You guys are scaring me!

[mnmike]

So is this what is needed? http://www.safarigard.com/catalog/difflok_2412360.htm

(though I know there are cheaper alternatives)

[KDamericano]

Yeah I think that's what Disco Mike runs on his. It looks like an all-inclusive kit.

[Disco Mike]

That is what I am using, have had it for 4 years and never let me down.
You can also buy a 2004 kit from Rover for about the same money and then have the full shifter assembly, eith is a good way to go.
Mike

[Deuter412]

Wow!
This is more info than one old southerner can digest.
OK I've found a 97 Disco #1 it's in Prosperity South Carolina. I'm talking to the guy again tomorrow. He's asking 5000, 125K no major issues. Says that he has "some" of the service records. Can somebody tell me: Will this vehicle perform better off road than a DII? Can upgrading the suspension/ exhaust /tires be done easier? I understand from this thread that the rearend is shorter and bumpers smaller. Are there other issues that I should be looking at?..........Thanks... I'm feeling a little better...I'm not sure if it's the beer or that UNC is starting to do better.

[mnmike]

yeah i think the D1 is cheaper to upgrade and there are more aftermarket parts available. Its more simple too so less annoying things to break

[02disco2]

Both the D1 and D2 have loads of aftermarket parts available. Usually, the D1 guys will say the D1 is the best, then the D2 guys will say the D2's are the best and the only time we all really get together is when we all agree that the Freelander just plain sux. So, there ya go.

[phantom phan]

Deuter412
pay your dollars for the vehicle you like, either a D1 or a D2 will be so much more capable off road than you can imagine. both have their good and bad points, age is against the D1 and improved electrics against the D2
centre diff lock is available on 99 -01 D2's and then reintroduced on the 04 model years.
i had a D1for 6 years and it was an absolute joy, went every where even on road tyres part ex'd it with 186k on the clock, now i drive a D2 V8i G4, ex competitor vehicle in Austrailia, and this too is an absolute joy, except for the fuel costs here in the uk
regards
martin

[dmcwhorter9974]

Originally Posted by 02disco2

Both the D1 and D2 have loads of aftermarket parts available. Usually, the D1 guys will say the D1 is the best, then the D2 guys will say the D2's are the best and the only time we all really get together is when we all agree that the Freelander just plain sux. So, there ya go.

Thats it in a nutshell. Just got back from Uhwarrie this weekend. Didnt take the truck out, rode with my buddy Dave. There are only about 3 or 4 trails you cant do with a stock rig and a good spotter working with you. Good trails and a really good club around your area. Check out the Old North State Land Rover club. They are the guys that put on URE, a Land Rover only event in your part of the woods. Also, there is CROC- Carolina Rover Owners Club out in that area. Prepare yourself to defend against all the Jeep owners in that area. Hell hath no fury like a southerner with a Jeep being told he is wrong. I'm fairly new to the Disco world. Just got mine last March. Never cared about cars that much, didnt know the slightest thing about them. Im not rich by any means when it comes to money. I am a fairly low ranking military guy with an expensive drinking habit. But so far its been a fairly cheap ride for me. If your not overly confident in your repair and funding abilities, you could do what i did and splurge on an extended warranty. Of course, thats anywhere up and past 2 grand that you could put in mods on your truck, but at least you get the peace of mind knowing that your Rover is taken care of. The other thing that has sold me on these cars for life is there ability and the community built up around them. I found myself wanting to find out a little about them. Then i found myself wanting to know everything about them. Then i found myself not wanting to take the car to the shop when it was under warranty just so i could learn how to do the repairs. The people in the LR community are mostly very kind and willing to help with any problem you have (In my case, however trivial it may be.) Especially on this web site. Sure, you pay for premium gas (will not put anything less than recomended octane in mine, just to chime in :-)) and your wallet will feel a little lighter on certain bad days and oil changes, but come on. Its a Rover. It has heritage. You will find yourself looking for them everywhere you go. Every movie you watch, you will play spot the Rover. Wonder if any other 4x4's do that? Look up the Camel Trophy. Check out the history of these awesome vehicles. After that, if you dont have Disco fever, then explore your options. Just keep in mind that there is a reason these vehicles have such a strong following and that there are people here that are willing to take time just to let you know the reasons why you should buy one. It wouldnt be that case if the price outweighed the merits.

Just my two cents though. Hope it helped.
Cheers.

David

[Carlos]

Originally Posted by Deuter412

I'm looking to be a first time 1999 Discovery II owner(only 74K) , but these threads paint a pattern problems. Can someone talk me down off this ledge? Do you guys recommend Land Rovers?
The Disco I'm looking at has an electrical problem with the rear moon roof and there is a sound in the engine...like a squealing belt. The idler arm looks good and the sound doesn't appear to be coming from there. Could it be the water pump? Called the dealer and they say a water pump and install is 750 big ones. I've replaced lots of water
pumps on old Volvos and never spent more than a 100.
I guess my final question is: Are all the problems and down time worth it? Thanks, new guy on the forum,
Deuter412
.....Oh yeah the price is being negotiated, but it looks like about 72 to $7800....

That's areal good price for that truck/mileage. The sound you are talking about is mopst probably the belt tensioner pulley. You can replace it yourself.
There's a great LR independent shop in the Durham area, Rover Club House. They can virtually take your truck apart and re-assemble it back, install aftermarket parts/ accesories etc. and their labor is really fair as compared to the dealership. They know their stuff and they also go 4-wheeling and do meetings/campings!!!
In my opinion I would go for the Disco ll.
Thanks,
Carlos