Will Discovery I parts fit?

[nickm347]

I'm in the market for a RRC and I'm trying to do as much research as possible. Im pretty new with Land Rovers, so bare with me for any stupid questions. I know I want a RRC, but I would like an LT230 transfer case, and since its not likely I will find an 87-88 thats close, in good condition, or reasonably priced, I plan on getting any year and putting that TC in from a Disco I. Also, from what I understand, the older RRC had 10spline axles, and the Discos had 24. Will the axles and diff's fit on a RRC, and if not, will the axles, carrier etc transfer over to the RRC housing? Also, are there any other parts that will fit, even if a little modification is needed? IE transmission, brakes, suspension, other driveline components etc.

Sorry that was so long, and thanks for all the help. This is a great site for LR info and pics. Hopefully when I learn more I can contribute some as well.

[MuddyRangeRover]

As far as I know(and I am not an expert), all you need it is the LZT230 from 94-97, front DS, and the passenger side mount, and it goes right in. O an dosme trimming for the lever.

[Paul Grant]

I'll handle the axle and diff end of the question. If you buy a Range Rover Classic that was made from mid year 1993 on, you'll most likely have 24 spline axles and diffs. If on the other hand, you get one from earlier in the production run, you will have the 10 spline set up.

Now, if you buy a RRC that had ABS, you will be able to just slide the axles in through the hubs and swap out the old 10 spline diff for the 24 spline on out of your Disco and you should be good to go. However, if you buy a RRC that didn't have ABS, you'll also need the hubs and stub axles from you Disco as well. You may also need the swivels from the Disco as well when dealing with non ABS RRC's.

The rear diff will be a different matter. Since the rear diff on the Disco is set up with a flange designed to accept the rotoflex, you will need to remove that flange and find the proper flange for a u-joint. The other alternative is to leave the diff alone and swap the rear prop shaft from the Disco. Go to discoweb.org and check in the tech section for details on the rotoflex/u-joint swap.

One other thing about switching the transfer case. You'll need the front prop shaft off the Disco because the one out of a Borg Warner equipped RRC will not work.

I'm sure others will add to the thread with a number of things I forgot to mention.

[p76rangie]

Early Discos also had 10 spline axles. 10 and 24 spline axles are different lengths, so you cannot simply change the diff centre and axles. You have to change the stub axles, wheel bearings and everthing as well. You can get after market axles that will allow you to go to a 24 spline centre without having to change the rest. When Range Rover went to ABS they changed the CV and front axle set-up to a weaker unit. So you are probably better to stay with a non-abs car if possible. Less hassle that way. As already pointed out, the drive shaft lengths are different between the two transfer cases. You can get rid of the rotoflex by changing just the drive flange rather than the whole diff centre.

All the bits basically change over. So you can simply pull out the whole diff assembly (back or front) and just swap them over.

[nickm347]

Thanks guys, thats some great info. I have a lead on a 91 RRC I'm going to check out once finals are over. Its pretty high mileage, so my thought was, buy a wrecked disco for parts and use all the good stuff if it will bolt up.

Do you guys know if the transmission from a Disco would work? I doubt it will since they are diff engines, but just in case, it would be nice to have it around if I got a parts car.

[p76rangie]

As long as they are both autos or both manuals, the transmission will bolt straight in. As will the motors if you want. About the only things that are not interchangeable are the body panels, but the chasis is.

[Paul Grant]

If you can't find a Disco for parts, i have just about everything you'd need to do the type of conversions you're looking to do. That includes the LT230, diffs, half shafts, hubs stubs ect. I've taken apart four Disco's in the last three months and more than a dozen Range Rover Classics in the last year.

[nickm347]

I see excellent
Well, I hope to get the vehicle over my christmas break, and I would like to start doing that soon, thanks for letting me know, I hope I will be getting a hold of you for parts soon. Just gotta get through finals then I can go test drive it.

[Paul Grant]

Good luck with finals and with your Rover!

[nickm347]

Thanks!