My family and I own a '02 Disco 2 that has roughly 140,100 miles on it. Over the past few months we have been debating over wether to get a roof rack/ lights or a 2" lift due to the lack of money. We take it off-road on the weekends mainly to take our dogs on a walk in the country or to have a little fun, but nothing too serious. We have owned the truck since it had around 95,000 on it and haven't replaced the springs nor do we know if the previous owner did so either. Any suggestions?

Another thing... my dad isn't too comfortable with the idea of lifting the truck due to safety concerns (i.e. rolling over) and because I use it as a daily driver to commute around 30 miles a day. Would a 2" lift keep the on-road performance or should I just luck it out with the stock suspension?

Suggestions and ideas are greatly accepted, thanks

Chris Corscadden

 

couple question first
1. do you have the Active cornering enhancement system (ACE)
2. what size tires are you running

Im running a 2" lift with 32" tires and the ace system.
There is a slight increase in understeer that I have gotten used to but the on road performance hasn't changed much.

 

at this point your old suspension is shot and your truck is close to 1.5 inches lower than where it started. I meduim duty lift, OME or Terra firm will give you a 1.5ish gain over stock. so you can expect to see close to a 3 inch difference from where you are now.
The concerns your dad has are incorrect. these trucks with the weight really do not have roll over issues. In fact with the upgraded springs, shocks and steerign stabilizer you will have greater control and a bette ride than you do now with that worn out stuff currently on.
As for which way to go.... A roof rack will add weight, it will add drag, it will add noise. If you load it you will be adding more weight. and with an old worn out suspension you will have an even worse handling truck than you do now.
A roof rack is an accessory, before you go adding accessories get your truck sorted out for stability. Some on here will tell you terra firm, some will say Old Man Emu, do your research talk to more than one supplier and look at your budget. regardless of which brand you go with you will be amazed and the difference in your trucks ride quality.
Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

First saftey wise, having a lift on it will give you a lot more saftey, because your truck since new has settled over 1.5"s, it is very top heavy and by installing a 2" lift you will have a much more controlled ride on and off road.
As for the roof rack, only add one if you plan on always using it cause it will cost you 1 to 1.5 in MPG.
If you want some help with lift questions, get back to me.

 

How would raising you vehicle lower the center of gravity?

 

Kristoffsmith,
It does not lower the center of gravity. But an old worn out suspension is more dangerous on heavy vehicles such as these than giving yourself an aftermarket 1.5" lift with springs, shocks and a stabalizer that are designed for this very thing. The upgraded suspension with allow the vehicle to track better, corner better distribute the weight of vehicle and contents better. absorb the road and off road terrain better.etc.. It is not jsut about the center of gravity. it is about how the center of gravity is managed that is far more important. Does this help

 

I threw on a set of 2" spacers that gave it a great look and actually smoothed the ride out. On top of that it was super cheap. Draw backs, rough riding is a bit sloppy but over all a good street ride. I will be upgrading to a 2" terrafirma coils/shocks set and dumping the spacers.

 

yes thank you very much for the detailed response. I was having a hard time understanding what mike was talking about but that make a lot more sense now

 

Thinking down the road a ways... if you plan on adding any accessories (roof rack, winch, heavy duty bumpers) and/or if you plan on loading up the Disco with lots of gear then you may want to consider going with the Terrafirma Heavy Duty 2" suspension lift kit instead of the medium duty kit. Cost $500 at Rovers North: COIL CONVERSION KIT HD TF +2" DSCO II , TF230 - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts

Medium duty suspension kits are good for everyday use and light off-roading but not idea when you factor in the weight of a roof rack and other accessories. Whenever your about to order new aftermarket parts and or upgrades, always a good idea to first think about how your vehicle will be used. Good luck.

 

If you are not understanding what I mentioned, I would be glad to call you and go step by step.