Thanks Ed, those are some good options, and definitely make me think the one with the blown tranny might not be the best way to go.

Why do you mention the one being a good deal if the HG was done? Is that something that has to be done as a matter of routine maintenance?

Also, the one mentions needing a suspension, that might be worse than the tranny, no?

Thanks again, Mike

 

A Disco needing a new suspension is like telling parents that their kid is going to catch a cold...its going to happen.
You can replace the suspension on a Disco in a day by yourself.
www.roverlandparts.com
www.atlanticbritish.com
Just look up suspension kits and parts. Shocks and springs will be what you need, but keep it at or under 2" though.

 

Yes, suspension is easy. And fairly cheap if you shop around. I put all new monros under mine for took about 2 hours and it was the first time I have ever done shocks. I will still need a set of springs but they can wait, and the ball joints (tie rods ends) where 70 bucks for the set of 4. You can do the alinement with a tape measure I understand.

It's a super simple truck to work on. There is a ton of room to get to everything.

Honestly, I have yet to have a transmission fail. My biggest worry when buying a truck as a driver is the dreaded CEL. The various sensors required to have the truck run right get very expensive very fast and some require programming via a rover testbook (dealer or rover specialist only). You'll have as much into a new set of o2 sensors and Cats as you will most used trucks. Just figure a grand if they need replaced, and they do...

If a truck had the cel on, Take is to autozone or advanced auto, as they will read the codes for free. knowing the codes the truck is tossing is a real bargaining chip. Check the seals of the engine for oil leaks, look for any coolant leaks (even very small leaks) around the rear of the engine as this could be a sign of a bad Valley pan gasket or head gasket.

See if the pumpkins are leaking. The rear one can get expensive to reseal.

See if the sunroofs actually work as they can be expensive to repair. I have repaired 4 myself by getting lucky and finding junk donors.

But knowing this stuff can get you the truck cheap. There is no reason you can't find a decent truck in the 150k+ miles area for a 1000 to 1500 bucks running and ready to drive but needed the standard TLC. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and by a gallon of orange cleaner. (Go ahead and get a gallon, you'll need it)

 

suspension is a heck of a lot easier than having do to the tranny. you can get a Terrafirma 2" kit from justin at lucky 8 for around $650 shipped. Head gaskets are a common problem with our rigs. usually they start to fail around 80-120k miles but could be sooner or later. its a $1200 job if done by an indie mechanic or $2500+ if done by a dealer. You can do it yourself in about a weekend for around $250. work all this into the cost of the vehicle to help you decide whats right for you.