Should I or Shouldn't I CDL reinstated

[crash]

I am one of the lucky guys who bought a DISCO without the CDL guts.
The transfer case needs to come out to replace a leaking seal between transfer case and auto box.
I have spoken to Les Richmond Automotive and they just swap out my transfer to a 2nd hand one that has the CDL guts.
the big question should I spend the extra beans and get the CDL - looing at around $1200- $2000 for another transfer case (plus I would then have my old one as a spare) or just get the seal fixed $500.00.
The Disco does not see too much 4wd action lately but I think it would be a good thing to have for future trips.
What is the consensus?

[Hastykiwi]

As a noob on here i don't have all the technical answers, but I am coming from the point of view of still driving a stock Disco. This being the case the sand and other places i have taken it has seen it perform as well as anything else on the trips, and certainly better than most other stock trucks.

I guess what I'm saying is that if your going to see minimal off road, or even plenty of low grade off road, then yr in the most capable truck off the show room floor even with out CDL and the much maligned TC on it will perform extremely well.

Having come from a D1 i know that without CDl u feel like yr missing out on something, and for me, I want make my truck much more cpapble so CDL will be resurrected on it. However its prob not absolutely necessary for everyone.

If u have any thoughts on installing other diff lockers then the the CDL is essential. As with most decisions surrounding LR's its all about what yr going to do with it.

My 54cents.

[Urban Panzer]

Another option would be to just add the CDL parts to YOUR transfer case

Here they are

http://217.34.53.228:9876/uploads/D2parts.jpg

and would cost you about $500 from Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.html)

[sniegy]

If future trips are planned, I would definately not hesitate doing it.
It makes a huge difference when offroading.;)
Get the guys doing the seal to fit & supply the unit, that way the warranty is from them.:D
You just make it easier for them when servicing & easier on your wallet if needed in the future. :p

[101RRS]

Just to confirm - do you have one of the few D2s (approx 02 models) that have no CDL at all, or one of the earlier models that have a CDL but not the activating mechanism.

In either case it is worthwhile getting the mod done.

Garry

[McDisco]

Yep, definitely....do it! One of the best mods you can do to improve your offroad ability next to a lift and tyres.

Angus

[Redback]

I am one of the lucky guys who bought a DISCO without the CDL guts.
The transfer case needs to come out to replace a leaking seal between transfer case and auto box.
I have spoken to Les Richmond Automotive and they just swap out my transfer to a 2nd hand one that has the CDL guts.
the big question should I spend the extra beans and get the CDL - looing at around $1200- $2000 for another transfer case (plus I would then have my old one as a spare) or just get the seal fixed $500.00.
The Disco does not see too much 4wd action lately but I think it would be a good thing to have for future trips.
What is the consensus?


Just to confirm - do you have one of the few D2s (approx 02 models) that have no CDL at all, or one of the earlier models that have a CDL but not the activating mechanism.

In either case it is worthwhile getting the mod done.

Garry

Garry i hate pointing out the obvious, but;)

crash, do it you won't regret the cost, it's a much better car offroad with the CDL.

Baz.

[crash]

Besides Les Richmond Automotive - who else in Melbourne would i be wise to talk to about options?
I really want to go down the route of reinstating the CDL, as I have found some limitations with the TC on its own.
One of the advantages of going with a swapped in transfer case is the possibility of getting one with lower ks than my own - even though this does not gaurantee against any future dramas. LRA figure that the transfer case in the Discos are very good and is rare for them to give any problems, even on modified vehicles.

[Redback]

Besides Les Richmond Automotive - who else in Melbourne would i be wise to talk to about options?
I really want to go down the route of reinstating the CDL, as I have found some limitations with the TC on its own.
One of the advantages of going with a swapped in transfer case is the possibility of getting one with lower ks than my own - even though this does not gaurantee against any future dramas. LRA figure that the transfer case in the Discos are very good and is rare for them to give any problems, even on modified vehicles.

Give AMV or Ritters or T.R.Spares a ring, one of them may have a wrecked D2 with the CDL internals or even a D2a update that has the CDL in the box AND the Lever and cable as well, last time i rang AMV they had a late model D2a that they were wrecking.

Baz.

[4bee]

you won't regret the cost, it's a much better car offroad with the CDL.



Not just for offroad use either, but deffo also an advantage on loose road surfaces. Makes the vehicle much more stable.

[ozscott]

Mine does not have it and I have gone some wicked places. Having said that on steep inclines with axle twisters I reckon she spins a bit too much before engaging...thats its only real drawback. On sand I reckon with the right tyres it makes nil difference (as my recent Fraser trip with identically spec' Discos but one with CDL locked everywhere and mine without unequivocally demonstrated).

In high speed gravel the CDL is very nice (not often commented although I see 4bee above has) but my D1 with CDL on high speed gravel is much more sure footed than my D2.

I have pretty much decided not to get it (I need new internals also) because most of my driving these days off road is sand...dont want to bash around my daily driver. Having said that if I snap an axle I am in trouble without CDL so it might make an appearance one day but for now I cannot justify the cost.

Cheers

[101RRS]

Garry i hate pointing out the obvious, but;)

Baz.

I am well aware of what the original post said but I have also seen plenty of other threads that started on similar lines where the owner thought they did not have a CDL (after being told so by some mechanic after a quick $$) when in fact they did but just didn't have the activating gear. Crash didn't indicate how he arrived at the conclusion that his vehicle had no CDL.

Cheers

Garry

[zzsteve]

My '02 was in the same state (i.e. ETC with no CDL and no spigot or internals). I have since had the internals and nose cone off a D1 fitted and put in a mechanism. Result is great. Contrary to Ozscott above I was floundering on Fraser in the sand with no CDL (had full load + trailer and stock tires). Now it is quite capable.
Do it.

Steve

[ozscott]

Hi Steve - I reckon that my D2 wasnt as good as a locked d1 on the beach with stock tyres. I can only say that now with 265/70/16 its a whole different ballgame - its awesome. I was going through easily in places that 100 series and GU patrols were getting well stuck...and even had to stop and re-start where they were bogged after they were snatched out (Indian Head) - that ought to show up any failings with my set up having to re-start in such powdery soft but it worked a treat. My mate that travelled around behind me has a late 02 with the same tyre size in General Grabber AT and he had the factory CDL locked at all times and he was not noticeably doing it easier. We also went to the deep soft at Bribie and we tried to bog ourselves and each seemed to have the same capabilities. I was, in a way hoping to show up some weakness in deep soft sand to justify getting CDL (because im a bit anal about stuff like that)...but not now. Now it would be safety only re axle breakage.

Cheers

PS. I have towed a 2 tonn dual axle van at Straddie in the soft and a camper trailer many times all with the stock XPCs...but it was touch and go at times. I reckon now the towing would be fantastic. I remember getting stuck on main beach once with the stock tyres, whereas Indian was as bad and it did it very easily with the bigger taller tyres.

[crash]

I have been under the vehicle and had a look at the transfer case - no spigot with just a blank plate where the actuator would be inserted is how I have determined that there is no CDL.
I have spoken to Ritters today, there price so far is a bit cheaper than LRA.
It is looking like a $3000.00 bill at the end of the day.
I might go a speak to the local wreckers and see if they can keep an eye open for an 03/04 model at the wrecker auctions for me.