My Discovery has 150,000 miles on it and I am getting ready to replace engine gaskets. I plan on purchasing the following:
1. Composite gasket kit w/new head bolts
2. Timing chain and front cover gasket and water pump gasket and maybe front cover bolt kit( is it worth picking up to have spare bolts)
3. Distributor O-ring
4. New torque wrench(any suggestions)
5. Automatic trans filter and gasket
6. Oil pan gasket
7. New thermostat and gasket

What else should I add to the list?

What could I run into during the process and wish I had on hand? Since I can't go to the local auto parts store and expect to walk out with a rover part, and my A$$ still hurts from the last trip to the dealer's parts dept.

What am I looking for "wear wise" in the valves, rockers, rods, tappets, etc.

I would also like to replace all the vacumn lines and coolant system hosing but those kits seem kind of pricey can I use tubing sold by the foot from the auto part store and if so how do form bends that keep their shape so I can duplicate the factory tube.

What speacialty tools might I need?

I would also like to install an oil pressure guage any suggestions on what type of guage I should get and where's a good spot to mount the guage?
What other guages have you guys installed and found helpful on and off road?

 

Glowshift.com has lots of gauges.
8mm 12 point socket for the valve cover bolts.
I'd replace the timing set as long as you have the front cover off, and the oil pump too.

 

You'll need a torque angle gauge for the head bolts.
For oil pressure I'd use analog calibrated so the needle is straight up (or horizontal) and normal operating pressure so you don't have to "read" it to know you're ok.
If you're pulling the crank or rods, Lubriplate 105 motor assembly grease.
Don't remove the injectors from the fuel rail.

 

Instead of the dealership for parts, have you tried places like AB, Rovers North, Rovah Farm and some of those type suppliers?

 

that is what I am planning on doing but I want to know what trouble I might encounter so I can order it all at the same time so have everything I need "on hand" Atlantic Brittish is where I was planning on ordering everything from.