Thinking long turn, down the road (say maybe the next 4 years) there are afew new ideas I have been considering:

- Replacing the original chassis with either a new galvanized D2 chassis or a restored and galvanized D2 chassis.

- Extend the tail end of the Disco about a foot, and modify the rear end panels for much needed cargo space.

- Install a fully functional ACE system to the new chassis before assembling it to the truck.

- Adding 5 new Defender KAHN wheels
KAHN ALLOY WHEEL 16 X 8 SILVER, COS16711 - Land Rover Parts | Rovers North

RoversNorth sells new galvanized chassis's for Defender 110 for a reasonable $3,429. The hard part would be finding a supplier who makes and sells new chassis's for the D2 model. Anybody know where or who sells these?

In theory if money permits, I could purchase a new chassis, install new wheels, suspension, ACE and other components onto the chassis before I even take my current truck apart! Then transport the new chassis to a local mechanic specialist and have them transfer the body from my current D2 onto the new chassis. Saw someone do a similar project on youtube and it inspired me.

What do you guys think?

PS: Im not trying to brag or irrate anybody here. Like the rest of you I do love my truck and Id love to keep her running for many many years to come. Just thinking long term about fun projects and modifications I could do to improve the longevity of the vehicle. Some people spend $$$$$ on off-road modifications, I dont off-road much so I could always put that money into a different more ambitious project.

 

 

I'll play along... even if I think this is crazy.

Richards Chassis

Those guys sell D2 chassis.

 

The chassis part isn't really that crazy, the DII has a joke of a chassis, they rot out immediately. If you have a lift you could swap a chassis on a DII in less than a week, it's a lot simpler than one would imagine.

 

FInd what you want, buy it, sell the one you don't want. It is possible to do a frame off restoration, any kind of modification, etc. But not very fast, and not cheap. You'll need a forklift to tote the checkbook.

 

Extending instead of shortening!?! I dont think I have ever heard of that one before. With it being longer, would it effect the drivability? How exactly would you extend it? Lengthen the chassis? How would that effect the ACE? Do you have a link to that youtube video you can share?

 

THANK YOU!!!! Wish there was a US manufacturer for these chassis's but.... that is a start.

And I guess the Defender wheels are out of the question..... seems as though Land Rover and aftermarket companies never took pride in the Discovery models..... least not until 2005. Sighhhh

 

2005+ wheels will fit on D2. And the old school wheels will fit with adapters. Lucky8 Llc. - Take the road less traveled...

 

I never was a fan of short wheel based vehicles like the Defender 90 or the Jeep Wrangler. I prefer something with a permanent hard top roof, well insulated cabin, plenty of passenger space, passenger comforts and PLENTY of cargo space in the rear. I love the old Defender 130's! As much as I love my 2004 D2, my biggest complaint of all aside from the Rover V8 engine is how short the truck is. I wish they made the Discovery more versatile with afew different options like short and long wheel base trims. Different size engines and a greater towing capacity. Grant I do not want additional wheels added and I dont want my Disco to be as long as the examples below, but Im leaning towards the Defender 130 setup.

Defender 130:




Examples of extended Discovery models:






Discovery Restoration projects:

Discovery Body/Chassis swap project:


Rhino Edition:

 

Actually the best example of the extended length would be a 2004 Chevy Suburban, except its a Land Rover Discovery 2. Just 4 doors, 1 rear cargo door, large cargo area and more spacious second row seating for passengers.