Vehicle looks great. If you don't mind me asking, what springs are you running, ie the exact TF spring codes? I can't find anything medium duty on their website that equates to a 3" lift. I've got TF052's on the front, HD 2" -> TF052 - D2 Heavy load front coil springs & TF023V's on the back, MD 2" -> TF023V - 90/D1/D2/RRC Medium load rear springs

They're a bit tired now so I want to replace with something that will give a little more lift.

 

They are medium duty TF +3 but they also have a two inch aluminum puck under the perches. I got the springs from Lucky8 (ask for Justin). My truck has some extra weight on it so I don't get 5 inches out of that setup. More like 4 or maybe even 3.75.

Little known fact you can use Bronco springs, too, and they are 90 dollars for a set of 2, brand new, shipped. I worked out exactly which ones and can dig that up for you. The Bronco springs have to be cut at the top because they are too tall (so you can pick your lift) and the top end of the spiral turns to the middle which would prevent our shocks from sitting there in the front coilover configuration. They amount to HD+ springs for Disco II's. They would be perfect for the extra weight of a diesel engine like the OM617 but that dream has died for me.

I didn't see the +3 TF springs on TF's or Lucky8's sites, either, but Lucky 8 had and suggested them when I tried to order +2's. RTE FAB also has +3 springs and those guys are incredibly knowledgeable.

And for what it is worth I've never had to change my caster arms or anything else. My steering is a little twitchy but I'm used to it.

One of the things that I like about the way this setup looks is the tires but, in fact, they are a private shame because they are really too big. I also have 2 inch wheel spacers to move them out because they couldn't be turned all the way without rubbing. Now, if I were to go offroad, they would trash my fenders. When they wear out I will be getting skinnier ones at about 30 inches rather than 33 unless I go whole hog and get mew caster arms, new watts linkage in back, and double double cardan briveshafts front and back, lower gears, extended brake and ABS lines (mine are already long) and I don't know what shocks... That's a lot of money for bigger tires and little or no extra capability so probably not going to happen.

 

Head gasket kit and seals arrived late yesterday so as soon as I get the one bolt off of the transfer case and pull it off, I am going to unbolt the engine and transmission. That's the plan for this evening.

I have the truck on tall Jacks now to make it easy to get under. For speed I am going to let the air out of the tires and dip the nose down to remove the engine without messing with the radiator and front end. My crane, if memory serves, lifts the engine to one inch below where I need it to pull it out of a stock height rover. Last time I just muscled the engine without letting the air out and I think I heard my seemingly stout crane utter "WTF?!" as it suddenly turned into a swaying spaghetti noodle, while simultaneously scaring the poo out of me.

Knowledgeable people: is it possible to remove the engine and transmission together???? Otherwise I need to unbolt, which is no big deal, but I'm getting worried about being squashed as I remove things even with all of the Jacks I have. Also, there are two hard lines in a bracket on the passenger side of the transfer case. Is there a trick to removing that bracket? Finally, I don't see the linkage to the transfer case though I've been focused on the bolts. It would be a shame to screw up the control mechanism. Is it on top? Oh, and finally finally, about how far back will I have to move the transfer case to pull out the spline?

 

Dusty I will need to borrow the nanocom. I should just live with you to save postage. Thanks again for loaning me the ABS Amigo!

I will swap the instrument panel. Saving that for last.

We can negotiate the nanocom when the time comes... there is no nanocom anywhere near me and if I even uttered the word in Longview people would think I was a Jade Helm operative. Once all the postage is added up I will buy you something nice... in fact my cat matches the ones in your picture and I'd be glad to mail her to you as a down payment. Or I could pick it up... you are close. Keeping my theme I would leave the cat as collateral.

 

no problem
I am out your way on occasion, so I might be able to come out when we are ready......if not possible, i'll just send it over

 

Great info, unfortunately L8 & RTE are a bit far from me, I'm in the UK, so postage would probably kill any spring finds. And there's zero chance of locating Bronco springs here

I'll look about locally to see what I can find. I've already got 40mm of pucks under my +2 lift and have another 40mm ready to add in if need be

 

I just googled nanocoms. I'm sure you know already that is a new term for me. I didn't realize what an expensive piece of kit that is. I withdraw my feeble jokes.

 

well, i'm not making any deals with that cat involved and i'm not coming out if that creepy cat is going to be watching over my shoulder the whole time. those eyes appear to be composed of kryptonite

 

Transfer case out. Finally getting to the parts I care most about. UPS is bringing me goodies every day and I just lack the oil pump kit and timing chain. Managed all this while grilling chicken and cooking vegetables. Unfortunately, I didn't get to eat.



Should I be worried about the transmission seals?

Always, ALWAYS remove the e brake drum before trying to remove the transfer case. If this wasn't a donor vehicle I would have had to shove it back together to take the drum off. You can see what I did to make room for the drum in the top left of the picture. I'm so glad I got to practice on this truck before tackling my own.

Also, a transmission jack with a tilt table on top is a must, as are a chain or straps to hold the case to the table. This thing will tip and crush you otherwise. I really wish our transfer cases could be clocked about 30 degrees for driveshaft angles.

As soon as I get the transfer case completely unwired I will drop the transmission underneath, then lower the front, let the air out of the tires, and get the engine out for its new goodies. I always get half as much done as I plan and today was no exception. I optimistically got the crane and engine stand ready. Wasted effort.

Once the engine is out I'm going to grab the dash pod and computers, then take every useful bit off of the rover. I'm hoping to have it out of the driveway and off to the boneyard by Tuesday.

Taking a break tomorrow for work.

 

Sorry, I didn't notice your locale. The Bronco springs are at xxxxxx Bronco Graveyard (or Boneyard.. maybe Jeff's Bronco Boneyard). I can't remember the xxxxxx part. They have a website. Their name is a misnomer; all of the parts are new.

The springs would be pretty stiff on a Disco unless you have the bumper, winch, and a diesel. If you decide to order from them I can dredge up the part number. RTE helped me figure out which one to get so I am confident it is the right part. Since I've given up on a diesel I'm going to have to find some rover HD springs that match my lift or get a bigger puck to put under the perches.

The pucks I used were actually for a range rover air bag setup and were reasonably priced for 50mm aluminum. I thought I was being clever but I had to drill new holes and cut an edge off (with hand tools) and I ended up feeling like a dope.