seller have maintenance records, even if DIY.

-Was the vehicle used offroad?

- Check the Ujoints on the driveshafts, they usually need to be replaced between 60-80K miles.

- Make sure the transfer case will shift into low range. If it does not the two most common issues are either a bad selenoid or a corroded shift mechanism.

- Get a code reader and plug it in to ensure that no codes or issues are indicated.

- Double check all of the connecitons within the cooling system.

- Ask if the heater core is original. Leaky haeter cores are a common issue around 75K miles.

- Find out if they have the Center Locking Differential rigged to engage. The 01 has a nipple on the top of the transfer case allowing this but it needs to be rigged with a mechanical or electrical actuator.

- Make sure the front and rear diffs have clean oil in them.

- Check for leaks/weaps on the transfer case

- If it has airbags for self leveling suspension in the rear, plan to swap them over to coil springs.

- Find out if it has genuine or aftermarket brake pads and rotors. Aftermarket rotors are usually ok but some of the non genuine pads can produce squeeks with frequency that disrupts the wheel speed sensors confuses the abs system.

- Check the serpentine belt, they last about 30K miles.

Best of luck with the purchase,

Brian

 

[Colorado David]

Thanks very much Brian.

 

[FourByLand]

David,

There isn't much else to look into. I would just add taking a look at the steering pump and box as they usually begin to fail once you roll into the tripple digits; otherwise best of luck with the sale and if you go through with it be sure to post up pics and so forth!

:smiley_drive:

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Maybe reconsider and buy an 04 if you can swing it. It's just a much better package. You get the 4.6L engine which is more powerful and torquey than the 4.0L. And it has the locking center diff, with linkage, from the factory, and TC will work when you have the CDL engaged. My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that if you engage the CDL on the 99-01 trucks, the TC system shuts down. That means you lose cross-axle TC, whereas on the 04 it works with the CDL. Also, the TC/ABS/HDC system is retuned and works a little better on the 03-04.

I'm not sure if that's the type of thing you were looking for, but you asked for a primer and it's all good stuff to know. The 04 has a lot of nice little features added, and it's not a lot of extra money. Otherwise, McVick covered a lot of it. You MUST plan on doing something with the front driveshaft. Even if it's already done, depending on what they did, it might be time to do it again. There will be lots of other niggly things on a truck that old, the Rotoflex on the rear driveshaft might need replacing, etc. etc. etc.

Oh, I should add, check the floors. There is a black sill plate holding down the carpet at the door openings. There's a trim piece covering the screws, pull the trim, take out the screws, and look under the carpet. Just takes a minute, but it's something a mechanic won't see. These things leak A/C condensate all the time, and mine had leaking sunroofs and leaking windshield seal. I didn't discover this little surprise until I pulled that trim to put some stereo wires under there. Mine were quite rusty from having water trapped under the carpet.

Don't know how much you have to spend, but for example, here's a pretty nice setup. Wouldn't be hard to take it down a notch with smaller tires and lift if you're so inclined. Never mind all the comments.

http://www.discoweb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67046

Or, this one here is a PERFECT platform. Nice Clean 04, ExPo White , SD model so no sunroofs to leak, 16" wheels... And only $9000.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004...iewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a0702c458

 

[discodisco]

My understanding (and I may be wrong) is that if you engage the CDL on the 99-01 trucks, the TC system shuts down.

I have an 01 with a Disco 1 CDL lever installed and it works great with the TC system you just have to make sure not to leave it locked when you turn the car off otherwise you will get the three amigos (TC/HDC/ABS) lights to come on next time but all you have to do is unlock the diff and turn it on and off again.
Best of luck on what ever you decide.

 

[Brian McVickers]

Good call on the rotoflex Rob, I had completely forgot.
I've replaced mine once and even carry a spare in the truck.

As for the CDL and TC, the TC will work with the CDL engaged.
Or, at least here is how it works on my 2001.

With the engine running the CDL can be engaged and the Traction Control and ABS system will work normally. Having the center diff locked in conjunction with the traction control actually works pretty well. The TC acts like a limited slip locker by engaging the ABS to slow down and stop the spinning wheel so that power is transfered to the opposite side. The key to making it work is steady throttle control and a little patience. With steady throttle the system will recognize the spinning wheel after 1-2 revolutions, if you are unsteady with the throttle or go all the way off the throttle and hit the brake the system trying to recognize the wheel without traction will reset itself before the TC engages.

Now,
If I have the engine on and engage the CDL and then turn the engine off, the next time I start the engine the ABS and TC systems will be turned off.

In order to prevent this I have to disengage the CDL before turning the engine off.

I'm not sure if this is just how my vehicle is wired up but it can certainly be confusing or at least make me have to stop and restart when I stop on the trail without disengaging the CDL first.

Regards,
Brian

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Right, OK, I forgot that detail.

Wouldn't it be easy enough to rig up a switch to cut the CDL signal while you do the restart? Instead of having to climb under the truck twice more. Should be cake, with the wiring diagram.

Another big thing of course is the condition of the engine. Make sure the cooling system is pressurizing the correct amount, no coolant in the oil, oil in the coolant, or abnormal ticking noises. Of course this is a general statement for all cars, but particularly important for Land Rover V8's.

 

[Roverhound]

Swapping in a 2003/2004 slabs unit will take car of the TC kicking out with the cdl engaged and powering off.

 

[muskyman]

I had a 2001 DII and it was a great truck. I put more then 140000 miles on it in 8 years and it really had very few issues.

allthough the 4.6 has more power with all the failures they have had in the last few years I have to say that there is nothing wrong with the 4.0.

I say go for it!

 

[rovertech]

I had a 2001 DII and it was a great truck. I put more then 140000 miles on it in 8 years and it really had very few issues.

allthough the 4.6 has more power with all the failures they have had in the last few years I have to say that there is nothing wrong with the 4.0.

I say go for it!

x2:smiley_drive:

 

[Brian McVickers]

Instead of having to climb under the truck twice more.

That would be a royal pain. Luckily mine is push button with a selonoid connected to the nipple to control the CDL.

 

[High Center]

On taking it easy:
I have found this forum to be helpful, polite and family oriented. There is little evidence of the pummeling that most discussion boards deliver these days. The Expo community stands head and shoulders above most.

Very refreshing.:clapsmile

Sorry for the highjack
BOT

Cheers!
HC

 

[Colorado David]

Thanks very much everyone. Last summer I found a Kalahari Edition Disco and talked myself into wanting it before looking at it. When I went to see it, I was really disappointed. I have been trying to stay objective on this truck, but have to say I'm just about to the tipping point. This is a nice clean, well care for truck with very minor issues. I'm going to get a carfax report and consider all of your suggestions. The current owner already converted the rear suspension to coils. Thanks again.

 

[Colorado David]

Well, it will be my new truck at 6:00 PM today.:smiley_drive: