Don't know if he was specific to a Model. By reading the various Posts - not all are, e.g.: 1994-'98 would make it Disco l & ll ? But, it duplicates my experience. Just wondering about the Gear Box. I was pulling out of metered parking downtown Vancouver when mine went. When it happens you can take the steering wheel and just spin it like a top. What I wonder is - what if you were driving when it went? Is there some safety mechanism ? Since I have rebuilt most everything, will wait for a bit longer.

 

80ish? What motor do u have , you said ur in flat country so ther r no down hill runs, wow 80 , I wanna ride with with u , enjoy it is a great ride

 

I occasionally drive 80ish between Sacramento and Reno when I go visit family. It handles it just fine, and without stress. But, it's still completely stock. 4.6l V8

As a matter of fact, just got back about an hour ago from a trip there.

 

I actually bought a spare while doing a head gasket job on the 99 I bought a 04 to play with. Haven't done much yet but want to do similar to what this thread was about. Now I daily drive my 99. About 80 miles a day 3 days a week. Always monitor engine temp with a digital device (Ultra gauge etc.). I forgot the coolant cap one time, it overheated and that was another head gasket job. I did it myself. Doable but a bunch of work Front driveshaft; there are some nasty pics on here that will make a believer out of you.
Good luck.