I am at a crossroads, need advice

[Hendrik]

It has been a while since I have posted on here, so I thought I'd turn to my D2 gang for some advice on what to do with my Td5 D2.

I have owned my 99 TD5 D2 for about 9 years and it has about 325k kms on the clock now. Over the years I have added a few modifications, such as a 2in lift, dual battery, fridge, custom rear bar and sliders, mostly cheaper mods and additions during my uni days where funds were a little short.

I was really into offroading from about 2007-2011, until I thought it would be a good idea to buy a Hillman Minx and spend four years building in a new engine and drive train as well as a ground up restoration. During this time the disco as a runaround car, mostly driven on weekends. The Minx is now my main car, so the Disco doesn't see a lot of action anymore. However, having finished the Minx in February this year, I feel an itch to get back into offroading and exploring this wonderful country of ours.

I have run some numbers and it will cost me about $2000 to get the D2 to a point where it is reliable. This involves fixing a few niggly issues such as a cold starting issue, numerous oil and coolant leaks. It also includes doing a few major rebuild works, such as the clutch/flywheel, gearbox and transfer case rebuild. This cost is parts only, as I do have the luxury of having a car hoist and intend to do all the work myself.

I have also costed up modifications such as, twin diff locks, HD axles and CV's, TC reduction gears (may as well do them when the TC is out), Tyres (33's), minor suspension works (I already have a 2in lift). This all works out to be about $12k, again with me doing all the install work myself.

So here is the tricky part, deciding what to do with this car.
Do I spend in excess of $14K getting the car to where I want?
OR
Do I sell it, and buy something that has already had all the work done, such as a RRC for about $10K?

Your thoughts/input would be much appreciated as always.

[sierrafery]

Hi, if i was you and had your skills i'd do it myself at least i knew what's what and how it was done... something built by your hands is more reliable than something bought from others and full of bodges... especially that IMO the look of a D2 is far more nice than a RRC.:cool:

[rangieman]

Hi, if i was you and had your skills i'd do it myself at least i knew what's what and how it was done... something built by your hands is more reliable than something bought from others and full of bodges... especially that IMO the look of a D2 is far more nice than a RRC.:cool:

X2 Could not have said it better;)
For starter`s you know the car and you know what it need`s and if buy something else it will be a unkown quantity and quality ;)

[Hendrik]

Alright so I have decided to keep it for now. Over the coming weeks it will be taken off the road to do a number of major repairs, such as the engine oil cooler, water pump, engine mounts then I will get onto the mods!

[sierrafery]

Here is some good info for the oil cooler: https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/td5-oil-cooler-repair-oil-in-coolant.201097/

[Jazzman]

While I concur with the 'better the beast you know' statements, I'm not sure it is a wise idea to spend 14K on a car worth 4K-6K at best.

I can speak from experience when I say the following are not required to see our beautiful country:

Front diff lock
Heavy duty axles
Heavy duty CV's

I run 32" tires and get everywhere, I mean rough hard Vic high country stuff. I've got centre diff lock and rear Ashcroft ATB with a 2" lift.

I'd recommend a diff ratio change rather than the TC ratio change as you cannot change the low range ratio and this is where you need it. Arguably twice the work, but you sound like you've got the gear. (Just for the record I run standard ratio everything but not by choice $)

Ashcroft website quote "We offer different gear kits to alter the final drive ratio in your LT230 transfer box. These gear kits only change high range. Low will remain the same."

Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/lt230-ratio-changes.html)

What I'm trying to say is, save yourself the money and put it towards the things you actually need. It also means you would not over capitalise too much on your 17yr old car. The Disco isn't in the same category as your Hillman Minx :)

I'd suggest:

Front prop shaft upgrade
Lockable Centre diff upgrade with upgraded cross bars in TC.
Rear lockable diff of some kind

I totally understand the other work you have listed.

Just my opinion for what it is worth.

[ballbag]

Seems silly to spend three times 'what the car is worth', except that what it's worth to the owner is not what the owner can sell it for, but what its replacement will cost.

$20,000 4WDs are tricky. Generally they're sold because they need work for which the owner lacks the stomach.

