Now that's weird, Rich!
I am new to the Disco world, but everything that I read led me to believe that Automatic is the best way to go with that engine and that's why I am not very happy with the Manual I found...

So, if you are saying that Manual is even better I will go and buy it directly, hopefully, I will be able to retrofit the CDL as it is 05.2004!

 

@Azi Manual vs Automatic is more a personal preference I am often a long way from anywhere with no cell service. Generally a well looked after manual will not have a complete failure so you can always limit to cell range, case in point Iost 1st gear in my old R50 Pathfinder and drove home in second and up.

The automatic in the disco is very good and durable, well looked after they will not let you down, but if you do have a problem solo without cell service you may be waiting for help.

But as I say it is a personal thing

 

One of the biggest advantages of a manual vs. automatic for me is that you can't roll start an automatic if your battery is a bit low.
Azi, most of the conversations on this forum are based in the USA where the manual transmission wasn't available in the D2. So if you're looking for info comparing the two, your sample may be skewed somewhat.

 

If you don't have the cdl. i just did a serch in junk yard that has disco 2 parts. seen many 2001 transfer cases starting around $200. correct me if im wrong but from what i read 2001 has CDL.

 

The 2001 Disco 2's transfer case has the CDL nipple, and the CDL light switch wired in but it does not have the shifter linkage. Ask me how I know. lol

 

I am in the process of making my own shift linkage for cdl on my 2001. 3 options. manual set up with shifter and cable ( i will make), and 2 different electric options.

 

Main thing to remember = an OEM 04 CDL Hi/N/Lo shifter sits sideways when dis-engaged. So if it's perfectly centered with the PRND321 shifter = non CDL linkage