Disco 2 - Help needed

[SJR Superlight]

Hi,

I’m new to the 4x4 scene, so I come to you asking for advice.

I’m on the hunt for a Disco 2 TD5 Auto (yr 2000ish) to turn hopefully into a slightly more off road biased expedition vehicle; but I am wondering what spec to go for (XS, GS, ES?).

So my question is this; what are the most desirable bits to look for in a standard Disco 2, to enable me to have the best base vehicle possible?

I’ve been told I want a centre locking Diff – is this something they all come with?
I guess as little electronics as possible in case I feel the need to go wading…
Is there anything else you guys class as a must have?

Also, when looking to buy one – is there anything in particular I should be looking out for? Any trouble spots?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Simon

[mwy1964]

Cannot comment on the Disco, but had a few Range Rover classics which is the same chassis...

Centre Diff Lock comes as standard..

Aircon is essential as there is a lot of glass to let the sun through...

Thats about it from me...

[JWH]

mwy1964 said:

Cannot comment on the Disco, but had a few Range Rover classics which is the same chassis...

Centre Diff Lock comes as standard..

Aircon is essential as there is a lot of glass to let the sun through...

Thats about it from me...

Bit of mis information there - range rover classic is essentially the same chassis as Discovery 1, Disco 2 is slightly different.

They didn't all come with centre diff locks, IIRC the early ones did, then they stopped and they came back as an option towards the end of production. Also some were supplied with the locker in the transfer case but not connected to anything, you can get a kit to connect these up to the transfer box lever. Obviously they all have traction control - the theory being this eliminated the need for a diff lock but a lot don't agree.

Have a search on the net and you'll no doubt find more detail.

[jo'bo]

rust, check the boot floor, if that ok the rest prob is

the autos come with a whole lot of potential electrical issues, mostly concerning the gear selection switch

the air suspention is prone to puncture, cheap and the commpresor packing up, dear

the self leveling suspension is prone to giving up, expensive

there loaded with electronics but off road( wade) very well

I love mine to bits

[SJR Superlight]

Cheers guys, very helpfull stuff.

Certainly one issue I am concerned with is the renowned rust, but I have been told to go armed with a hammer and a torch.

I have heard about the problems with the ACE but is there anything you can do to prevent these things going 'pop'?

[jo'bo]

its the air suspension which goes pop, these cost a hundred quid each and about an hour to do

the ace goes drip, drip coz the pipes corrode, they look like brake pipes and can be inspected the same.

they are apparently a nightmare to replace, though they can be jointed up if it goes in an accessible place, or the whole thing scraped and replaced by springs etc

the d2 seems a lot better than d1 on rust though time will tell

mine a 2001 and its rust free, so they are about