CDL activator in - WOOHOO!

[AussieAub]

Finally got the CDL lever in the Disco yesterday, all but the actual knob on top.
Based on the design from https://discoweb.org/oldsite/cdl/index.htm

Have attached some pics of my lever, and the U-bracket I made (with diagram I knocked up for anyone else wanting to copy).
Two other useful pics too: the "main" drawing for the concept, and a photo (can't remember where from but not mine) showing the location of the new shaft through the centre console panel.

Before I installed I wrapped the shaft with self amalgamating tape (or "weld tape" I think you Aussies call it), just to give it some added protection and also helps with reducing vibration, and packed the uni-joints with heavy duty mining spec grease.

Works a dream! Hardest part was just removing/replacing the centre console.
Job well done, now I just need to get it out there and test it!

Thanks to LandyAndy for info early on, and to all those who posted info etc on these pages. It was a massive help...

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8
Object Of Mass Consumption

[AussieAub]

didn't realise I could only attach 5 images per post!
Here's the drawing of the bracket.....

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8
Object Of Mass Consumption

[tempestv8]

That will transform the offroadbility of the Disco II once you engage the CDL. Significantly less intervention from the electronic traction control system and all stress removed for the center differential gears themselves.

[harlie]

Hi Kieren – that looks great! can you let us know how it is for noise & vibration pls?

The D1 used a shaft to engage CDL but mine was terrible for noise transfer through the transfer lever - it was better after I took the top off the lever and threaded 3 bicycle tyre tubes over the lever shaft.

[AussieAub]

Hi Kieren – that looks great! can you let us know how it is for noise & vibration pls?

Hi mate,
I haven't noticed any additional noise whatsover on the road, and I don't notice any vibration.
But then its not like I'm holding it when I'm driving, unlike the gear shift.
I've obviously not been off-road with it yet, but can't see it being much different tbh.

If you look at the bottom fixing bracket photo, either side of the through bolt, I put a small grommet on both sides of the socket piece to help eliminate vibration there. Where the shaft comes through the metal trannie plate there is a rubber grommet it passes through, and another one where it comes through the plastic centre console (under the rubber mat).

The two UJ's have been packed with very thick, mining grade (dust, grease, water resistant stuff) to try and keep them in good condition, so maybe some of the "rattle" has been eliminated there too? I actually spent a bit of money and bought some good quality extension pieces and UJ's in the hope they may last a bit longer!! I did think of putting some rubber (hose) pipe over the UJ's, packing full of grease, and usiing small hose clamps to hold in place for added durability. May still do this at a later date. Just had concerns over them then being too stiff and not flexible enough to get the desired angles.

Not sure if the "weld tape" contributes to noise deadening also, but it should give some more protection to the elements as its exposed under the vehicle.

Hope that helps....?

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8
Object Of Mass Consumption

[Shamo]

Does this system work well? is it just an easy twist to activate and de activate it?

Shamo

[Banjo_pluker]

have you got a photo of it all put back together,

that looks great, the only worry I can see is drilling the hole in the right spot,

Do you have any pointers on getting the hole right,

Thanks, Jeremy

[AussieAub]

Does this system work well? is it just an easy twist to activate and de activate it?
Working fine for me since May last year!
And yes, its as easy as you describe! :D


have you got a photo of it all put back together,

that looks great, the only worry I can see is drilling the hole in the right spot,

Do you have any pointers on getting the hole right,

Thanks, Jeremy
Drilling the hole was also my concern. That 3rd pic in the series (posts above) was taken by someone else somewhere else on this forum (LandyAndy maybe?), I just included it here for completeness. Look at the positions of the rivets. That's as accurate as you really need. Any small variation is taken out by the uni-joints below, so not much of a worry really - believe me!

There's not really a lot to show when its' all put back together!
Just a short shaft coming out of the center console with a handle on it.
I used a handle like you see on gas appliances/water stop taps, combined with a small motorcycle battery terminal clamp, and a "stopper" on top to finish it all off.

I'll take a photo later when I get home and post it up tonight.....

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8
Object Of Mass Consumption
AussieAubs Disco Page (http://aussieaub.blogspot.com)

[AussieAub]

Ooops, sorry! :angel:
Got tied up with "proper" work last night.
I'm doing some work on the Disco tonight, so PROMISE I'll post pix after...

