i agree with this. i think you should just pull the ecm and bcu from a donor vehicle so they already are syncd.

 

EDIT: Sorry, missed the point. If you're doing it yourself agree with the above, grab both so they're sync'd but you'll still have the issue of programming your keys, options, etc.

I'll reiterate on this one, syncing a used BCU is not an issue. The sync process is the exact same as if you installed a new ECM or new BCU and takes three minutes on the long end. It's a standard procedure.

 

IMHO it would be well worth it to have dealer tech with programmer / scanner make most of those naughty alarm/immobilize/superlock problems stay turned off. That's got to be worth an hour of time...

 

Aside from programming it, I don't have any issues with installing it myself, but the truck is already at the dealer. Probably cheaper just to pay them to do the install and programming rather than 40 miles of towing and still paying to have the dealer poke it. Plus it is 4 inches taller than my garage door and the weather is pretty nasty right now

 

Hello and thanks to all, just to close out the thread. The disco is home from the dealer, and running quite well. They ended up putting a "used" bcu in and were able to mostly program the beast. Still waiting on the new part, but no additional charge to install. All systems seem normal, with exception of the no cruise control, non functional key fobs, a blinking odometer(still counts correctly).

Aside from being able to drive it, the amigos have gone into remission.
Took it on a shake down cruise for a weekend of camping, (about 120 miles each way) three guys, 2 dogs and a weekend's worth of gear, averaged 13.7 mpg. No noticeable oil loss, but did loose about 8 ounces of coolant, looks like it is leaking at the throttle body heater, but aside from that, it was flawless, not even a rattle.

The truck:
99 D2 built 11/98
150000 miles
coil sprung

Work done:
oil and filter
battery
wipers
new battery hold down
greased prop shafts
one new General GrabberAT2(driver's rear had a bulge in the sidewall, only about 5000 miles on it)
new driver's door lock actuator
bcu

Working toward items from the major service thread and chasing a few minor leaks.

Thanks again to everyone for providing a broad and friendly base of knowledge.
N.