Hey all!
Well I found this site to help me make an informed decision in my next wheeling vehicle. I've had a TJ (Wrangler) for a while, but I sold it to buy a Jeep Patriot for the commute. However, I miss my TJ terribly. After looking on the local Cragslist (Las Vegas) for a new 4X4, I stumbled across an '01 Disco II. Ive always had a thing for Land Rovers and thought this might be a good place to get some answers.
As far as "out of the box" capability, which model is best for climbing and trails? Ive seen the discos and ranger rovers, as well as the "out of my league" defender, but I also see that they have a new model, the freelander.
Second question: Which will take the least amount of money to upgrade. Im not talking about a complete suspension overhaul, but which one with the most basic upgrades (lift and such) will cost the least. Ive seen some discos go for around 4k-6k with a little less then 80K miles. I would like to stay in the lower spectrum of that range when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, but am willing to pay more for the upgrades.
I know this is a very vauge and general question, but I still have a good amount of reading in front of me to get aquainted with these fine rides.
Hey all!
Well I found this site to help me make an informed decision in my next wheeling vehicle. I've had a TJ (Wrangler) for a while, but I sold it to buy a Jeep Patriot for the commute. However, I miss my TJ terribly. After looking on the local Cragslist (Las Vegas) for a new 4X4, I stumbled across an '01 Disco II. Ive always had a thing for Land Rovers and thought this might be a good place to get some answers.
As far as "out of the box" capability, which model is best for climbing and trails? Ive seen the discos and ranger rovers, as well as the "out of my league" defender, but I also see that they have a new model, the freelander.
Second question: Which will take the least amount of money to upgrade. Im not talking about a complete suspension overhaul, but which one with the most basic upgrades (lift and such) will cost the least. Ive seen some discos go for around 4k-6k with a little less then 80K miles. I would like to stay in the lower spectrum of that range when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, but am willing to pay more for the upgrades.
I know this is a very vauge and general question, but I still have a good amount of reading in front of me to get aquainted with these fine rides.
Again thanks in advance all!
Get a 2004 DII. It comes with the 4.6, Centre Diff lock, and a great Traction control system. It is also the last year for that specific model. Discovery IIs are much easier to lift and fit larger tires than a Discovery I. Plus it is a Newer vehicle (year wise) so many still have warranty and they are less likely to fail or break down or need Much maintenance. For instance, you would need to do a lot more maintenance work when you first get a 100K mile 10 year old Discovery I vs. a 5 year old 60K DII. IMHO
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Pete 2003 DII CDL equipped
33" Destination M/Ts
A 99' DI (last of the breed), or an 04' DII (last of the true Disco's) would be a great choice. Most Disco owners consider the 99' DI the best of the best, but a lot of us DII owners wheel the snot out of our trucks. Pete's a little off base, as the DII is no easier to lift than a DI, but it will stuff a slightly larger tire lift vs. lift than a DI because of the design of it's inner wheel wells, and the flares that come stock. If you try to find a DII, 04' or not, try to get one without ace and sls. You'll want the rear coils instead of air bags if you're going to wheel it. Also, if you can't afford an 04' model, the 99' and 00', and even very early 01' DII's had the nipple on the transfer case for locking cdl. You'd just need to add the shifter. Good luck with your search.
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"In certain places, at certain hours, gazing at the sea is dangerous. It is what looking at a woman sometimes is." - Victor Hugo
Originally Posted by Elemental
Some guys play hard to get, I play hard to want.
A 99' DI (last of the breed), or an 04' DII (last of the true Disco's) would be a great choice. Most Disco owners consider the 99' DI the best of the best, but a lot of us DII owners wheel the snot out of our trucks. Pete's a little off base, as the DII is no easier to lift than a DI, but it will stuff a slightly larger tire lift vs. lift than a DI because of the design of it's inner wheel wells, and the flares that come stock. If you try to find a DII, 04' or not, try to get one without ace and sls. You'll want the rear coils instead of air bags if you're going to wheel it. Also, if you can't afford an 04' model, the 99' and 00', and even very early 01' DII's had the nipple on the transfer case for locking cdl. You'd just need to add the shifter. Good luck with your search.
a DII requires alittle to no trimming when lifting and fitting larger tires. i have an RTE 2" lift and 33s. no trimming required.
also, take the flares off. they look gay. like that big gay banana on your A-pillar.
I agree with all of the above (except the part about the flares ). I would just add that if you miss your TJ, make sure you get the sunroofs. It isn't quite the same as a doorless, topless Jeep but I've found I like it better (I made just that same switch 5 years ago and haven't looked back).
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