I just completed a coil conversion on my 2001 D2 and am looking at the next few projects. First thing I'm doing is going through and learning preventative maintenance (and purchasing a Hawkeye in a few months).

I live in Phoenix, AZ and want to be able to drive pretty much anywhere I want when hiking and camping. I'm not looking to do rock crawling or very technical off-roading. I'm not creating my own paths. I just want the confidence and ability to go.

What are the most essential modifications? I plan on a heavy duty Old Man Emu suspension, front bumper with HF Badlands winch, steel wheels and all-terain tires. Any bumper suggestions in the $500-700 range? I also read that upgrading the front drive shaft, rotoflex joint, center differential and watts linkage are advised.

Thanks
Mike

 

cdl for sure. I am hanging on to my watts, until it goes. then I will eliminate it. you can eliminate to roto and go u joint. I personally would wait until the roto needs to be adressed (vibrations/cracking) before doing the conversion. if you do not plan on crazy wheeling, you do not need hd front shaft. it just needs to be serviceable/greaseable. not sure who all sells them but economy front bumpers can be found in that range. i think lucky 8 has one.
rovers north has this tf offering http://www.roversnorth.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=TF009A
edit= just looked and this place is still in business. I bought this bumper, for prior rover. good price solid bumper. I loosely modeled my current bumper after it, as well. http://www.custom4x4fabrication.com/front_discovery.htm

 

Thank you Dusty1. Now I begin saving my pennies!

 

#1-CDL!!!!!
#2-mud tires

not blowing the LR horn but that is all you need for moderate 4x4ing.
front bumper and winch for approach but aside from that you are good ti go.

 

What about rock/tree sliders?

There are some nice looking bumpers made in the UK, that are reasonably priced.. Shipping kills the deal.

https://www.firstfour.co.uk/products...rs/discovery-2

http://www.tp4x4.com/product-categor...umpers-disco2/

http://www.extreme4x4.co.uk/acatalog...H_BUMPERS.html

 

You live in Arizona, I'd say with the rocks, and being a little new to driving off road, Differential guards. Terra firma has bolt on guards, and QT has guards, you have to do minor welding for QT. Lucky8 sells both I believe, also if you do some browsing, I found a set of both Terra Firma guards for 210.

 

Thanks for posting this link. I really like this bumper and it looks like a pretty good price! And, they are only about 1.5 hrs down the turnpike from me. What are your overall thoughts on it? Any issues with mounting or using it? Thanks!!

 

On the basic stuff, a torque converter upgrade is often overlooked and is a frequent failure in autoboxes when used heavily. It helps to transfer max torque in harsh conditions.

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co...&productId=320

It's worth a read on this website for info.

 

Np, It has been a bit, they deal mainly in jeep, but the guy had a d1. And he was a good guy to deal with.

 

FYI, the badlands winch went on sale yesterday through the 26th
299 with coupon 399 with out
you can download coupon