I have been reading about different ways to make it so you can engage the CDL from inside the cab on the early D2s. Has anyone had any experience with these? Also does it cause more wear and tear on the drive train components when the CDL is engaged while offroad? about how many turns, or part of turn, does the shift thing on the top of the xter case need to turn with the 10mm wrench? thanks for any help you can give me on this.

 

The best way to do it is by buying a DI CDL linkage and shifter.
www.roverlandparts.com
No it wont put any extra wear and tear on your driveline as long as you use it on slippery surfaces, like off road or snow covered roads.

If you engage the CDL with a wrench it is moving the wrench from 12o'clock to 3o'clock.
So a 1/4 turn.

 

It will cause less wear when being used. You can try it by using a wrench but you will want to replace the linkage to do it right..

 

the ones at roverland just show the shifter but no cable..do you need to buy a cable or is it included?
I know it says "Complete with all hardware" but I was just checking.

 

I used this kit from lucky8:

http://www.lucky8llc.com/Products.asp?ProductID=2185

You can sometimes find used DI shifters with linkage, but they are not as easy to work with compared to the lucky8 kit. You can try and find one from a 2004 Disco, but those are VERY though to come by.

In other words, if you cant find a used shifter with linkage, go with the lucky8 kit!

 

you can buy a whole d1 with a blown engine for a little bit more than what those lucky8 shifters cost

 

That lucky8 one is the same as a '04.
The '04 uses a cable, the DI's use a solid linkage.
I have no idea which one is better.


Look around for a used linkage from either model.
You will need the shifter and the cable/linkage.

 

Spike is right...no cable on a D1. I think the cable may be a little better because you don't have to grease it and it is protected.

 

The reason they are so expensive is because used 04' shifters are pretty hard to come by since most are still on the road. They are also in high demand and Lucky8 is one of the few places that carries brand new ones so, like most popular LR stuff, they are overpriced. As mentioned, the cable is much easier to install than solid linkage. My mechanic who helped me install mine said it would be harder and take much longer to install a used DI shifter.