I took my 2001 Disco on it's first off road trip in the snow last week. I have to say I was very disappointed on how the vehicle performed going slow in the snow. The traction control worked well from side to side, but front to rear is worthless without a CDL. LR should be embarressed to have sold this without the CDL. If I keep this vehicle that is the first think I would have to add.

I really like the look of the factory lever, but the cost is pretty high and I wasn't looking forward to tearing out the center console to install it.
Has anyone tried this one from Great Basin Rovers?

Coil Sprung - Transfer Case Gearing

You might have to scroll down the page to see it.

 

While I agree, the CDL should've never been taken off the list of standard options when the started making the DII, I've always been impressed with the performance of the TC in the snow.

What kind of tires are you running? Do you have any tread left?

...but no I've never seen anyone use that kit.

 

I am running crap tires and will be getting some new ones soon. I was coming from a 1992 Nissan Pathfinder with a LSD rear end and I thought it performed better off road than my Disco.

 

that is the most expensive crap lever... just buy a d1 setup or make your own custom like i did. mine cost $20 you can find the thread with a search.

all the traction control and cdl and lockers and LSD aint gonna do nothing if you running your truck on drag slicks

 

Taking apart the console is a breeze. Just look at the video from Justin at Lucky 8. I took it apart last night slowly without breaking anything in about an hour. Drilling out the rivits is not bad either. You can be in there adding the lever if that is all you need to do in about 1.5 hours. If you do not have the locking T/C than block out 2 days + for the job.
I'm at about 70% done right now.

 

X2. I have stupid crap General Grabber UHP summer/street tires on my D2. Even with the addition of an '04 CDL shifter, when it comes to mud or deepish snow, I fail miserably. I once had to be pulled from a neighbors muddy backyard with his Ford Escape while I was trying to help him pull his trailer from the backyard up a hill to his front yard. Once I was in the front yard and out of the mud, I was able to pull his Escape with trailer attached out of the mud and up the hill.

 

Yes bad tires make any 4x4 a laughing stock. My 03 came with Kumho 255/55/18s. Great on the highway but thats it. I got stuck in a wet field with about an inch deep mud. Finally the HP and tork got me a little momentum to get off the flat and up the hill.

Now Duratracs and my rig is a beast in soft dry dirt or mud or snow. They make all the difference.

 

man that is one fugly setup that they came up with...looks like a shifter off a 1970's 5 speed bicycle.

 

What he said that thing is a monstrosity. I'd just use a D1 setup if the proper D2 one is to much coin.

Edit: that thing is $350 how much does the D2 setup cost? Last I knew used ones were less than that...

 

You just made me dig through receipts to make sure I gave a correct figure, instead of something from memory. I paid $150 plus shipping for my 2004 CDL shifter, with cables, handle and boot, and the lever arm that bolts to the transfer case to which a cable connects.

I got it from ModernImports.com, used auto parts and salvage in St.Louis, Missouri

Granted, I had been dealing with them through my previous employer, but very infrequently (maybe once every few months)