Thread: I got me a Disco!

G'day and welcome.

With tyres, the biggest you can go with only minor mods are 245/75/16's. You will need to "camel cut" (trim) the rear wheel guard and adjust steering stops. Also with the TDI not being the most powerful of motors around, I would be hesitate to go any larger diameter anyway. I have 245/75/16's on my TDI and the power difference is acceptable, but noticeable and I would not go any bigger myself. Question though - is it auto or manual? An auto might handle the bigger tyres easier (can add more revs for take offs), whereas I find it lacking the guts needed to drive the bigger tyres with a manual. Again, I think 245/75/16's are OK, but no bigger. Also, it's only fair to mention they're great offroad in low range. That's my 2c anyway.

Originally Posted by Dizza

I have been into four wheel driving for a number of years thanks to the old man's 100 series cruiser.
I picked up a 1996 300Tdi Disco 1 with 400,000 on the clock, a full service history (first 10 years serviced by the dealer) and a few small bits and pieces that had to be done for roadworthy. The body is amazingly straight and the interior is absolutely flawless.
Considering it only owes me $2999.90 after all of the work was done (found 10c in the ash tray ) i am very very happy with it.

Last weekend i took it four wheel driving for the first time and i was amazed by how far one of these things can go stock standard. On road tires at 20psi the only thing holding the Disco back was clearance under the diffs.

I managed to pick up 2" lifted springs second hand (only been in the previous owner's car for 4 months) and i plan on fitting that and some bigger tires to make the old girl a little more capable.

So my question is what tire sizes can you recommend. I have heard that 31" tires fit well stock. Would they be a good size to go with?
What other modifications can you recommend? Being on a uni student's budget i cant afford a great deal. At the moment the list includes cutting down the plastic front bar and fitting the lifted springs.
What other modifications should i plan to do in the near future?
And do i need to fit longer shocks with my lifted springs? I have heard differing opinions on whether or not i need to and wondered if anyone could clear that up for me?

Dizza

If you go bigger than 31" tall (tyres) you will need to gear down in the diffs, i.e. drop ratio to 4.1:1 otherwise you will lose out on torque/power.
I have 33x12.5x15's on my 300TDi Auto disco, 4.1:1 CWP in the diffs along with a 2" suspension lift and it seems to be the ideal setup (for me anyway). Would advise diff guards and front bash plate as well for peace of mind, Regards Frank.

I have 2 inch lift and run 265/75/16 on steel rims no probs but i have a v8 so power no probs...

If you are going to lift it you will need to change the rear rubber "doughnut" for a uni joint, classic rangie breaker is your friend here and longer shocks will help if you want more flex, you will need longer brake lines too and maybe extended bump stops to protect the longer shocks (cheapest option), otherwise standard is fine if you are just after getting some bigger tyres, run 247/75 16 on mine and they seem to suit it, do have 265/75 play tyres as well though.

Little lift and decent tyres will see you right to start off, they go really well in the bush!

Thanks for all of the prompt replies. I have heard about the tailshaft swap from a RRC. Is it a straight swap between the two?
Mine is an auto, i have heard swapping the transfer to a Defender transfer will change the high range ratios to suit larger tires? Would that be another potential solution to the gear ratio problem?
A camel cut is also on the cards in the near future.

Are you planning on getting new/offset rims for the 31s?
If you do, you'll have to get some flexi flares - I made that mistake myself haha.

Depends on whether or not they are required. I imagine that would place more stress on CVs and steering components so if i can get away with it i wont get offset rims.