After replacing the previous owner's road tires, I finally got the Disco off pavement for a bit this afternoon. It was great, other than having to be prudent to check water depth in one place, and chicken out of a spot where I thought I might need to be recovered.

Where would you all start on a stock vehicle? I'm thinking diff guards and hardened steering to start with, given how even mediocre rocks looked like they were waiting to smash/snap stuff. What's are the thoughts on fuel and transmission skids?

It's worth noting I have a 2003, so a CDL retrofit is on the list for some time this summer(but requires some scheduling of work space, a buddy to help, etc.).

I'm guessing larger tires and a lift are recommended, but I don't particularly want to throw cash at a lift and larger tires(as I'm on 18 inch wheels right now). Lifting the vehicle with the stock size 255-55-18 tires seems... silly.
I've thought about getting a set of 16" wheels and some treadwrights, but that's a ways off.

On the topic of throwing money to the wind, bumpers and winches have occurred to me. It looks like the consensus is a front mounted winch, and another buddy behind you to assist with a rearward recovery. Does anyone use receiver mounted winches? I think I've seen them mentioned all of once.

You all seem to have fun with your Rovers. Get me pointed in the direction of where to start.

 

I also have a 2003. My first priority was gaining adequate traction for the Disco when off-roading. The best bang for the buck for me was adding the CDL.... followed by proper tires.... then lift/shocks... under-body armor (diff guards, fuel tank guards)... steel bumper and winch was last.

 

The route for everyone is different. As long as you do it, just go have fun in it. You'll break things, but that's part of the fun... if you don't come back with a good story it didn't happen at all


EDIT: if your going to wait to get tires, I have a set of 5 16" wheels. I can't use LR wheels anymore, so I'll sell them to you for cheap. I'm getting rid of them down the road also.

 

^^^ This sounds like a good option.

If you are not looking to lift, I can confirm that on my 2003 with Stock Springs all around, I've got 265/75-16 mounted Without Rubbing. They fill the wheel wells very nicely, and I have awesome traction, and I gained a LITTLE more height. Here is my post with more images:
https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...32/#post438757

 

Get a pair of diff covers, then start from there. Its a slippery slope. I found a transmission/transfercase slider really cheap online. The trick is, be patient and you will find things.

 

Try to make a decision... it's a slippery slope. I'm on my 3rd different set of shocks because I made cheap choices early on and soon outgrew them. It's less expensive to do it right the first time.

 

x1000 what Zack said. Although, anything you modify will never be finished until you sell it, if you ever do, that is.

 

Quick disconnect swaybar links are relatively cheap and a good bang for the buck.