Thread: disco 2 auto box reliability

Most indicators with impending failures are slow or shuddering take up into gear when cold; poor shifting, flaring or bumping into changes, and lack of converter lockup or shudder when locking up at partial throttle, when at operating temp. MAKE SURE you check the oil for condition and level, walk away if it if dark and burnt looking, or severely underfilled.

I would start to get concerned about 200K, and worried by 250K. At least those are the km we mostly have to replace them at. Even with regular servicing etc they have some shortcomings.

They are a good trans BUT aren't quite big enough for serious work, and need to be kept COOL when towing, and serviced regularly using good oil, they can develop quite a few faults with valve body seperator plate gaskets breaking down, (Mostly seem to be 2002 on) sticking and failing shift and pressure solenoids, inadequate torque converter lockup clutch size, and then there is the half hearted attempt at irrepairable cooler line connectors at the oil cooler end.

They are a 'princess' of a gearbox at times, but do the job OK.

IF I was to recommend anything, Although quite exxy I would upgrade to the 4HP24EH internals (from a P38a trans), including bigger torque converter etc so it lasts a decent lifespan.

Sure there are plenty that last longer, but these are just the average km's we have experienced with trans issues in D2's.

The Manual isn't without its faults too, 5th gear support bearings, clutch and flywheel problems and some have poor shift issues since day one...but overall way less problems than other brands transmissions. Structurally the Suffix L R380 seems pretty robust, but high quality oil is required and regular changes will help lifespan. I would pick a manual one unless towing big loads in traffic, Defenders make good tow vehicles due to lower gearing but D2 (Unchipped) can be a bit of a pain to get going up an incline with a big weight.


JC

A friend had his auto die but he towed a very heavy boat with it( a 9m Kevlar Cat with twin inboard diesel engines).

I haven't seen to many problems. I would fit a good oil cooler though.

Cool, thanks. I had a lot of "good" replies on another forum, this is the first one that has some problems and things to check out listed.

Originally Posted by phuma

Cool, thanks. I had a lot of "good" replies on another forum, this is the first one that has some problems and things to check out listed.

Don't get me wrong they aren't a BAD trans, just that they don't last forever, even looked after they can still fail, and quite expensive to repair/ rebuild.

I still think that if you were to tow big loads and the Td5 is chipped, at least run a bigger cooler and change oil regularly, OR upgrade to 4HP24 guts.

Just sayin'...


JC

Not planning on towing anything (maybe a small trailer sometimes), the TD5 will be ecu-mapped to something a bit more powerful though.

Lifetime compared to a manual? Is the manual just more reliable in general?

Originally Posted by phuma

Not planning on towing anything (maybe a small trailer sometimes), the TD5 will be ecu-mapped to something a bit more powerful though.

Lifetime compared to a manual? Is the manual just more reliable in general?

How long is a piece of string? So many factors come into play and don't forget clutches wear out too... If you prefer the driveability of the auto, (and lets face it they DO drive very well, and use very little fuel still etc) then go auto. Costs of overhaul are about on par if you include a new clutch and flywheel for the manual, If I was to be pinned down to a time/ km frame? I'd say less than 300K for an auto, and around 300 to 400 K for a manual if looked after, and it will more than likely need a clutch etc around 250 to 300K.

Those are averages based on our client base of D2's, of which there are quite a few...


JC

Ah thanks that helps a bit. D2 that I looked at was around 120000km - so much life left in it still I hope.

had an 02 d2 td5 and had a reco trannie at 250k.... my 03D2a was reco'd at 260k...... a pattern here you think?