Thread: D2 Autos...why don't I like them?

The Td5 is the first auto 4WD I've ever owned. I never wanted one, thought they were Satan's own spawn from the fire pits of Hell, especially as my D1 V8 was a manual...however...

After chasing a mate in his GU around the dunes of Lucky Bay (near Kalbarri - great spot!) in my outrageously reliable, manual, but sadly asthmatic '88 Paj TD - he offered me spin in the GU and I ate a bit of humble pie, it was absolutely brilliant in the sand (and the 3.0 diesel didn't even blow up ) where the poor old Paj lost momentum on the up-change.

So when I went looking for a Td5, I was happy to give the auto a go. It's not perfect in all situations, (but neither is a manual, especially the freeway crawl), but it does a bloody good job.

Until recently my 2nd car was a manual and I'll probably buy another so I dont get withdrawal symptoms - but try a few more before you decide, yes the hanging on to gears thing is a bit weird at first...but you get used to it.
Cheers
Mike

The Td5 is the first auto 4WD I've ever owned. I never wanted one, thought they were Satan's own spawn from the fire pits of Hell,

Much the same feeling..after years of series LR; Classic RR; Isuzu county.

Bought a new Td5 auto in 2001 and found it "hunted" between 3rd/4th at around 80kph when towing. (On gravel this is often the top safe speed)

Fitted a BD chip ( there weren't many other options back then) and WOW!
Different car. The extra grunt means that it stays in top gear..or at least you can keep it there with driving style and without flogging the engine.

On bitumen it rips over hills even with a camper in tow. eg on the Hume H/way I can hardly remember it changing down between Melb -Sydney.

Using the transfer box and the M & S option you have good control offroad..and as someone else said ..it is usually in the right gear!

Heaps better..and now I have "fallen in love with the Devil"

Cheers
Bob

Been a manual driver my whole life ... just dislike auto's. Period. When we were looking for our D2a, finding a manual one (without incredible K's) was a lesson in frustration.

After reading many assuring posts on AULRO, we decided to go auto (didn't have much choice anyway). I must say, I'm now a convert!

It's our daily drive, so the missus has to drive it (more than I do) and she's a manual convert too ... not any more! We are glad we bought an auto. We live at Stockton Beach, and for the first time in my life beach driving is easy ... even my 9 yr old can drive the D2a down the beach and across the dunes !! It's fun taking non-4wd types down the beach and letting them drive the D2a ... they reckon they won't be able to do it ... and the Disco just goes where they point it. Easy!

Yes, they can run out of breath on big hills in 4th (but 4th is overdrive and it is only a 2.5L engine btw). Just pull the stick back to 3rd, let it lock-up, and she powers away up hills with ease. The Td5's fuel economy & towing ability more than make up any short fall I originally precieved.

The electronic auto in the D2 is light years ahead of the old hydraulic auto's of yesteryear. Adjust your driving style, and learn to use the auto box and I reckon you'll be a happy camper. You can run it as a clutchless manual offroad in low range, and even in high range you can still select and hold a given gear if you really need to.

I'm sold! My 0.02c

Kev..

Short of sports cars on a track.. You dont drive anything anymore...

Its a 4wd... And either manual or auto have their benefits...

For slow, controlled offroad work (esp climbing) the auto cant be beaten..

And in sand, auto is so much nicer on the vehicle....


Ive had 2 Auto and 2 manual Landies...

No issue with either box.

I have always had a manual 4WD, however I am in my second auto V8 and have no regrets. The auto driver has the best of both worlds as you can drive an auto as a manual whenever the need arises.

Maggsie
04 V8 Disco

I find that when I accelerate at 80-90 the torque converter usually does not lock. It never kicks down a gear, just revs high until I back off. Car has done 179000Km should the box need an overhaul at this stage? it performs perfectly in every other way. Could do without any big bills at this time so fingers crossed

We have the auto and its very good especialy when towing, yes it changes down and revs on a hill but after a little it changes up and then uses the torque and just pulls like nothing, when it does this we pull away from our friends LC up Cunninghams gap when towing our vans to Stanthorpe

Will be taking mine up Cunninghams in a couple of weeks pulling an A'liner. I'll be interested to see if mine behaves so well