Hello all!

New guy here from PA.

I came across this site to gather information. I am looking to purchase a Discovery 2 with a bad engine so I can do an LS swap.

I've swapped other vehicles and came across the Golden Rovers kit and was immediately intrigued. I have a stock 5.3 & a built 6.0 in my garage ready to go!

Are these cars vulnerable to rust & rot? If so, where should I look? I'm looking to buy the cleanest body I can find.

Thanks all!

 

Rear quarter of the frame of a D2 is very vulnerable to rust/rot. Also near the cats. Rear quarter can be purchased as a unit and welded in.

Past that wear and tear on wheel hubs can be an issue (they are a bit expensive to replace). Plus all the regular drive line issues of a 22+ year old truck.

 

Appreciate it, thank you!

 

On a D2 the bodies are solid vs a D1, but the frame is exactly the opposite with the D1 having a more solid frame vs the D2. The rear section of frame can rot out just past the axle and another delicate spot not often talked about is the area right alongside the passenger catalytic converter. I've seen several with the inside wall of the frame in that spot completely gone!

Rest of the D2 is pretty simple especially vs newer 4x4's. The 3 Amigo's is a very common issue, and can be addressed easily with about 1hr of your time and about 50.00 with a new shuttle valve switch, and wiring connector. I personally would look for an S model without sunroofs. That will save you a TON of issues right there. A lot of people prefer the 03-04 facelift models, but me personally I prefer 99-02 with the glass headlights. CDL is also pretty common on the 99-01's it just doesn't have the linkage or a SLABS unit that has the CDL function built into the firmware. You can install a D1 CDL linkage or find yourself a linkage out of an 04 at a salvage yard or online along with a SLABS unit from 03-04. I had 2 D2's a 99 & an 02 both had the CDL nipple, so I added the newer SLABS unit, and the linkage and it was then 100% identical to an 04 model.

You used to be able to find beautiful D2's in great condition with blown engines for 500.00 all day long just pick your favorite color. I've been seeing people lately trying to sell the exact same thing for 5k now lol.

 

I generally avoid any D2 that has been north of NC for any length of time - frame and some body rust. Lots of good ones available cheaply further south and west.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will be on the lookout for rust in those areas.

I remember when you couldn't give these away, shame everyone thinks their vehicle with a blown engine is worth thousands now...

I'm going to look at one nearby on Saturday. My other concern is how will I fit. At 6 ft 7 in I am pretty tall.

 

I'm going to look at one Saturday. I'm curious to see how rusty it is.

But yeah generally that's good advice. It might come down to me taking a trip to get one, who knows.

 

I have bought several like that, flew all the way to Orlando once and drove it back. I have had several Northern guys fly down and pick up mine and drive them back. Illinois, wisconsin, and New York