Potential new TD5 2 owner

[Mike Harding]

Hi Guys

I'm thinking of buying a TD5 of the 1999 to 2003 vintage. There seem to be a fair number on the market here in Victoria (Melb) but most of them are automatic and I would really prefer a manual for off-road use.

I note they come with "Hill Descent" and I wonder how this compares to low first in a manual box when descending some of the steeper hills in the High Country? Also how does hill descent work?

If I go for a TD5 it will be a keeper for, I expect, 10 or 15 years and I'll slowly configure it for my particular requirements - much of my off-road time is spent in serious High Country places but I also go desert and NT from time-to-time.

I'll not ask the "What should I look out for" question because I know it's all been done before and you are sick of typing it in _again!_ :) and I have searched the archives but if anyone wishes to point me to some previous threads it would be appreciated.

Another question: is it practical (or necessary) to remove the rear seats from a Discovery 2 in order to make more cargo space? My children days are well passed and they'll never be more than two people in the vehicle.

Mike Harding

mike_harding@fastmail.fm

[Graeme]

Hill Descent Control is on the manuals too. It operates the brakes utilising the ABS system and has a different target speed for each gear.

I've removed my 2nd row seats for trips - its easy to do.

[Redback]

Now don't go playing up and getting yourself banned here Mike:p

Go as late as you can, the later D2a much better vehicle.

Baz.

PS welcome aboard:D

[dmdigital]

Also don't knock the auto for off-road - in many ways its better than a manual. Especial when the Td5 is remapped and has a bigger intercooler.

[Sleepy]

^^^ what he said - I have always been a manual man but have been very impressed with the Auto. (You'll note a lot of the competition boys use auto's). I drive a defender so don't have the option of auto at the moment.

Td5 is a great engine. I have had two (admittedly in Defenders) and never had any major issues. IT has its pluses and minuses - do a search here and on google and you find lots of info. Like all 4x4's you will have some niggly issues but once you get it sorted it's fine.

Agree also - get the later Disco2 if you can afford it. They reintroduced the Centre Diff Lock in about 2003 and a few other mods. (The ones with the dual headlights)

HDC is okay but some prefer the low range first approach as HDC can use relatively fast speeds. I guess with the disco you have the option.

[crash]

As said before, get as late model as you can afford my preference would be the 2003 as it has the diff lock. I have a 2001 model auto and think it is great, except does not have the diff lock.
The auto is fantastic off road. I never use hill decent. I lock it into 1st low and it just crawls down steep hills, never had any "runaway" issues with it.
I think you would be hard pressed to find any TD5 Disco with a manual.

[DiscoTec]

Good luck in finding a manual. I got one a few months ago but It took a while to find a late model / low KM one . I looked at and test drove autos but they just didn't feel right . Having said that I know lots of people who have them and are very happy with them just not for me . Try and get one with a service history and test drive as many as you can as I have found age and KM's sometimes have nothing to do with how a Disco drives

[Urban Panzer]

1999 - approx april 2001 have the CDL in the transfer case as well, you just need to re connect it up either with a late 03 - 04 CDL linkage, or a D1 lever assy can be used as well. There is solenoid versions around as well, but I favour the non electrical types myself, less to go wrong.

the main issue is the 04 linkages are hard to find, and new parts from Land rover, in particular the Difflock cable are out of stock and have been for a long time.

Currently in the process of doing a fitment of D1 lever Assy into my friends 1999 D2 TD5.

[Mike Harding]

Thanks for all the replies guys - much appreciated and I understand
more now about the vehicle.

I am not in a hurry so I shall bide my time and wait for the right
vehicle to come onto the private secondhand market.

>Now don't go playing up and getting yourself banned here Mike

Cheeky devil :)

Mike Harding

[Shaker]

Mike, I had no trouble whatsoever finding a manual, in fact I had a choice of 3, all private sales.