Thread: How to bullet-proof my Disco

diff centers and axles...ignition module... maybe a MAF.. thats about it
keep the greese and oils up to it and the rest will look after itself.

cheers phil

I'd start with a decent sheet of 3 or 5mm plate from One Steel, then get your hands on a plazma cutter and some heavier coils to cope with the extra weight.

Sorry, couldn't resist

Originally Posted by Gooner

I have a 1997 V8 petrol auto Discovery and I want to make it as bullet proof as I can.
I am not mechanical save for basic stuff like grease and oil servicing. We have a new set of BFG ATs and a 2 inch suspension lift using Bilstein gear. My Disco is well serviced by mechanic and has done 150000 kms.

What I need from those that know is what are the weak points in my Discovery.
What bits do I need to look at pre-emptively replacing or modifying to hopefully avoid a breakdown out in the bush - and what do I change them to.
We are not into anything extreme, just touring and beach driving.
So, if you have been busted some where and it could have been (possibly) prevented or the part just wore out or is a known weakness – please pass them along. Anything from axles, diffs, CVs, steering, cooling, driveline, electrical or whatever, I want to know.

Thanks Craig

Craig,
these are pretty OK as they are, BUT I would add the following;

Definately get a P38a trans oil cooler, they are easy to fit and about 3 times the frontal area of the standard cooler, the biggest enemy of the ZF is heat.

Secondly, as others have mentioned, watch your CV's and diffs if you are going to run bigger tyres, if still on less than 31" tyres, then all will be fine if you treat it with respect. The centres are pretty average for strength

Thirdly, There has been a few trans failures due to the weakness in the drive sprag in the auto trans. They are actually a 'plastic' housing and will fail with reasonable force. The early model ZF's were stronger in this department, I would defdinately source a trans builders opinion on this issue before you have to get towed.... In Melborne I would talk to Tony at Manuel Automatics on 94664499. He can also advise you on a 3rd gear lockup mod which helps these transmissions tow well in 3rd.

Basically, serviced and inspected regularly, these V8's, apart from using more fuel than a diesel, need little attention.

You can ring me on 0408995635 if you would like to get more advice

JC

Originally Posted by Boxer

I'd start with a decent sheet of 3 or 5mm plate from One Steel, then get your hands on a plazma cutter and some heavier coils to cope with the extra weight.

Sorry, couldn't resist

No no no do it the easy way.......change it over for a D3 Armoured

Should think about an alloy header tank, aparently the plastic ones can crack

Originally Posted by long stroke

Should think about an alloy header tank, aparently the plastic ones can crack

Definitely a worthwhile investment.

This is the Allisport one I run in mine


Coffs Harbour 4WD sells em

Originally Posted by justinc

Craig,
these are pretty OK as they are, BUT I would add the following;

Definately get a P38a trans oil cooler, they are easy to fit and about 3 times the frontal area of the standard cooler, the biggest enemy of the ZF is heat.

Secondly, as others have mentioned, watch your CV's and diffs if you are going to run bigger tyres, if still on less than 31" tyres, then all will be fine if you treat it with respect. The centres are pretty average for strength

Thirdly, There has been a few trans failures due to the weakness in the drive sprag in the auto trans. They are actually a 'plastic' housing and will fail with reasonable force. The early model ZF's were stronger in this department, I would defdinately source a trans builders opinion on this issue before you have to get towed.... In Melborne I would talk to Tony at Manuel Automatics on 94664499. He can also advise you on a 3rd gear lockup mod which helps these transmissions tow well in 3rd.

Basically, serviced and inspected regularly, these V8's, apart from using more fuel than a diesel, need little attention.

You can ring me on 0408995635 if you would like to get more advice

JC

That and a rear diff lock and axles

Front's live a happy life treated with respect, but the rear's aren;t a reliable thing

Seen how easy a sprag is to break on the west coast of tas, hey JC.......where is Shorty?

Originally Posted by rovercare

That and a rear diff lock and axles

Front's live a happy life treated with respect, but the rear's aren;t a reliable thing

Seen how easy a sprag is to break on the west coast of tas, hey JC.......where is Shorty?

Hey Matt, The artist formally known as 'shorty' is now '2_door'



Also currently referred to as 'Benefits boy'

I'll let HIM explain THAT one

JC