Cheers,

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8
Object Of Mass Consumption
AussieAubs Disco Page (http://aussieaub.blogspot.com)

[AussieAub]

Here you go guys, pictures as promised....;)

..:: KIEREN ::..
2000 Disco II Auto V8
Object Of Mass Consumption
AussieAubs Disco Page (http://aussieaub.blogspot.com)

[Rosscoe68]

i made mine similar to this, although i used 1/4 drive uni's and a 1/4 drive extension with a 1/4 drive tbar on top to engage/disengage.
and to save some work, you can use a 1/4 drive (13mm from memory) socket on the nut on top of the cdl actuator and i just siliconed that in place. then the uni, then the extension bar up through the tunnel and console.

[bob10]

Forgive my lack of knowledge, but can you activate your cdl in both high and low range? Bob

[HangOver]

yes you can.

[Catmatt]

OMG!!!! Just implanted a 2004 CDL into a 2002 TD5 and looks factory fit..... No disrespect but I'm looking at a battery terminal 'morphed' to a lever????? :eek:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Thats because it is a factory fit:p

theres a fair amount of $$ difference between the two applicators though:whistling:

[sclarke]

Question?? Why would you make a $20000 landy look like a series landy. When the cdl kit is only a $500 job and factory??

[AussieAub]

No disrespect but I'm looking at a battery terminal 'morphed' to a lever????? :eek:
Yes that's right, well spotted! Might not be your cup of tea but suits me just fine, thank you!!


Question?? Why would you make a $20000 landy look like a series landy. When the cdl kit is only a $500 job and factory??
Because I didn't/don't have $500 to blow on a factory kit when a $20 "fix" does an equally effective job (and give's me some self satisfaction, knowing I did something useful on my own!). And as I have no intention of selling the vehicle on, I don't really care much for the vanity option! By the way, when I did that mod, the CHEAPEST I could find a "factory kit" for was $950, and that was the same for a second hand one. No-brainer option really at the time for me.

Some of us don't have that kind of "spare" money to blow on the fancy-pants accessories, especially when we are quite happy to use cheaper alternatives, even if they be home made.
Next you'll be telling me my SuperCheap $110 spots on the front aren't good enough/expensive enough to light up the road!! :angel:

Well, you did ask! :p

Each to their own I suppose.....

[FISHGUTS]

Yes that's right, well spotted! Might not be your cup of tea but suits me just fine, thank you!!


Because I didn't/don't have $500 to blow on a factory kit when a $20 "fix" does an equally effective job (and give's me some self satisfaction, knowing I did something useful on my own!). And as I have no intention of selling the vehicle on, I don't really care much for the vanity option! By the way, when I did that mod, the CHEAPEST I could find a "factory kit" for was $950, and that was the same for a second hand one. No-brainier option really at the time for me.

Some of us don't have that kind of "spare" money to blow on the fancy-pants accessories, especially when we are quite happy to use cheaper alternatives, even if they be home made.
Next you'll be telling me my SuperCheap $110 spots on the front aren't good enough/expensive enough to light up the road!! :angel:

Well, you did ask! :p

Each to their own I suppose.....

In, Twist, Wriggle, Out... way to go Kieren you tell them mate :D:D:D:D:D

[sclarke]

Yes it's your car. You do as you wish. I just find it rough.
Why not get a knob the size of a jam lid?? Would look neater

[strangy]

Next you'll be telling me my SuperCheap $110 spots on the front aren't good enough/expensive enough to light up the road!! :angel:


Well your lights will only be good enough for Chinese roads, Aust roads will be different. :wasntme:

[Sully]

Come on lads....

I say well done to Kieren for giving it a crack and finding an alternative (and cheaper) solution that works well for him and will also work well for others that are on a budget.
Why bring a brother down?

[AussieAub]

Yes it's your car. You do as you wish. I just find it rough.
Why not get a knob the size of a jam lid??

Whats the size of my knob got to do with it...?!?! :wasntme::angel:
I did actually have a "knob" on it to start with (a wooden one that was almost identical to the LR3 & 4 terrain selector knob), but I found it slipped on the shaft after using a few different fixing methods, and found the lever much easier for operation and less intrusive next to the gear shift, lying flatter on the console.
I also wanted to keep it removable in case I needed to perform any maintenace on it, otherwise I would have welded something to the shaft.

