It's the piece you need to change on the transfer box to turn a non-CDL box into a CDL box: take a look at one with CDL. See where the linkage goes to in the front? That's the piece that comes off. It's not anywhere close to NEARLY impossible, nor is it a serious modification. As I said in the very post you quoted, you don't even need to drop the box to swap them.
Thoughts on RRC vs. Disco II?
- Thread starter Farmerdave
- Start date
It's the piece you need to change on the transfer box to turn a non-CDL box into a CDL box: take a look at one with CDL. See where the linkage goes to in the front? That's the piece that comes off. It's not anywhere close to NEARLY impossible, nor is it a serious modification. As I said in the very post you quoted, you don't even need to drop the box to swap them.
Hey man. Everyone has already chipped in, but my $0.02 after owning D1, RRC, P38 and quite a bit of experience with D2.
Really having 4+ people and gear in the vehicle makes your decision. It would be best to have D2. LWB might cut it, RRC, D1 and P38 will be tight.
D2 will give you more room and a rear seat that is safe. For your kids, I'd do a 2004 D2. Almost without question.
But D1,RRC, RRC LWB would be the best stock off roader. LT230 will be the best bet on Tcase.
Regardlesss of what was said earlier if a BW seizes you can just replace internal parts for pretty cheap, I've had it done.
Really having 4+ people and gear in the vehicle makes your decision. It would be best to have D2. LWB might cut it, RRC, D1 and P38 will be tight.
D2 will give you more room and a rear seat that is safe. For your kids, I'd do a 2004 D2. Almost without question.
But D1,RRC, RRC LWB would be the best stock off roader. LT230 will be the best bet on Tcase.
Regardlesss of what was said earlier if a BW seizes you can just replace internal parts for pretty cheap, I've had it done.
That's the one. No need to drop the whole thing if the rest of yours is in good shape.
czenkov
Adventurer
I am swapping out to the LT230 in my 1995 RRC LWB, but your statement raises the question. I have been quoted $450 (parts) or so for a new viscous coupling as mine has seized. A good used LT230 can be had for much cheaper. Where have you gotten the aforementioned BW parts "cheap"? I actually quite like the BW but I have not heard, nor found where they can be fixed cheaply. Hence the LT230 I am installing.
Thanks for the info.
I had the BW in my '89 for the first 5 years I owned it. Loved it for the first 4. It was smoother than the LT230 and seamless. Then it gradually seemed to stop locking up as well and I no longer had the traction I once did. I've since switched to the LT230 but must admit that I like a properly functioning BW for mild to moderate fourwheeling better.
There's a 7 passenger DII in the driveway as well as a RRC. I would agree that the DII is better if you're bringing kids along from a safety standpoint. I think there's a little more thought and engineering that went into the DII for crash safety. However, I don't think there is appreciably more space inside for passenger comfort or luggage. Headroom being the exception.
There's a 7 passenger DII in the driveway as well as a RRC. I would agree that the DII is better if you're bringing kids along from a safety standpoint. I think there's a little more thought and engineering that went into the DII for crash safety. However, I don't think there is appreciably more space inside for passenger comfort or luggage. Headroom being the exception.
Look for them used, but still operating. Search discoweb for BW for sale. Ask your local shops if they have any. Call salvage yards and there are also a few salvage places around the web that specialize in LR parts. Check with WIll Tillery.
Let's say you got the new BW VC for $450, if you replace with LT230 there are more things to do than just drop in the LT230.
I have not done it as I still have one more VC in case mine freezes, but I also have an LT230 as well. Just not sure if I will ever use it.
You can just drop in the LT230, you need output shafts and proper connections on driveshafts (do not have details, sorry). Since your center console is not make for the difflock shifter, you'lll need to address that too.
czenkov
Adventurer
Thanks for the explanation. In my case the 230 was free so...and I know it is a little more work to install. For me it kind of falls under the same category as TruTracks vs. Air Lockers. I like selectable every time. So I like the 230 better than the BW. Personal preference. Anyway, thanks again.
