New to Discovery 2

[splinter]

Hello to everyone out there, I am just about to purchase off my father his disco, he's had it since new and is a completely stock td5. I'm hoping to be a bit more adventurous than just use it to tow a caravan, so I look to you guys for some suggestions on what you'd do to this car baring in mind that I don't wish to lose to much of its nice on road manners. Something's I have in mind but I'm not sure what a good brand or good value for money are

Winch bar?
Winch?
Rear bar?
Snorkel?
Would like to do a suspension lift but how hi and what brand?
Tyres and rims? Have a set of coopers on now, would like to get a set of wheels and tyres for off-road too.
Is there anything else that you'd do to a td5 to set it up?
One thing I have read on this forum that has worried is the the head gasket issue, this one has done 279k.... Should I be worried??
Thanks in advance, Neil.

[clubagreenie]

1. Xrox bar
2. Tigers winch, they have a good package of winch, hi lift and recovery kit.
3. Not many options, & expensive. Make your own or buy one from onee of the people here who make a few.
4. A few options, safari available < $300 second hand. >$600 new. Cheapies seem to suffer iv exposure from reports. Overseas is expensive.
5. 2" max w/out other major changes. Lovells hd I use with winch & bar etc. Good stableift comfortable off rd and on. Shocks are subjective.p
6. Steel rims for off rd. Overseas are cheap but shipping... Tyres, A/T or M/T.take your pick. There's heaps of discussions in here.
7. Other. Abs extensions, diff guards, bash plate,

[splinter]

Thanks Greenie, that's given me a good direction to start looking.

[Disco Muppet]

1. Bar depends on what you want it for. Xrox are certainly very good, but if you want a bit more on road protection then ARB. Pretty crappy approach angle, but very strong. Will cause front suspension sag though.
TJM have a better approach angle, but not as strong.
ARB sahara bar I know nothing about :)
2. X2 on Tigerz, they do good deals and seem to be reliable winches.
3. X2 what clubagreenie said. check out the Discovery 2 rear bar threads, much better deals in there than most shops, but you can always make your own.
4. Safari or Mantec. Both similar in pricing, mantec will most likely have to come from the UK. Avoid cheapies.
5. 2 inches is the max without having to do extended ABS lines like clubagreenie said, also the more lift you have increases prop shaft wear.
6. Up to you. I run standard alloys with Pirelli scorpion ATRs and love them.
Steelies are good for offroad as you can usually hammer them back into shape.
7. good underbody protection, get your hands on a nancom if you can, engine saver alarms. Make sure it gets its regular services, and keep your eye on it.
Head Gasket, mines just hit 220k and AFAIK no head gasket yet but it still runs fine, no indication of it needing it done yet.
If you can afford it, get the head pulled and a new gasket put in, cheaper than waiting for it to go bang, and it gives you a bit of peace of mind.
You're in the right place, more info on here than you can poke a stick at.
Check out the good oil section for some common Td5 issues and what to do about them.
Cheers, hope this helps.
Muppet

[Banjo_pluker]

Guess it depends on the age of the D2 in regard to CDL or not?

[Disco Muppet]

Guess it depends on the age of the D2 in regard to CDL or not?

a very good point.

[Ged]

G'day Splinter. I'm in a similar position to you in that I finally was able to wrest control of the 2004 D2 td5a off my wife when we bought a new car recently. The D2 was bought as a town classic which included 18" alloys. I spent 12 months researching mods that I could do that would allow me to get off road, sometimes with a tough off road camper we have. I had a pretty good look here on Aulro (so many helpful people and great threads) and had some good chats to our helpful landrover mechanic Damien at Peninsula Rangie. For what its worth, here's my list.