[Slunnie]

Reminds me of the TV ad detailing the absolute lack of financial return on investment if having a child.

Sometimes the value the Disco adds to your life and lifestyle is more important than the financial analysis. $14k is not exactly a GFC or a home loan.

[CraigE]

I think you will find it hard to find a car with all the bits and pieces you want. They dont come up that often and normally as the owner has spent big $ they want big $. However if the right car was too come up may be worth considering. The plus side of keeping your car is you can do a bit at a time as finances allow. Prioritize your list and go for it. However I would only look at doing this if you plan on keeping it for another 5 years. That would offset the cost, just be prepared for little return if you sell it.

[justinc]

The 2 ^^ posts 🖒🖒

[Jazzman]

Reminds me of the TV ad detailing the absolute lack of financial return on investment if having a child.

Sometimes the value the Disco adds to your life and lifestyle is more important than the financial analysis. $14k is not exactly a GFC or a home loan.

Interesting analogy, comparing owning a Disco to raising a child. I'd bet they have more in common than just the financial loss.

I am guilty like the rest of us spending $$$$ on our Land Rovers, about $16k-17k on my Disco including purchase price. Being part of a 45yr old 4WD club I also get a lot out of owning my Disco.

My personal opinion is Hendrik likely doesn't need to spend as much as he may have first thought to achieve the outcome he desires, but obviously is welcome to spend as much as he sees fit.

[Hendrik]

I agree with all your comments, Jazzman. I don't intend to spend $14k straight up, its just where I would like the car will eventually end up, and if it happens to over 5-7 years so be it.

The maintenance and repair works I'm doing now will ensure that I get another 5-7 years if not more out of this car, and I will have a lot of fun doing it...hopefully....until I get bored and need a new challenge :p

Spending $$$ on a hobby like a 4wd is just a sunk cost really, there is no way you can ever get back what you've put in, but as Slunnie and co have mentioned it's the experiences you have where the vehicle takes you that are priceless.

[PeterM]

Hendrick, I've ordered CW&P, HD axles, CVs and front diff lock from Ashcroft for under $4k landed (inc taxes). No way will you need to spend $12k on your beast.

The tyre size will really determine what you need to do in terms of gearing etc. Running 32s you can get away with standard running gear (although not ideal) and no need to fit flares and such.

Reliability work is always a good thing. A CDL, rear locker and a good set of 32s with a 2" lift will have you able to get most places you want to go, certainly if you're looking at touring. A bar and winch added to that starting package will set you pretty right. Spend some of that $ on setting up the Disco with things like drawers, dual battery etc.

[Hendrik]

Peter, thanks for the comments.

I already have a 2in lift, dual battery, front winch bar sliders and rear bar etc. I've had 32's on it before but it was a struggle to drive due to the gearing, that was before I had the ECU remap however. But i'd still like to get 4.11 CWP's and do a rear diff lock with HD axles as a minimum.

I took the head off this weekend and completed the overhaul, and will do a few other things such as the engine mounts, oil cooler, water pump and alternator (if $$$ permit, as there is nothing wrong with the alternator but it is old and caked in oil from a huge rocker cover leak) that are now much easier to access, before putting the head back on.

As far as suspension is concerned, I'd like to correct the front caster with caster correction plates as my front lower shock bushes keeps flogging out due to the angle and possibly fit longer travel shocks.

[PeterM]

A 2" lift shouldn't require castor correction, I'd suggest that the shock mount rubbers aren't up to scratch.

4.12 diff ratios are spot on for 33s and there's a jump in what you need to do to fit them such as flares and offset rims. 3.75 ratios would be a better bet for the 32s.

The Bilstein 994/995 combo is great with a 2" lift, I run those with Dobinsons and they are spot on.

[Hendrik]

I think I will go with the 4.12's and 33's, which will help if I ever want to get silly and run 35's. I'll check the Bilstein's out, I am running Lovell shocks and Dobinson springs at the moment.

Got any pics of your rig Peter?

[PeterM]

I had Lovells on the D1 for little while and junked them when one of them had the bottom mount rip off the shock body. Was not impressed!

I do mate but have to upload them first.