"Restore" my DII?

[BowRat]

I'd really like a D90 or 110 - but as you all know, it's probably the ONLY mass-produced vehicle that has been imported that has actually doubled or even tripled in value since new. (think that'll ever happen with our DIIs?)

As a general consensus, what are thoughts/ideas about putting some sweat and money into my DII? Bought it at 49k, now has 79k, but has become an "extra" vehicle that I'm not ready to part with. I've done the typical laundry-list of replacements, repairs, and even some purely cosmetic stuff. (still 100% stock, for the most part)

USAA paid for a new bumper, grill and hood due to a unprovoked attack from a semi-truck retread. Other than that - no accidents, paint, etc. Although my wife jackknifed our boat trailer, resulting in a nice crack in the rear bumper cover and a cracked tail-light lens.

Here's what I'm considering:


Mike's 90k service
replace rear bumper and tail-light
recover headliner, (I know, major pain in the a**)
while headliner is out, clear the sunroof drain-tubes
find a good brush guard, have blasted and painted
new discs and pads all around
considering Borla cat-back exhaust
possibly fix (or more likely have fixed) some valve rattle/clatter on the driver's side bank
it's not within the vin range of the oil pump misfit
new suspension and possible light lift
new steering damper



other light cosmetic stuff - car has been in GA & FL since new, no frame rust at all

already replaced:
PS pump
"most" hoses and vac lines
coil pack and wires
t-stat
new MAF
new a/c cowl
coolant tank
throttle body plate/gasket
new tires (Goodyear warranty replaced last set) less than 500 miles on tires
a friend manages the local tires plus store, aligned front/back to factory spec
seems like there was more, but can't remember

Is it worth putting +/- $2k into it? (I don't think I'd try to tackle anything below the valve covers myself)

All that said, any thoughts/ideas?

With the RAVE cd and some knuckle bustin', I've been able to fix everything myself (so-far). Since it's not my primary vehicle, I don't mind the downtime with the upper-end repairs.

And finally, "My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it." - Jeff Spicoli, 1982

[BowRat]

After carefully reading "MUST Read For Anyone About to Repair a Head Gaskets or a Valve Train Noise." There's no way I'd attempt it myself - way beyond my skill-set.

There's a very slight tap on the driver's side bank...borrowed a fancy stethoscope.

[ArmyRover]

I look at it this way, if you like the Disco and enjoy it why get rid of it. You never get what you put into them out of it, so unless you need the space or cash keep it and enjoy it.

[roverandom]

Sure, why not? 'Better the devil you know' and all that. What else could you possibly get that could
a) cost less.
b) be more versatile.
c) is already parked in the driveway.

My 2c

[Sjobey]

I agree. I've worked hard to maintain mine including replacing every little item both mechanical and cosmetic as needed. I feel like it's a rapid slide if I don't keep it up. I love the vehicle and have kept it well maintained and stock. I have recently added SD rack, genuine ladder and i acquired a genuine brush guard that needs to be powder coated. I will go as far as to source the Discovery decal on the brush guard to keep it all original. To me its iconic and I enjoy the hell out of it. Will I ever get the money out of it? Never. But I'm good with that. Enjoy...

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AutoGuide.Com Free App

[Slabrat]

I figured it would cost me a bunch to get as "capable" a vehicle as my DII. I have 220000K miles . I have done hi mileage service and brakes " about to do Brake lines . Have done the front propshaft head gaskets water pump. Probably get shocks and springs when I replace my tires soon. I need to get my brushguard blasted and painted and fender well covers need painting. She will be ready to go on another road trip by April. All for much less than trading it in for another vehicle. I will keep mine going as along as I can.

[BowRat]

Thanks for all the input - helps justify keeping it around. As Slabrat pointed out - what else can I get that is as capable (pulls a 22' Center Console without a problem). It could be my imagination, but it seems to pull it BETTER than my Expedition. Not to mention, if the boat rams are covered in algae or just plain slick, the 4WD comes in very handy. And probably one of the best things - you don't see yourself at every turn. A DII doesn't get lost in a sea of Jeeps, Explorers, etc.

As I mentioned, reading the sticky about valve/lifter work scared the crap outta me. If it were already undriveable, and I really had nothing to lose, I might attempt it - but other than a small tap on the driver's side bank, the engine runs great. @Paul - is there an estimate (range) of what a top-half rebuild would cost?

U-joints and steering box seem tight, no leaks from the transfer case of rear dif. A very small oil drip that seems to go away if I tighten the valve covers. I searched high and low and finally found a 8mm, 12pt to do the tightening. (I think it was 8mm)

I think I'll go to a parts site (AB or BR) and just start filling the cart with the stuff I know I can handle myself, see how much it comes to, and go from there.

Now about that damn headliner...

[disco biscuit]

My 04 disco unquestionably pulls a trailer better than my 09 chevy half ton 4.8l. I think I will keep mine as long as I can.