Completed:
ECU upgrade - more power and torque, especially useful when towing. If you do this mod and have an auto, make sure you get the transmission serviced at the same time as the increased power and torque will subject it to increased stress.
Prodigy Electric Brake Controller - for electric brakes on camper
Terra Firma Heavy Duty 2" suspension lift, including springs, shocks, replacement bump stops and longer stainless steel brake hoses
Safari Snorkel - looked at other options but went this way based on strength of reputation and looks
UHF radio - aerial fitted to custom bracket that protrudes through front grill

Next:
EGR Removal - improves quality of gases used in combustion
Canvas seat covers
Recovery points for front
265 75 R16 Cooper ST Maxx on steel rims- these will add 2" to the overall wheel diameter from the original equipment, or 1" inch of lift if measured from ground to centre of hub. This means that the 2" suspension lift added to the 1" wheel lift meets the maximum 3" (75mm) lift allowable for four wheel drives in Victoria. You can add more lift via tires or suspension but that introduces risk issues with insurance and the authorities.

After that:
ARB bull bar with 9000lb winch and spotties
Rock sliders
Underbody protection
Rear bar

Loving the process, hope you do too!:)

[splinter]

What's this cdl mod? I've tried to search it but can't come up with anything specific to my td5, it's a 2002 mod by the way.

[clubagreenie]

Actually, no 1. priority is check the front tail shaft. I just inspected one for someone else here and I drove it less than 400m before returning to the dealer and advising them not to drive it anywhere until it was done. Looked ok and felt ok, had greasable joints all round but as soon as it drove sounded like a family of cicadas under the car.

Good point about the CDL too, hopefully it has it.

Sahara bar will fit. Need D2 mounts with D2a sahara bar. ARB will tell you it won't until you show them and then they'll still say it doesn't despite being proven wrong. And added to that it's over $2500-, more tsn double a xrox and $1000- more than a std ARB.

[Disco Muppet]

What's this cdl mod? I've tried to search it but can't come up with anything specific to my td5, it's a 2002 mod by the way.

Centre Diff lock, forces power to both front and rear axles.
D1 had CDL on the transfer case, and could be activated using the hi/low selector.
Removed the capacity to activate it from in the cabin in the 99 - mid 01 D2s as it still had the internals in the transfer case, just not connected to the lever. mid 01 to mid 02 didn't have either the link to the lever or the internals.
Mid 02 onwards on the facelift D2s had the internals and factory linkages.
So, is yours a D2 or D2a? Look at the headlights and tail lights to check.
If it's a pre facelift 02 then you won't have the internals, so you'd need some transfer case bits from a facelift one to get the CDL.
Get Offtrack in here, he's the CDL man isn't he? :)
Cheers
Muppet

[splinter]

Centre Diff lock, forces power to both front and rear axles.
D1 had CDL on the transfer case, and could be activated using the hi/low selector.
Removed the capacity to activate it from in the cabin in the 99 - mid 01 D2s as it still had the internals in the transfer case, just not connected to the lever. mid 01 to mid 02 didn't have either the link to the lever or the internals.
Mid 02 onwards on the facelift D2s had the internals and factory linkages.
So, is yours a D2 or D2a? Look at the headlights and tail lights to check.
If it's a pre facelift 02 then you won't have the internals, so you'd need some transfer case bits from a facelift one to get the CDL.
Get Offtrack in here, he's the CDL man isn't he? :)
Cheers
Muppet

My one has the square headlights, unlike the later one that has the small round ones aswell, so I assume it's a d2?

[Disco Muppet]

My one has the square headlights, unlike the later one that has the small round ones aswell, so I assume it's a d2?

Yup, it's a D2.
So, if you want CDL, you need to find a suitable donor vehicle.
It's definitely worth it, CDL and TC offroad is a dynamite combo :)

[Banjo_pluker]

Yup, it's a D2.
So, if you want CDL, you need to find a suitable donor vehicle.
It's definitely worth it, CDL and TC offroad is a dynamite combo :)

second that, I have owned both and without you do notice the difference, well worth doing:D

[splinter]

I always thought that the cdl was not on vehicles it was because land rover went to the vicous diff setup?

[Banjo_pluker]

no land rover in their wisdom thought that the new traction control on the D2 meant that you didn't need the CDL- they realised that this was not the case so put it back in the D2a

[Nova]

Don't forget that the early D2's had the parts in place for CDL but no lever. IIRC sometime around 2001 until D2a are missing internals as well.

