Mix and match discovery and series IIA drivetrain

[zyewdall]

Relating to my project to rebuild the 1967 Series IIA 109.

I have a Salisbury rear axle, and a 1997 slushbox Discovery for pulling parts from. Engine will be a OM617 turbodiesel from a mercedes (about 180ft lbs peak torque, similar rpm range to the original 2.6 gas engine).

Ideas....

Disc brakes up front would be nice... swap the front axle from the disco over? Would I just bolt the outers knuckles/hubs on, the whole axle minus the differential, or what? I would like to get the stronger disco axle as well as the disc brakes, but not sure if that will interfere with keeping the 4.7 differential from the series.

Can I bolt the rear discs from the discovery to the salisbury? Not as concerned about this, but it might be nice, I guess.

I can get the power brake booster/cylinder from the disco too. I might be pulling the power steering from the disco too (or might get it from a 1980 Scout, which has an outboard steering box, depending on clearances with the new engine).

Will the transfer case from the disco swap to the series transmission? It has a lower 3.32 low range, compared to 2.35 for the series, I understand -- though I can't find out whether the automatic used the same transfer case as the manual discos. I will probably put a fairy overdrive on it. I am running a little larger than stock tires (33.5" -- 255/85/R16's). I could pretty easily source a transfer case from a classic range rover, which seems to have the same 3.32 low range, but a higher 1.0 (direct) high range. Am I better off trying to find a 5 speed disco transmission/transfer case (R380?) and not use the series transmission at all? They have an overdrive 5th that would obviate the need for the overdrive... I can possibly find one of those pretty cheap too, though it wouldn't be free.

I'm going to go crawl around in the dirt under both of them this evening and look at stuff and maybe answer a few of these questions myself. Honestly, I've never paid that much attention to the Disco configuration before, so I'm not sure how much is the same and how much is not...

Thanks

[Smokey Mountain Man]

I have only heard of people mixing and maching defender and TDI with searies rigs. I don't know how well it will work. But as long as your having fun go for it.

[zyewdall]

Well.... I can't have the front axle -- my friend smashed the front diff on his discovery last week, hitting a rock at about 50mph, so he's taking that... but still thinking about stuff.... the disco setup is more different than the series setup than I was anticipating. Same concept... but slightly different shape for alot of stuff. The transmission, transfer case, exhaust, etc are alot more exposed to rocks underneath on the disco than on the series.

[greenmeanie]

If you haven't done so already I'd go and talk to Jim at Seriestrek about his build with that Merc engine. After that you want to look at different combinations of gearbox and the gear ratios they give you and match them to the engine characteristics for torque and hp. Once you've found a set of ratios that suit you then go aboutsourcing the parts and adapters you need. You'll end up with a far more satisfying vehicle if you design the drivetrain rather than merely going with what is to hand right now. That is not to say that you should not be innovative but it pays to do your research up front before cutting metal.

Teriann Wakeman's website has some useful info and Ashcrofts in the UK has lots of possibilities for LR drivetrain. UNfortunately LR did not have the same degree of universal fit that GM is known for.