Disco2Guy
Observer
How old are your kids? If they're under 10 the 7 seater is a viable option, but if they're much bigger than that, the 2 seats in the cargo area will not be fun to sit in for extended trips.
You will definitely need a roof rack of some sort.
If you go for a D2, find one with service records, lots of them. You'll know what's been done plus there's a better chance the owner took care of it. Or look for a deal. Sometimes people want to sell the truck when it needs head gaskets and that can really drop the price. Other repairs to expect for a D2 are as follows:
Head gaskets- Know the signs of them going out and look for them during your inspection.
Front drive shaft- Just buy one from Tom Wood's. Everything is serviceable (u-joints and centerball) and you'll have a stronger unit. A high mileage stock unit is a ticking time bomb that take out your tranny. Sell the stock one or keep it as a spare.
The 3 amigos- Look it up, there's even a shirt for them. ABS, TC, and HDC lights all on. Might need an ABS modulator, the re-build kit, or ABS sensor.
You will definitely need a roof rack of some sort.
If you go for a D2, find one with service records, lots of them. You'll know what's been done plus there's a better chance the owner took care of it. Or look for a deal. Sometimes people want to sell the truck when it needs head gaskets and that can really drop the price. Other repairs to expect for a D2 are as follows:
Head gaskets- Know the signs of them going out and look for them during your inspection.
Front drive shaft- Just buy one from Tom Wood's. Everything is serviceable (u-joints and centerball) and you'll have a stronger unit. A high mileage stock unit is a ticking time bomb that take out your tranny. Sell the stock one or keep it as a spare.
The 3 amigos- Look it up, there's even a shirt for them. ABS, TC, and HDC lights all on. Might need an ABS modulator, the re-build kit, or ABS sensor.
czenkov
Adventurer
Honestly I am not sure the DII sounds like it would provide any more room than a LWB Classic - and your kids will love you even more for the leg room in the back seat.
As far as the LT230, Factory is what I will be going for, but...this is what the console already looks like. This truck is somewhat known on the forums. Pick & Pull (or Tear Apart - not 100% sure which) truck with original 57K miles (now). Lady got tired of staring at it in the drive and gave it to them. From California. It was much unloved before Rick (guy I bought it from) purchased it so he made some modifications to suite his tastes and needs.
Assisting in the swap will be a LR mechanic that is a good friend of mine. So it will be done right.
I think that the DII is much wider.
Not much to worry about with that console, it kinda already toasty.
David Harris
Expedition Leader
Trust me, owning both, the D2 has a lot more room in it than the RRC. The LWB only has extra leg room, not width, or storage. Same number of seats short or long wheelbase. The Disco feels much roomier and you can have seven real seats with belts. Headroom is much more too.
I just swapped the LT230 into my 92 RRC. It was a pretty easy swap altogether, just time consuming. I swapped in the whole trans and tc in one unit with the frame brackets installed, by myself with a transmission jack. To get over the tippiness, I placed the cradle right between the pan and the tc, which seemed to be the center of gravity, then used a ratchet strap from the end of the transfer case over the top to the cradle, which kept it nice and solidly in place. With the truck on jackstands in the front and ramps in the rear, there was just enough room to roll the jack and trans under the truck. It really worked more smoothly than I thought, but then I have done a lot of trans/transfer case swaps before on different vehicles. The only problem I had was that I had to redrill the hole in the frame bracket for the rubber mount in a different position to get it to fit right. I removed the shift lock solenoid and used the driveshaft from a D1 in the front. The speedo cable went right in place of the VSS from the Disco. All the other wires plugged right into the BW harness. I used a D1 diff linkage which needed no mods, since I replaced the interior console with one from an 80's RRC that had the LT230 from the factory. If anyone has any questions on this let me know.
David
Farmerdave
New member
The kids are 13, 10, 7, and 4. Thanks for the response. The Discovery II seems to be the logical choice, but I keep seeing RRCs in town and they have a definite appeal.
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