My new Disco

[Badger]

Hey!!

Three months ago I purchased a 97 Disco SD excelent condition. I have slowly been breaking it in. i have been searching al over for a forum like this. I have a whole mes of tech questions and I am needing some advice. I want to get a new paint job. black is awful hot colour. any suggestions?

My first trip off road was just a few days ago. I thought I would "show it off". It was about 30 miles of medium rough road. My rover was awesome. I was so proud

Specs: 88653k miles, leather interior, at. Picked it up for 5200$.

I will have pics soon.

[roverX]

Congrats! Don't get 'er painted! Ask away my friend regarding your tech questions.

[Badger1]

Forget about the new paint job, especially if you plan on doing a significant amount of offroading. It will just get scratched up. Spend the money on a tune up, lift, tires, underbody protection etc., etc. You get the picture, besides that's what AC is for ! Congrats on the new truck I also have a 97 SD. You wouldn't happen to be a transplanted Wisconsinite also would you?

[Badger]

Yeah, I guess you guys are right. It will just get scratched.
Ok first question. I need to replace my steering dampaning shock. I am thinking about going with a Emu. is that a good choice? Right now I am driving with out one, kinda wiggly.

Sorry dude, sixth generation Cali.
What colour is your disco?

[rmuller]

Go with an emu, unless people have custom made them, thats the one I see on most trucks.

Black isn't a great color when it comes to hiding scratches, but if you're going offroading, the last thing you're gonna worry about is your paint! Like the other badger said, put it towards mods!

[Badger]

Ok, so emu is the way to go.

What would be the next best thing to upgrade?

[Badger]

Here she is. Sorry its so low quality.....and so big.

[Badger]

These are older pics.

[rmuller]

Depends on terrain..

Tires are important, but you may want to do a lift first so you can fit bigger tires.. (Rovertym lift, or Old Man Emu)

new bumper will allow for a winch, and increase approach angle

Differential Guards if you are doing a lot of rocks since they are the lowest point to the ground

Rock sliders if you are doing rocks also so you dont destroy your sills

Snorkel if you are doing water and/or very dusty conditions

Roof rack if you are transporting a lot of stuff

It all depends on what your immediate needs are and how much money you have to spend.. if you want to start off cheap, then there is a 'cheap bastard' lift for the DI's which involve moving the rear springs to the front and getting different springs for the back, that'll allow you to put bigger tires (perhaps 32s) on.. and you can also trim your bumper to increase approach angle. www.discoweb.org's tech section has information on the trimming

[Badger]

Thanks!! This will really help. I guess the first thing I should do is lift, then skids and guards. There is a lot of sharp volcanic rock where I am. I dont want to cut any thing.Thanks for the address too.

I have started to order my parts from Atlantic British, are they reliable?

[rmuller]

Extremely reliable, but somewhat high priced..

For a lift, I'd recommend either 4x4 Adventure Gear (www.4x4ag.com, JohnC and AdrianS are members of this board), or Rovertym (www.rovertym.com).

I'd recommend the same two companies for a bumper, 4x4ag's is quite a bit more cost efficient then Rovertyms, both are great bumpers though.

expeditionexchange.com is another great place for parts, but prices are high.

roversnorth.com is another good place, but is similiar to atlantic british.

Dap-inc.com has some great pricing, and you can get skid plates and what not from them.

rovertym.com also has a good reputation for their rock sliders (I have a pair, I love them)

[Badger]

Thanks!! You're Awesome!!!!
I am on discoweb right now, will the bumper cutting work for the DI too?

[roverX]

OK, dude, since you are in Tahoe - about 2-1/2 hrs from me...if you want to do a cheap lift, go with OME springs and shocks - I'll help you install them if you buy the beer and we go wheeling right after - should take about 2 hours to install all around, maybe 3, depending on how "rusted" everything is. Get some MT's since you will be doing a lot of snow driving in the winter, by the way, the Disco is awesome in the snow.

Got a sawzall? If you go bigger tires, I will be glad to chop away...or do a template and make some nice cuts so you can stuff them tires. Get diff protectors and rock sliders first, then do all the other mods. Why? Chances are, other guys you go wheeling with will have a winch and so forth but their protection cannot protect you.

Oh yeah, lift wise, I don't recommend going over 2" unless you have a lot of money to spend on other upgrades. Oh, and get rid of the rubber coupling.

[Badger]

Seriously!! That would be Awesome!! I get my pay check at the end of the month, then I will know what I can afford. I would be willing to pay you.
"by the way, the Disco is awesome in the snow"
Thats good to know.
The tire size I am running now are 250/65 16". Brodgestone Duelers HTs. skids and slides are next on my list. I think I am only going to be able to afford a 2" lift.
rubber coupling?
I just finished cutting my bumper. I used an exacto knife. I will upload pics.

[Badger]

does it look ok?
Before and After