Ok yesterday I asked about the differences between the 03 discos and the earlier models. Well after hearing about all the gremlins with the 03 disco I think I am going to go for an earlier model year which brings me to this post.

I want one with the nipple for the locking center diff, and the least amount of issues with the engine(oil pump etc) I live out in the country so I was thinking about doing a Very small lift(2 inches 3 max) I would also like the most upgraded interior(not sure what year they did an interior upgrade..but looking at say from 2000 too 2002 years unless the 99 was better

Also did the years I listed have the front drive shaft issue like the 03 did? and I see a lot for sale but many say they are over heating...is this the thermostat issue I have read about?

 

in Foghorn Leghorn voice: Son, You got a LOT of learnin to do!!

All your answers are right here and on the other forums. If it is your practice to take short cuts in life you will not be a good Land Rover owner.

Set aside a few days and do your research, if you are going to buy a Rover, you'll have to get used to that anyway.

The wise ones expect you to find the answers yourself and then after you have exhausted your search, ask questions.

Thats what the rest of us have done.

 

Half way through 2001 LR pulled the lockable TC option (nipple) so stick with 99-early 01 for that option stock.
All D2 model years have the drive shaft issue to correct.
Overheating could be many things from head gasket to thermostat to radiator etc... That would need to be identified and costs weighed before purchase.

 

03-04 have different headlights, taillights, bumper, gauges and 4.6L engines. The 04 models have the CDL shifter installed in them already. I believe the older year D2's (99-00 and some 01's) still have the CDL shifter as well, but the 01-02 transfer cases have the nipple to attach the shifter but no way to shift, and I believe the 03 models do not have either the nipple the attach the shifter or the shifter (stay away from them is the rule of thumb).

The overheating most for sale rovers have is blown head gaskets or cracked block so be careful when buying.

All D2's have weak front drive shafts. The reason is because no zerk fittings were installed at the factory to grease the shaft and over time the heat from the exhaust cooks all the grease away and the shaft explodes (literally) taking out the transmission with it. $300 spent on a new drive shaft now will save you $3000 on a new transmission later.

Most of us guys switch to the 180 degree thermostat because the factory one has the engine running at around 215.

 

Dave I did read which is how I knew about the front driveshafts, thermostat etc I was not trying to cut corners as you put it, but be smart and find out the basics from people who have already gone through this.

I know the front head lights can be changed to reflect the 03 look on an earlier model disco. Seems the best thing is buying a disco that maybe has a misfire etc is one thing, but any kind of overheating or oil leaks is a no go. And to go aftermarket and buy a new front driveshaft

A question is there a company that is cheaper than tom woods for a replacement front driveshaft?

 

i have found that chasing leaks is your second hobby, second to owning your rover. oil leaks are one thing. coolant leaks must be addressed quickly. if its like mine, oil leaks will be addressed while you take care of coolant leaks.. for example, the front cover can leak coolant AND oil, to fix that the oil pan and water pump must be removed. if you have a leaky intake gasket(it can leak coolant), you must change the valve cover gaskets.

basically a leaky rover is not an excuse to pass on it, unless its pouring out of a crack in either the block, transmission case, and so on. an overheating rover with lots of ecu codes i would avoid. mine had none of the above, and i can tell you now it started to leak from what is probably the back of the headgasket(very common i have found) 3 weeks after i bought it. its a rover, accept that it can and will bite you if it hasnt been properly taken care of. i believe mine was taken care of... barely.

if i am giving wrong information may i be smited, after all.. i am still learning the ways of the rover.

 

This is a little misleading.


(04's) have a lockable transfer case and CDL shifter from the factory

(03's) DO NOT have a lockable transfer case, therefore DO NOT have a CDL shifter

(99-early 02's) DO have a lockable transfer case, but DO NOT have a CDL shifter. You can install a D1, 2004, or Ashcroft shifter so you can activate the CDL.