Well all, I did replace the crankshaft sensor yesterday and it has made an amazing difference. The idle dropped down a little, the idle became much smoother and it pretty much drives like a brand new truck. So far I have driven it about 100 miles and smooth as glass. The one thing I did notice was (and this may have been the real issue) is the sensor screws were not tight and I did find some very fine metal particles on the tip of the sensor. Once again we will see if this solves it or if it was going bad and I still have not found the real problem. Oh I did run a compression test and all cylinders are at the same psi. Thanks and I will see.

 

Great! Let's try not to act like know it alls next time guys

 

Thank You All. I would just like to not NEED to wrench on our '98 stormtrooper anymore until the thaw. I think this is the answer. If it is, I promise to post about. We bought this beauty 5mos back and this page has been most helpful along the way. I am a former VW shade tree tech and mech (who immediately bought a bigger jack) who is much less cramped now.

 

Going on a trip?
Rent a car.
Stupid to take a Discovery.

Too much gas.
And if it breaks down ,towing costs and stranded for days.

You take the Discovery, you get what is coming to you.

Why bother to put miles on it?
Rent a car for a trip.