Potentially building a Disco2. Thoughts? Opinions?
- Thread starter Aegis
- Start date
badm0t0rfinger
Raptor Apologist.
Just wanted to chime in real quick. I'm quite new to this forum but I've been around Land Rovers for a couple years now. I've owned a D1, D2 and RRC. The D2 was the best to drive. The D1 was the most capable. The RRC had issues [that was more a byproduct of shotty POs] but was overall very comfortable and the storage area made the Disco's look quite pathetic in comparison. The D2 has some solid aftermarket support but its not nearly as a much as the D1 and RRC which have the same basic underpinnings [as far as suspension] as the Defender. The is a reason that I still have the D2 and not the other too [besides garage space] is that it was just so much more refined. Yes it has more issues, but they are either so catastrophically bad that you can avoid them before purchase or so minor that you can fix everything and not have to worry about it. Also I know you said that you need space for your dogs, and I have one Amstaff and a Mastiff/Pitbull mix, and needless to say they are huge and they fit comfortable in the back. I would recommend a divider if they like to jump over the seats!
Colin Hughes
Explorer
Like the poster above, I've had a D1, D2, RRC and a P38. It is surprising how much room the P38 had and it was an awesome ride. The D2 had the most issues of them all. I'm now back in a D1 300tdi and although I often miss the additional length the D2 had, it's a much easier vehicle to maintain and 900 Kim's to a tank of fuel makes any shortcomings in space. I carry both my husky Shepard cross and my daughters lab without any problems.
I agree with others, wheel it stock, learn all about it, then add what you think will help you or is most useful to you. My first D1 stayed pretty stock for awhile.
I agree with others, wheel it stock, learn all about it, then add what you think will help you or is most useful to you. My first D1 stayed pretty stock for awhile.
Aegis
K9 Handler
Aside from those points, how was your overall experience with the P38? Was it as nightmarish as most make it out to be?
RangeBrover
Explorer
P38... Whoa nelly let me talk you down from the edge. Even rover guys stay clear of them.
Disco2Guy
Observer
If you like turning wrenches, you'd be better off with a D2. The LR3 issues can be computer related a lot of the time. Wait until there's a suspension fault and you have to drive home on the bump stops. You'll wish you were in a coiler.
Start with a mild 2" lift and shocks. Even an '04 will have sagged a little by this time. Fix all the regular service items, like the front drive shaft, and save the rest for repairs that popup in the first few months. Tires are good too, if you're looking to hit some trails right away. Then start low and go high for armor/protection. Get some diff guards, sliders and then bumpers. It might take you a few years to get here and be happy at that.
If you go out a few times and think you'll really want to build up the rig, start getting those higher end pieces of kit from the start. I went through too many sets of (continuously bigger) tires, springs, and shocks in my first few years. Admittedly, I was totally new as well and didn't know how hard the bug would bite. From the get go, I should have gone with the 7100's, 33" with 3" RTE springs and 1" spacers. But that leads down a rather large rabbit hole with trailing/radius arms, drive shafts, brake/ABS lines, track rod, drag link, Panhard bar, HD axles, lockers, 4.14 gears etc. You get the idea.
Being 6'4" I was also concerned about leg room. A couple pieces of flat stock and a 4 holes will let you extend the driver's seat back to give you ample room.
Start with a mild 2" lift and shocks. Even an '04 will have sagged a little by this time. Fix all the regular service items, like the front drive shaft, and save the rest for repairs that popup in the first few months. Tires are good too, if you're looking to hit some trails right away. Then start low and go high for armor/protection. Get some diff guards, sliders and then bumpers. It might take you a few years to get here and be happy at that.
If you go out a few times and think you'll really want to build up the rig, start getting those higher end pieces of kit from the start. I went through too many sets of (continuously bigger) tires, springs, and shocks in my first few years. Admittedly, I was totally new as well and didn't know how hard the bug would bite. From the get go, I should have gone with the 7100's, 33" with 3" RTE springs and 1" spacers. But that leads down a rather large rabbit hole with trailing/radius arms, drive shafts, brake/ABS lines, track rod, drag link, Panhard bar, HD axles, lockers, 4.14 gears etc. You get the idea.
Being 6'4" I was also concerned about leg room. A couple pieces of flat stock and a 4 holes will let you extend the driver's seat back to give you ample room.
Sent you a PM!