Cheers,
Nova

[Disco Muppet]

Don't forget that the early D2's had the parts in place for CDL but no lever. IIRC sometime around 2001 until D2a are missing internals as well.

Cheers,
Nova

Been covered :)
The change over date is around july 01 IIRC.

[clubagreenie]

Yes, the ultimate question now is what year D2 is it? Or have a feel above the front output housing, above and behind the front tailshaft. You should feel a short (15 or so mm) shaft sticking out. That's the spigot you need to turn to activate, counter-clockwise from looking underneath.

[Disco Muppet]

Yes, the ultimate question now is what year D2 is it? Or have a feel above the front output housing, above and behind the front tailshaft. You should feel a short (15 or so mm) shaft sticking out. That's the spigot you need to turn to activate, counter-clockwise from looking underneath.

Didn't OP say it was an 02 model?

[splinter]

I should take possession of the car later this week, will definately be climbing under over it then armed with all this new knowledge.
Another thing not working is the fuel sender unit, does anyone know if they are the same re diesel and petrol and where the best place to get disco parts is?

[Banjo_pluker]

where the best place to get disco parts is?

that all depends were you live

[splinter]

Victoria, but was also wondering about websites etc?

[splinter]

Found out its a 2003 mod, so I bet it won't have the cdl internals fitted? Does that mean that if I want to fit them the transfer box will have to be removed or would it be easier just to replace the box, that's if I can find one.

[splinter]

Found out that it's a 2003 mod so I bet it won't have the cdl internals?

[SiddersC]

2003 will be a D2a update and will have the CDL

[turps]

2003 will be a D2a update and will have the CDL

2003 with square headlight would be the last of the D2's before they brought out the D2a wouldnt it?

[splinter]

2003 with square headlight would be the last of the D2's before they brought out the D2a wouldnt it?

That's what I was thinking.

[clubagreenie]

So the headlights are cheap to replace but the transfer is expensive to make right.

[splinter]

Lol

[SiddersC]

Didn't the d2a roll out late 2002?

[splinter]

I'm thinking it'd be the last of the 2's but registered early 03, it came with the square headlights from new.

[splinter]

Well I finally got her, here's some pics of the girl 4985449855
I noticed there's a bit of exterior trim missing that holds the door seal in place 49856
The interior is very basic on this model
4985749858
I think some black rims and bull bars will make the Jewish racing gold come alive ;)

[SiddersC]

So is it a 2002 model first reg in 03?

Looks nice btw

That trim piece should be easy to get off a wrecker

[OffTrack]

There is a sticky with information on build dates and VINS for the various model years:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/155178-model-years-build-dates-vins.html

Just noticed there is a typo in the build dates for the MY02 - it should be:

Build Dates: 3 July 2001 to 26 April 2002

[clubagreenie]

I certainly got one of the last 02 models being dated 21st April 02

[splinter]

Well I had a quick look at the vin and there's no A1 in it, I'll have a closer look tomorrow when I have more time.
It's been recommended to me to have the car chipped? Is it something I can buy myself or do I have to take it to the shop? I'm also thinking about getting a nannocom too, to make myself less dealer reliant.

[OffTrack]

Well I had a quick look at the vin and there's no A1 in it, I'll have a closer look tomorrow when I have more time.
It's been recommended to me to have the car chipped? Is it something I can buy myself or do I have to take it to the shop? I'm also thinking about getting a nannocom too, to make myself less dealer reliant.

Should be 1A if it's a 2001MY or 2A if it's 2002MY.

The EU3 engine was installed for the 2002MY onwards and these have a flashable ECU. You can use the Nanocom to upload the tuned MAP file to the ECU. There are a number of vendors on AULRO who will happily sell you a tuned Map file.

[splinter]

Thanks Off Track, it has a 2A about half way through the VIN.

[splinter]

I just checked the build date on the compliance plate and it's 08/02..... And read your post on vin plates again, I think something is amiss here?

[splinter]

I'm having trouble trying to locate someone or somewhere to get my ecu up graded, I've tried searching the forum but I think using the phone to do this isn't giving me the results I'm after.
I'm based in west gippsland but anywhere in Vic would be good at the moment?

