Thread: Poida4x4's Disco 1

I got a report over the phone of what's needed for a RWC. There's nothing too alarming in it. New rocker cover gasket, the boot on the A-frame ball joint is torn (perhaps replace the whole joint?), diff pinion seals (I knew about these, and a new headlight). The guy I took it to is a mate who specialises in French cars. He's not interested in doing the work. I've done some research and got some leads on some people who are likely to be good for this work, but Les Richmond is closest, and I was planning on taking it there for a Madman 2 install anyway, and to talk about suspension. Do you think that's the sort of place that would do this RWC stuff without charging heaps? I get the impression they specialise more in modding than general stuff.

I'll give them a call tomorrow and pick the Disco up from my mate with the full list of stuff.

Originally Posted by Poida4x4

I got a report over the phone of what's needed for a RWC. There's nothing too alarming in it .....

Are U handy with tools yourself?
If not, don't read past this part!
... but it could be an advantage to become handy with tools when you own a landrover!!

If so, other than the balljoint you could do those jobs in a few hours.

Sorry, have no idea on trustworthy mechanics in Melb.

Originally Posted by Poida4x4

I got a report over the phone of what's needed for a RWC. There's nothing too alarming in it. New rocker cover gasket, the boot on the A-frame ball joint is torn (perhaps replace the whole joint?), diff pinion seals (I knew about these, and a new headlight). The guy I took it to is a mate who specialises in French cars. He's not interested in doing the work. I've done some research and got some leads on some people who are likely to be good for this work, but Les Richmond is closest, and I was planning on taking it there for a Madman 2 install anyway, and to talk about suspension. Do you think that's the sort of place that would do this RWC stuff without charging heaps? I get the impression they specialise more in modding than general stuff.

I'll give them a call tomorrow and pick the Disco up from my mate with the full list of stuff.

LRA will do the work no problems they do general work as well as mods, but it's Christmas time and no doubt will be busy. Maybe try British car in North melbourne? Never had work done there but they are English "specialists" or American and British in Brooklyn again never been there though.
Cheers Jim

Originally Posted by LRJim

.... Maybe try British car in North melbourne? ....

They don't do mech work, but could refer you to someone of quality.
They supply parts, and to many indie shops, so they'd have some info as to who is OK or not.

How long would fulcrum joint take to change? If you replaced the whole thing i thought a couple of hours?

Originally Posted by AK83

Are U handy with tools yourself?

With a bicycle; yes. Not so much with cars. I'll get this work done by someone. I won't really enjoy it, I don't really have the time, and they'll do a better job.

Les Richmond is booked out until the end of January. I'll be in Tassie by then. I think I'll give up for now and get it all done when I get there. It's a bit disappointing, but only because I'm in love and want to drive the car around. I don't need to though. I'll call the place in Launnie that sound like they know what they're doing and go from there. I've ordered a Madman 2 from Les though. I'll take it over with me.

I might do something about the tyres now though, but I'm not sure what. I almost wish they were all worn out so the decision would be easy. It's got BFG ATs on it front and rear, but the rears are KO2 and newer. They're at about 8.5mm where new ones are 12mm. The fronts are a fair bit less than that and need replacing. I like the idea of having evenly worn tyres, so I'm not sure whether I should just get 2 new KO2s or replace them all. Something to think about anyway

Balljoint I found, was easier to do with the whole A frame off.
Haven't yet done the D1, but RRC had the same setup, but it took me most of the day to renew both the balljoint and bushes on the RRC.
And the RRC had the old self leveller thing to further complicate the job.
If you have a large press(or access too one), I'd say give it 2-3hrs. if no press, don't do the balljoint itself, get the kit with the balljoint in the housing. Damned near impossible to do with a press! I took mine to a shop to press out the old one.
Bushes can be hacked out of the A frame arms, and I used polys, so install was easy.

Originally Posted by Poida4x4

... I like the idea of having evenly worn tyres, so I'm not sure whether I should just get 2 new KO2s or replace them all. Something to think about anyway

I'd do the two fronts.
otherwise, fit the KO2s on the rear at the front, as a minimum change.

Depending on that type of offroading you want to get into, I'd stick with KO2s for now.

I have Yokohamas AT's, they're OK, but brother has KO2's on his D2 ... far better tyre.
Was taken for a drive in a D1 with set of fairly new Duratracs(Goodyear) maybe just a little smoother/quieter on the road than the BFG tyres, but the BFGs are a very good AT from what I've experienced.

UPDATE

Well I took the car to a guy in Braeside who did a good job fixing everything up. He fitted a low coolant alarm and did the other RWC stuff so all good. Then I took to Tassie on the unregistered vehicle permit and got the inspection done the day after we got here, then registered it the next day. Easy as. It's been fun cruising around in it more. It's actually pretty good on the highway. I'm really pleased with it.

It needed new front tyres for the RWC, so I got two new BFG AT KO2s. The question now is how/if to rotate them, as they wear. There's about 3mm difference in the wear, so probably nothing to worry about. I still have 235/85/16s a bit in mind.

So now I'm turning my mind to the suspension. The shocks are pretty worn/leaky and the springs are original. It handles pretty well, but with a load it bounces around a fair bit. I'm curious about spring rates and stuff. The plan for this car is not for super serious offroad. More touring and only a little bit serious offroad. I'm thinking I'd like airbags in the back for loading up and/or towing a camper trailer. I'll often drive it around unloaded though. I'm not after a massive lift. I've read a few threads on here and other forums about this, but they've mostly come down to brand etc, not the technicalities of springs rates and stuff for the Disco 1. Got any advice/links on this? Maybe something not too hard and use the airbags? Dunno.

I'm still thinking about a bullbar. Maybe it's not that necessary. Driving lights would be good. Something to jack/recover from would be handy I imagine. Otherwise I don't think I'll do too much else to it. I'm really stoked on the car.