Series III 109 disco hybrid

[zdover]

I am in the process of building a 109 hybrid. My goal is to have a veg-oil diesel 109 "offender" crew cab truck on a coiler chassis. I have a rugged series III with good mechanics (a 4 cyl diesel engine in it fitted with an overdrive that can get me up to 70 mph) that needs extensive bodywork. I have a 1996 land rover disco that I would like to stretch 9 inches and fit the modified series iii body and drive train in it. I'd can also source some of the parts from the disco to modernize the old series. I think if this done right I can have a solid highway worthy truck for a fraction of the cost a diesel 110 defender would cost here in the US of A. (I'm still on the hunt for a defender bonnet and breakfast.)
Does anyone have any experience suggestions or words of wisdom for this? one of my main concerns is the weight capacity of the disco chassis and rear axle.

[gordo]

Built my own hybrid about a year ago. Not too difficult just lots of welding/fabricating. I found it easier to use the RRC running gear myself. I didnt even have to remove the engine/trans or axles. I only removed the tbox so i could cut the frame and shorten it. I used a D90 bonnet and breakfast, a d90 steeringwheel/column and a D90 rad. Other than that mostly series and RRC stuff. One good thing is the frame rails are the same width so outriggers from a series will work as will a rear crossmember. The body will need to be lifted up on the chassis though to clear the rear frame. My advice is to tack everything and mock the body up as you go that way it is easier to change things if you need to down the road. Then rip it back apart weld everything for real and youre good. Gordo