Which is the best year for a Disco 2? If you had a choice.
 

When I bought my Disco 2, I was told I would be given a non running donor D2. I may have a few trucks (D2's) to choose from. I know CDL and Non-CDL trucks, Engine differences, SAI and Non SAI...etc. I just want parts and trim that match mine, but what are other things should I look for.

Guess I am happy about a donor truck, but want to get the best choice.

Have only owned my 2000 D2 for 5 months. So I am new to this new sickness, um... "joy".

Cheers and thanks to all the LR lovers...even the haters too.

Hasta

Oaty

99-02 is my personal favorite.

Not sure what the question is...but if you have choices for an extra parts vehicle...l'd pick one that maybe had a set of rims I liked. That way you could have agressive and road set. Are you going to keep this extra rig around as a rolling chassis or dismantle?

Brian.

If yours doesn't have a cdl, I'de get a truck that did, if possible. Then swap it over.
Otherwise, whatever the cleanest one with the most useable parts.

Yep parts wise go with the one in the best shape.

Donor vehicle
 

the vehicle I will be given is a non running or non drivable d2. Not sure if I get to pick it or not. Was told there are several d2’s. Guess I will have to wing it when on site. My current d2 does have cdl but no linkage.

My answer to the OP's question has to be the one with the best viable history, one owner with the lowest mileage at the best price be that is a 2000 or 2004. It depends what the OP wants to use it for. Personally I would go for a 2003 or 2004 with good history, low mileage and one owner but the question is very subjective.

For parts truck compatibility more of parts and trim (especially exterior) from '03/'04 will not fit the earlier years and vice versa. If a free parts truck you can't be too choosy unless you wait for a year more desirable to you.

Some will preach the '03/'04 4.6 engines are not as reliable and others will say that's BS. My '04 has been fine for the short two+ years of my ownership and feel comfortable after doing recommended cooling system maintenance, replacement of aging parts and adding a device to monitor temps. The later 4.6 engines do put out more power and a newer engine/vehicle may have it's advantages.

Never know you might find the parts truck better overall, get it going and use you current one as a backup or parts truck. Good luck.
......

I purchased a 2004 with 150k miles on it. Drove it for 20k and the engine grenaded. We believe it was a slipped sleeve (major ticking prior to implosion) Purchased a second 2004 this past Feb, drove it for 5k miles and now have loads of coolant in the oil (lab confirmed). Thankfully, my second disco 2 is much better platform to insert a refurb'ed motor into. I'm taking that dive in a month or two. So, I'm 0 for 2 with 04s.

20k miles with a "major tick".
I'de have to say that's really good.
You knew it had a big problem, and still got that many miles. And 170k on the engine.
No disrespect, but I would call that a win, not a loss.
And I do get where you're coming from.
I have a great running 04 with 122k miles, and a major tick. I'm tearing it down for a rebuild now.
Not the greatest engine in the world by far.