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I'd definitely go for the 99 D1. That's the last year for the D1 and the most desirable personally. The D1 is going to be less complicated and more oriented for off-road use with many accessories available.
OK, for the most part, these are the same truck underneath. The main difference between the two is in the axles and diffs. The older Range Rover may only have 10 spline axles and diffs. Depending on how serious you want to go with your offroading, this could definitely be a drawback.
The other difference is that the Range Rover, being the more upscale of the two models offered a Borg Warner transfer case with a viscous coupled center differential whereas the Disco had a manually locking case. If the Range Rover had an achilles heel it would be here. New, the units were flawless and provided more than enough control for 99% of new owners. The problems come in with age and mileage. A Borg Warner is chain driven (versus gear driven in the Disco) so it can suffer from stretching and chain slap. More importunely, the center viscous has a definite lifespan and when is goes, it goes.
To solve this problem with older Borg Warners, many have opted to swap in LT230 transfer cases like those found on all the Disco's. The job is pretty easy and I have probably provided customers with well over 50 conversion kits over the years. I can provide details if you're interested.
In terms of braking, the Range Rover has a much better ABS system, as long as it doesn't suffer from rotting lines due to its age.
In terms of the engine, while the 3.9L may not be a quick or responsive as the GEMS 4.0L, it is a MUCH MORE RELIABLE engine with far greater durability. This is coming from a Rover owner for over 18 years. As far as ease of repair, unlike the DI you can do just about any repair without Testbook or similar computer system. Try that with a DI.
If you're looking for a little extra room and comfort, the Range Rover exceeds the DI in spades. The seats are better by a mile and there's more cargo room in the rear.
As far as off road equipment is concerned, most of what will fit one, will work on the other. Roof racks may not work but hell, you can use an ARB bull bar on either model. They are that much alike underneath.
It really comes down to what truck moves you the most. I've always preferred the Range Rover over the Disco. That's just me. I've owned them new and brought beaters back to life. I think the Range Rover has a superior feel. If you can deal with the Borg Warner and the 10 spline diffs, I'd go with the Range Rover. Upgrading diffs, axles, and the transfer case will cost well under $1k if you can do the work yourself and in the end, I think you'll have the best of both worlds.
Paul I appreciate your input. I have a like for the RR's from thgat era myself. I was glad to see your response. Sounds like a RRc with the LT230 would be the way to go.
__________________ HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU FROM. Danny Lee 97 Disco Driving MEANANDEROVER
Thanks guys for the input. one more question, I see the Maf for these things are very costly, how long does one ussaly last and do they respond well to cleaning them. I have D2 and they do not clean up when they go they go but then again there not a 500.00 item.
Ok seriously looking into the Classic. what does it take for me to do the lt230 swap?
D1 or RR classic