It also doubles up as a wire retainer/tidy when I'm running my GPS/laptop/phone-charger, etc off the dash.
So mine's actually dual purpose! Can't do that with a factory one!! :D


Would look neater
Possibly, but I'm more concerned on its practicality.

Sorry mods, but it's hard to keep it clean when knobs and shafts come in to play!! Ooops, there I go again!! :angel:

Cheers,

[ozscott]

...I just want to know who is buying a 2000 V8 D2 for $20k...can you please let me know so I can sell mine to them....:D

Lets face it, I like keeping my truck neat as a pin and my idea of CDL is to have a black t handle with a push pull cable coming out of the transmission tunnel and it looks pretty sweet, but overall these are old rigs now and people are going to be doing some cheap and nasty stuff and each to their own I reckon. I mean they are not XF Falcon type territory, but they are going that way...

Cheers

[strangy]

...I just want to know who is buying a 2000 V8 D2 for $20k...can you please let me know so I can sell mine to them....:D

Lets face it, I like keeping my truck neat as a pin and my idea of CDL is to have a black t handle with a push pull cable coming out of the transmission tunnel and it looks pretty sweet, but overall these are old rigs now and people are going to be doing some cheap and nasty stuff and each to their own I reckon. I mean they are not XF Falcon type territory, but they are going that way...

Cheers

Only V8's.......TD5 still primo.:wasntme:

[HangOver]

eh some people like something that will do a job and some people like a "Show Pony" :angel:

[tailslide]

Next you'll be telling me my SuperCheap $110 spots on the front aren't good enough/expensive enough to light up the road!! :angel:


Nah, just that you were ripped off, got mine for $80.:D Was looking at the $650 HIDs until I slapped myself out of it.:p

The lever is something my dad would have done with his SIIA;), but I went for the ashcroft at about $400. Also replaced the hand brake gator at the same time, but thats just me...

It just adds character. (Your custom lever I mean)

Cheers
Ron

[Rosscoe68]

hmm, i'm keepin out of this, cos i looked at AussieAubs job and thought how neat it looks compared to my half arsed version :)
oh well, its functional not pretty :)
if i wanted it pretty, i wouldnt have the cdl and the airlockers and the big paint scrapes along the side :)

[Hastykiwi]

Yes it's your car. You do as you wish. I just find it rough.
Why not get a knob the size of a jam lid?? Would look neater

Jesus, your a sad sack of ****. The guy did something, made it work, and did so with out spending a pile of cash. Many people on this forum appreciate that from time to time. All you need to say is "well done", "and keep at it", because one day he might come up with something you need. If you don't like every aspect of it fine, but your not adding anything to the discussion, not to mention that you've almost definitely burned a bridge or two in the process.

NIck

PS Mods, yes I'm fully expecting to get an infringement for this, but honestly.., the guy deserved it.

[Tombie]

Back up people.... Nick, chill out bro :D

So some think it looks bad..
Some think it shows initiative.
Some think for the cost it's awesome.
Others appreciate a factory ($$$) look.

All opinions are valid.

The OP had a budget, had a go, and is happy - his vehicle, his choice.
And it works for him.
Power for having a go.

Me, I waited and went factory and I like it. I use a lot of factory gear where possible.

I, personally, don't like the "finish" of the OPs version. Bit "Jeff Foxworthy" for me ;)

I'd have liked to have see either:
A gear knob like this...
http://184.72.239.143/mu/76d28d8d-900c-6827.jpg

Or at least
http://184.72.239.143/mu/76d28d8d-9020-c614.jpg

But that's MY opinion.

[sclarke]

Jesus, your a sad sack of ****. The guy did something, made it work, and did so with out spending a pile of cash. Many people on this forum appreciate that from time to time. All you need to say is "well done", "and keep at it", because one day he might come up with something you need. If you don't like every aspect of it fine, but your not adding anything to the discussion, not to mention that you've almost definitely burned a bridge or two in the process.

NIck

PS Mods, yes I'm fully expecting to get an infringement for this, but honestly.., the guy deserved it.

