Thinking about a Disco II replacement for the RR Classic

[gragravar]

Alright, I am used to the quirks of the Classic. The disco II feels like a more powerful, smoother, newer version of the same. Do you all have any thoughts about what to look for in a disco II? what to avoid? I'd be interested in hearing your ideas.

[Alak]

When I was shopping for my disco 2, I was concerned about the functionality of the electrics, and the working order of them. Of all the electrics in my 2002, the heated seat on the drivers side is the only thing that doesnt work. To the best of my knowledge, nothing has been repaired since factory.

Cleanliness was a factor. I noticed my truck has been repainted (noting the obvious overspray on the undercarrage), but overall it was CLEAN.

Its a little leakier than I expected (noting the natural disaster in my driveway), but repairs are soon to be completed. Drivetrain was minimal concern because not much has changed really.

I'll also note that during shopping, I drove a model with rear airbags and the ACE setup, or what have you. I have to say cornering was an interesting and alarming experience. I was also under the impression that there was issues to be had with the whole setup. Im much happier with my coil sprung setup, albeit airbags are a pretty cool feature.

Hope that helps.

[stolenheron]

get an 04!!!

[gragravar]

the one I test drove today was a certified used '04 with about 40K miles. brakes felt a little spongy but otherwise felt like a great ride.

[stolenheron]

yeah i bought my 04 with 16k miles last may (non certified) but clean title no wrecks, basically mint condition and i got an extended warranty. we got it for a steal of a price. and i'm lovin every minute of it

[Alak]

Something I forgot to mention before is to try and drive a variety of trucks before you buy. I drove at least 10 different ones, ranging from 98 S1 to 04. I was originally angling for an S1, but the S2 appealed more once I got a chance to drive one.

[Disco Mike]

The biggest thing to look for in a D2 would be a locking t/case, CDL.
They were in the 99, 2000, early 2001's and all 04's. Without that you won't have as much traction and can't add lockers.
Good luck,
Mike

[Crysyn]

Get an 04 over an 03 for sure. If you get an older one, find a clean 99 or 2000, that way with a simple mod you can have the CDL(some of early 2001's may have it). Ask the person selling it about the front drive shaft as well because they could not be serviced and guaranteed to go sooner or later.

The 04 is going to have the 4.6 instead of the 4.0 engine and the CDL is ready to go. Its supposed to be a tad refined over all compared to the older Disco II's. Of course the head lamps are the obvious difference.

ACE is nice, but most of the time the system is noisy and not much can be done about it. When they are noisy it sounds like a power steering pump moan at low RPM's, once up to speed you don't hear it anymore. Ever since I put the OME lift on mine, I think it handles great with out the ACE. The ACE system will let go of the sway bars when engaging the transfer case in low which is kind of cool for more articulation. All the ACE vehicles come with the 18 inch wheels where as I prefer the 16 inch for off-road, but you can always find somebody selling their 16's or perhaps even willing to trade.

I think the Self Leveling Suspension is a minus not a plus personally, the SE 7's will have that and you can tell just in driving by if you see an extra set of mud flaps underneath the vehicle just in front of the rear wheels, those are there to protect the air suspension.

Other than that(other than what you would look for on any used vehicle), the only thing consistent I have seen is the powered door locks stop working which I don't think is a big deal and not that big of deal to fix should you decide to.

I think they are great vehicles and comfortable for long drives to your off road destination.

So would you get rid of your RRC?

[Disco Mike]

Have you done anything to help correct your ACE noise, such as a filter change, synthetic fluids or replacing your pump?
Mike

[Crysyn]

You know, I have spoke with the dealer and my mechanic(after the filter was changed), both say no to anything helping it.

I have seen where you have suggested to some people on this board these ideas, but saw no response from them saying it helped.

How much to replace the pump would you figure?

My wife is used to the noise, but man it drives me crazy when we take her vehicle places.

I would be willing to try anything.

[OkieRover]

Compared to my Classic, my 2003 Disco's brakes are very spongy.
I had the dealership, while under warranty take a look at it, and they replaced my brake master cylinder. It's still spongy.

I sorta wish now that I have a Disco 2 that I would have been able to spend about 2500$ or perhaps more on my Classic and do more on the refurbish of it, instead of buying the Disco 2. But that was not in the cards.

I like the 4.6 very beefy, but I don't like how hard it is to get in and out of. Once you're in it's very comfortable, but the doors just don't open up quite wide enough for me. I like the rear gate for loading groceries and boxes and stuff, but I don't like it cause I can't haul long pieces of lumber or stuff in it like my Classic and her lift gate.

Overall I'm still very fond of my Classic but no so much my Disco 2.

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by Crysyn

You know, I have spoke with the dealer and my mechanic(after the filter was changed), both say no to anything helping it.

I have seen where you have suggested to some people on this board these ideas, but saw no response from them saying it helped.

How much to replace the pump would you figure?

My wife is used to the noise, but man it drives me crazy when we take her vehicle places.

I would be willing to try anything.

I have spoken with people who have replaced the pumps, usually to no avail.
Some have had luck changing the fluid, going with Vavoline's synthetic and a half a bottle of Lucas, actually works well to use in the p/s also.
Just a thought.
Mike

[Disco Mike]

Okie,
How many miles on your D2?
Have you replaced the rubber brake lines yet? As they get older, they get softer and can cause a soft pedal.
Mike

[Crysyn]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

I have spoken with people who have replaced the pumps, usually to no avail.
Some have had luck changing the fluid, going with Vavoline's synthetic and a half a bottle of Lucas, actually works well to use in the p/s also.
Just a thought.
Mike

Thanks Mike. Any chance of a system leak with the synthetic? Probably not or you would not recommend it.

I recall you said to suck the old fluid out with a baster or similar device. Will look into it more.

[Crysyn]

Originally Posted by OkieRover

Compared to my Classic, my 2003 Disco's brakes are very spongy.
I had the dealership, while under warranty take a look at it, and they replaced my brake master cylinder. It's still spongy.

I sorta wish now that I have a Disco 2 that I would have been able to spend about 2500$ or perhaps more on my Classic and do more on the refurbish of it, instead of buying the Disco 2. But that was not in the cards.

I like the 4.6 very beefy, but I don't like how hard it is to get in and out of. Once you're in it's very comfortable, but the doors just don't open up quite wide enough for me. I like the rear gate for loading groceries and boxes and stuff, but I don't like it cause I can't haul long pieces of lumber or stuff in it like my Classic and her lift gate.

Overall I'm still very fond of my Classic but no so much my Disco 2.

My mechanic owns a P38, Disco 1(gave to his son) and a RRC. I asked him which vehicle he liked the best and he said that was easy, his RRC. He says its been reliable and easy to work on, plus he finds it to be very comfortable. He has another one that he is building it into a more hard core off road machine now.

I have only driven a RRC once, I liked it(it was what made me want a Land Rover), but would not trade my Disco II for it.

Just FYI.