[Banjo_pluker]

What about Ritter in Melbourne?

[splinter]

Went for a drive yesterday around the Matlock area, I didn't venture off the road because I have no recovery gear at the moment so I didnt want to get into a situation I couldn't get out of. 50533
It was a great experience driving through the snow, the traction control was working a fair bit on those snow covered roads, same with the abs although I thought it was a bit to sensitive. 50534
Was a great day out, can't wait to set up the car so I can hit some of those great tracks that I saw.

[OffTrack]

I just checked the build date on the compliance plate and it's 08/02..... And read your post on vin plates again, I think something is amiss here?

No nothing amiss. Compliance plates are added in Australia. Build date can be anything from one to eleven months earlier than the compliance date. All the compliance plate will tell you is roughly when the car was landed in Australia. The VIN/Build Date is what matters.


Re: ECU upgrades, you should have a reflashable ECU which gives you lots of options. There are a couple of vendors on the Forum for downloadable remaps, although you'd need to hook up with a Nanocom owner who was willing to help you out. I'm not sure if Tombie is still selling maps, but worth asking, as is Td5Inside. I know Td5Inside are pretty busy at the moment so don't expect an immediate response.

The procedure with the downloadable remaps requires a minimum of two Nanocom sessions, probably more to do fine tuning.

[splinter]

No nothing amiss. Compliance plates are added in Australia. Build date can be anything from one to eleven months earlier than the compliance date. All the compliance plate will tell you is roughly when the car was landed in Australia. The VIN/Build Date is what matters.


Re: ECU upgrades, you should have a reflashable ECU which gives you lots of options. There are a couple of vendors on the Forum for downloadable remaps, although you'd need to hook up with a Nanocom owner who was willing to help you out. I'm not sure if Tombie is still selling maps, but worth asking, as is Td5Inside. I know Td5Inside are pretty busy at the moment so don't expect an immediate response.

The procedure with the downloadable remaps requires a minimum of two Nanocom sessions, probably more to do fine tuning.

Where abouts can I find the actual build date then Offtrack? The comp plate is in the engine bay in front of the driver, yes?
Thanks again for your assistance.

[OffTrack]

Where abouts can I find the actual build date then Offtrack? The comp plate is in the engine bay in front of the driver, yes?
Thanks again for your assistance.

There is a small plate in the engine bay behind the passenger side headlight. If you stand next to the passenger side front wheel and look at the bulkhead in front of the air box you'll see it. That gives you the build month and year.

The other way to do it is to create a free account at TOPIx - TOPIx (http://topix.landrover.jlrext.com)

Once you have an account you can look up vehicles by VIN and find the actual build date, as well as the warranty start date which usually corresponds to the vehicle being sold to it's first owner.

If you track down a copy of Microcat you can use that to look up build dates based on VIN too.

[splinter]

There is a small plate in the engine bay behind the passenger side headlight. If you stand next to the passenger side front wheel and look at the bulkhead in front of the air box you'll see it. That gives you the build month and year.

The other way to do it is to create a free account at TOPIx - TOPIx (http://topix.landrover.jlrext.com)

Once you have an account you can look up vehicles by VIN and find the actual build date, as well as the warranty start date which usually corresponds to the vehicle being sold to it's first owner.

If you track down a copy of Microcat you can use that to look up build dates based on VIN too.

Yep found it, unfortunately for me it's an 02/02 so no CDL for me.

[waz]

Yep found it, unfortunately for me it's an 02/02 so no CDL for me.
Better start saving for the retro fit then :D;)

W

[Ged]

Hey Splinter, if you are still looking for someone to reflash your ECU on the south east side of Melbourne send me a Private mail and I'll happily share who I did mine with. I'm as happy as a pig in mud with mine.

[splinter]

GED, pm sent. Taa

[torbay66]

Hey Splinter, if you are still looking for someone to reflash your ECU on the south east side of Melbourne send me a Private mail and I'll happily share who I did mine with. I'm as happy as a pig in mud with mine.

I am also interested in reflashing the ECU in my D2a. I have pm'ed you.

Cheers,