Nope I'm not sad nor a sack. I'm voicing my opinion in a mod that cheapens the look of the car. If it had a decent knob that looked rover "half done" then that would be ok

My 10c worth


Btw all. It's bloody magic up here on the cape.


---
I am here: Google Maps

[AussieAub]

I'm voicing my opinion in a mod that cheapens the look of the car. If it had a decent knob that looked rover "half done" then that would be ok

Each to their own, I have no issues.
BUT....it's not the lever that cheapens the look of the car.....that'll be the faded paint, dents and scratches from trees, hacked about exhaust system, water tide marks on the carpets, non-working handles, chipped windscreen, etc, etc......:angel:

I reckon the Disco's only worth around $4k tops, and that's if I'm lucky.
But as re-sale value isn't an issue as I have no intenetion of getting rid until it's totally dead (again!), then value or looks aren't an issue to me. I'm already thinking of ripping more stuff out from inside (roof starting to sag, carpets too much hassle to clean) as they're just too much grief - not to mention expensive - to maintain or replace. :p

My D2's primary use is for off road, not blinging up the shopping centre car park! :D:D

[iPom]

I'm with AussieAub on this one....it's cheap..it works....I don't have a lot of spare income to blow on my Disco too....

It's DIY projects like this that give people an insight into how to achieve an end result without spending a fortune and if people improve the concept then we all benefit....

[ffdisco2]

I used to do the 10mm spanner trick (manual disco) before putting on the D2a lever. A mate just got an auto and I was like yeah it's easy, got underneath and realise there is considerably less space between the gearbox and the hot exhaust in an auto OUCH! Gave him a D1 lever I had laying around.

Anything to stop yourself crawling under the car is 100% improvement. The handle can be replaced anytime down the track :D. So much easier to be able to pick and choose when to turn TC on/off. I lock the cdl as soon as I come off the tarmac.

Without the lever if you wanted traction control to stay on you couldn't turn the car off, when you did it stays off because you really can't be bothered getting underneath to unlock it, get back up, turn the car on, only to get back underneath to lock it again!!! What the hell were the engineers thinking leaving it off in the first place?

Well done mate for making your disco cdl experience a whole lot easier!!!

[Disco Muppet]

Come on lads....

I say well done to Kieren for giving it a crack and finding an alternative (and cheaper) solution that works well for him and will also work well for others that are on a budget.
Why bring a brother down?

TOO RIGHT!
How many of you can honestly put your hand up and say you drive a disco to look blingy and showy, and impress the pretty ladies in the parking lot, and how many of you got one so you can go wherever, whenever (Slight exaggeration)
((still works on the whole "impressing the ladies" thing)) :wasntme: ;)

AussieAub has shown us his take on a simple and cost effective solution. I completely agree with him- Why spend big money on something so it looks pretty?! ffs people. IT'S A LANDROVER - not a Ferrari.

Good work mate, ill deffo keep this tab open when im installing mine.
Cheers
Muppet

[OffTrack]

So it's either ghetto style or it's bling? Interesting.

Given that the lever upgrade is virtually identical to the stock lever (apart from a lean to the right when unlocked) and the mechanism is only visible when you lie on your back and peek up beside the transfer case with a torch it's a bit difficult to see how it could be considered bling.

But if you feel the need for an extra knob to play with while you're driving, who am I to argue. :twisted:

[Disco Muppet]

Okay so perhaps i was a bit fired up so not the best comparison .:angel:
But really.
AussieAub is right. We don't all have $500-$600 to spend on something when we can make and install it ourselves. I deliberately got my disco completely stock so i can make it my own, instead of buying someone elses project. :D
And this thread has so many innuendos it would make Freud blush :twisted:

[ramblingboy42]

I did an under body kit a few years ago now, made a small joggled arm to fit over the actuator rod coming out of the top of the transfer case. Fitted a 8mm ball rod-end and screwed same to an 8mm rod with a tee handle over the top of the chassis rail and made a small fairlead to support the rod and screwed same to chassis. Been there for 100ks, works a treat. It isnt that often you have to get out and actuate it, so it isnt really an in convenience. I have an arrow marked on my side steps so just reach under and pull the lever and I'm on.