Mine has not done this yet, but I've read that's a common issue with these.

 

The Service Manager I met has been with Range Rover 17 years and he is the one that told me to replace the gaskets and the plate. He said it is a known issue. He also said the trucks are bullet proof. That was encouraging news. He also mentioned that the Parts Manager has 2 Discoverys. I got to get to know that guy.

 

That sounds like a great idea, but remember, he's in the business of selling parts and labor, so if he talks you into a vehicle, take it with a grain of salt. Seriously though, I feel my truck is pretty solid and I don't worry too much. Actually went wheeling today for the first time for real. We have an OHV park nearby and they have a GREAT truck area. Many places I can't even consider trying, but many that I didn't think I'd make worked fine, and I've done a fair amount of wheeling over the years. The Traction Control was pretty impressive on large rock frame twisters. The tubes you see are 4' cement drainage pipe, so I avoided those. I was able to do the two trails on the left, but the two on right were impossible for me. They are all inclined about 40 degrees.

 

Holy cow SuperSport !!! You've got more guts than me. How long have you had your Discovery? I may take mine off road at some point, but I mostly bought it because I have always liked the looks and my 7 year old son likes "monster trucks". I don't see myself making a Bigfoot style vehicle so this will have to be our monster truck.

 

Here are some pics I took today. Can anyone give me some feedback on how my drive shaft looks? I plan to rebuild it next weekend, but will have to wait for the parts to arrive from Atlantic British. Does it make sense to try to get the u- joints locally? Does the drive shaft look safe to drive till then, assuming I can fix the coolant leak Monday.
As for the coolant leak, it looks like it is coming from the heater plate. I will try to get the plate and gasket tomorrow from the dealer along with the line going from the recovery tank to the throttle body. I would like to drive the truck to the dealer so I can get a new key, but need to repair the broken plastic line first. Should a rubber line be okay to last me until I can get one at the dealer or from Atlantic British? I was thinking on using one that that goes from the radiator to the recovery bottle on a Benz parts car I have on hand. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

I found a set of 3 new Meyle U- Joints online for $38 delivered and a set of 3 new GKN U-Joints for $67 delivered. Any recommendations on which brand to choose?

 

I've had it since December. So far, I had only done some snow, and that worked out really well. Snow is really easy in this thing.

I was concerned about tearing off my bumpers. They bumped a few times, but I go really slow and easy. It was fun though, just walking up the hills and then watching other people with expensive, lifted, equipped, vehicles burning their tires all the way up, IF they could even make it at all.

The Toyotas did best, of course. They really flex well. Two Toyotas even did the 4 foot drainage pipes. That was fun to watch! They were trailered-only trucks that were down to mostly frames with everything modified, fully locked, one was a v8. Probably about 40" or larger tires.

The Concrete Pyramid you see in the photo is cool too, although, nobody was on it. It's pretty extreme! 2-4 foot boulders and the steps range from about 2 feet to 4 feet.

 

I'm really surprised that our trucks have plastic bumpers. Both mine are damaged so I will have to address that once I get the mechanicals squared away. I ordered shifter and e-brake boots today and an Ultragauge. I'll have to go to the dealer tomorrow for the coolant line and the heater plate.

 

I don't mind the plastic, but they seem really brittle. I've had plastic bumpers that take quite a beating and still hold up, scratching added, of course. But these seem like they will break off pretty easily. Guess I'll be looking at steel bumpers before too long, because I will be off road occasionally, so it's bound to happen.

Or, maybe I'll try Wood! It's environmentally friendly, sustainable, and free!


I figured for the back, I'd kill two birds with one stone

 

Now that's funny right there !!!!!