Hey there Rover fans!

Im a total newbie to the whole Land Rover world and am in need of the collectives opinion. From my readings here on the site I have decided that a DISCO II is the car for me and my budget. I plan on mostly using the car for off road adventures with a average amount of city driving. Ive been on the hunt for a 2004 model mostly because it has the internal CLD lever.

Recently I have come upon a '99 which seems to have all the same features and internal CLD lever and have been contemplating purchasing it. All in all it looks like a decent condition DISCO II.

What are the differences between the two years '99 & '04 mechanically, suspension, etc…. that I should be aware of? Id hate to drive the '99 home only to kick myself for not waiting for a '04 if there are some major differences.

Thanks in advance.

 

The biggest change is the 04 has a 4.6 where the 99 has a 4.0 engine. The rest is mostly trim and up-dating.
By the way, it is a CDL, center diff lock.
I have a 99 and would never part with it.

 

I think Mike meant to say 4.0L engine in the 99.

I could be wrong; he's forgotten more than I'll ever know about Rovers.

The 4.6s are a bit more problem prone than the 4.0s. I'd say if the 99 had thorough maintenance records showing a fairly recent head gasket job I wouldn't hesitate.

 

I picked up a $600 1998 Disco. It has the 4.0 V8, CLD, and is just all around amazing. My friend will be getting a Disco II soon, so I will be able to speak for both parties soon. I however, only got my disco as a winter-beater, then planned on tossing it..That was a year ago, and I drive it sometimes more than my DD, a Jaguar XJR haha.

 

The 04 had fat vs skinny roof rails, HID headlights and a couple other lickies-n-chewies, the greatest of which is the larger 4.6L which is what most people are after due to the heft of the vehicle.

 

Thanks for the replies so far! Please keep them coming.

So when a Disco II has its CDL engaged (high or low) I understand that equal power goes to the front and back wheels. Is it also possible to totally lock the front and rear differentials also? Sorry Im a bit confused regarding this.

I just watched this video which made me raise this question:

 

From factory, no, front and rear differentials are open, AKA one front and one rear wheel will spin if no traction is available.

aftermarket lockers are available.

 

No, they are open diffs. However as stated, they sell air locker conversion kits for not much money.

 

Acutally, they dont.

While they do look like HID enclosures, the stock bulbs are, in fact, normal halogens.

 

That's the truth.