Thread: D2 and D2a differences, exterior?

Originally Posted by Reddirt204

Hi all

As the title suggests, I would like to know the exterior differences between the D2 and 2a. I have picked up a D2 for the trans to put in the 2a but really the D2 is in great condition and I'm thinking I might keep it and build it in to a weekend warrior (M57 is on the wish list ) but I do like the facelift headlights. Would a 2a grill and headlights bolt straight on? or am I better off keeping the 'older' style front, are the lights better or easier to upgrade (LED/HID etc)

Cheers

Redd

For some time Ritters here in Melb offered a conversion from D2 to D2A lights, front and rear. That's long gone, but it was essentially plug and play, so there's no real issue with the swap.

Can't speak to the HID/LED in the D2A, but my D2 has HID. Not sure if I'd do that again. Ditto the LED in my D1. It may just be my aging eyes, but I really dislike the way they interact with modern road signs. I expect that Tombie would have an opinion on that.

Thanks Tins,

I'm not too worried about the rear as I'd fit a steel rear bar (the plastic one is almost nonexistent..)

I was hoping it was pretty much plug and play.

I've no idea about the LED/HID's hence my asking, but I do agree with the way some of these almost flare up the road signs, not sure if it a lack of proper adjustment or not. So far the more I read more more confusing it all becomes..

cheers

Redd

Originally Posted by Reddirt204

Thanks Tins,

I'm not too worried about the rear as I'd fit a steel rear bar (the plastic one is almost nonexistent..)

I was hoping it was pretty much plug and play.

The rear was both lower and upper. There was a difference in the loom. The main diff was the indicators were higher and the reverse were in the bar. Not a big deal IMO.

IIRC the difference in the front is the little semi circle cutout in the surround.

From memory there were over 200 differences between the D2 and D2a, according to the marketing blurb at the time.

A D2a has pocket high beam lights with a separate bulb, so are easier to upgrade than a D2 with its dual filament single bulb. The low beam staying on when on high beam also puts more light on the road with a D2a.

I thought there was a change to the metalwork behind the headlights??? The wiring would also be different.

Hi. The conversion to facelift headlamps is more complex than it appears, to make and ideea see this Discovery - headlight conversion to 2003 on lights | LandyZone - Land Rover Forum also even if they look better you'll not want to change a bullb in heavy rain cos it's not so easy like on the old type... as about LED/HID's the reflector in the lamp is not suitable for these and there is not enough ventilation for the extra heat either.

Originally Posted by sierrafery

Hi. The conversion to facelift headlamps is more complex than it appears, to make and ideea see this Discovery - headlight conversion to 2003 on lights | LandyZone - Land Rover Forum also even if they look better you'll not want to change a bullb in heavy rain cos it's not so easy like on the old type... as about LED/HID's the reflector in the lamp is not suitable for these and there is not enough ventilation for the extra heat either.

Thanks sierrafery, I should have figured if Land Rover engineers were involved then it wouldn't be straight forward....

I will be sticking with the standard frontend and just upgrading the globes/adding spotlights

thanks

Redd