Prep for LS swap
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5
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Prep for LS swap
Hi everyone!
I have decided to do an LS swap on my 2003 Disco 2. The friend I have helping me is an amazing mechanic, and really wants to pump up the HP in the LS before we drop it in. After doing some research, I've learned that while the transmission would be able to handle the 400 HP mark we were planning, the transfer case would *NOT* be able to handle the HP, and neither would the axels would explode as well. Before we decide to just drop in a stock LS, does anyone here have any ideas on how to strengthen the drivetrain for such an upgrade? If not, then we will just stick with the stock 5.3 L33 LS. Thanks yall!
I have decided to do an LS swap on my 2003 Disco 2. The friend I have helping me is an amazing mechanic, and really wants to pump up the HP in the LS before we drop it in. After doing some research, I've learned that while the transmission would be able to handle the 400 HP mark we were planning, the transfer case would *NOT* be able to handle the HP, and neither would the axels would explode as well. Before we decide to just drop in a stock LS, does anyone here have any ideas on how to strengthen the drivetrain for such an upgrade? If not, then we will just stick with the stock 5.3 L33 LS. Thanks yall!
$$$$$$ big power and big tires means axle swap. Plain and simple. And it has to be done better than the youtube channel that threw tons under a d2...his driveline angles are a disaster. Torque converter will need to be swapped out for trans to handle that amount of power I believe. The T-case is solid and can handle that power (don't quote me on that as I could be mistake but the Ashcroft unit is almost never a failure point on modified d2s).
If I ever do this swap I'm sticking with a 4.8L and keeping the HP24 (if I do it on one of my 4.0L's I have a perfect HP24 transmission waiting to go in), and then keeping the drive line stock. I'd love a re-gear to 4.11's and I'd be more than happy for many years to come.
If you wanna get into Dodge TRX 702HP territory with a D1/D2 then yep pretty much the only thing you'll have left that is LR = the body and interior after it's all said and done.
If you wanna get into Dodge TRX 702HP territory with a D1/D2 then yep pretty much the only thing you'll have left that is LR = the body and interior after it's all said and done.
Camel Trophy
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 985
From: Southwestern Virginia
As with all things, it also comes down to how you drive it. I've seen guys blow up axles and driveshafts in a stock truck, but if you drive it right and you're not beating on it all the time you should be fine around the 400 hp mark.
The transfer cases, in my experience and reading, are actually pretty stout. I do not think that will be your failure point, but I could be wrong.
Even the axles are stronger than people think. I recall a conversation I had with ShadeTree who did the first (or at least one of he first) documented LS swaps in a disco. He told me he would beat on his mercilessly off road w/ stock axles, even in low range with 32" tires.
My personal feelings is don't upgrade anything until you break it.
The transfer cases, in my experience and reading, are actually pretty stout. I do not think that will be your failure point, but I could be wrong.
Even the axles are stronger than people think. I recall a conversation I had with ShadeTree who did the first (or at least one of he first) documented LS swaps in a disco. He told me he would beat on his mercilessly off road w/ stock axles, even in low range with 32" tires.
My personal feelings is don't upgrade anything until you break it.
Rock Crawling
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 469
Likes: 193
The transfer case is very strong. Good for 400+ HP in stock form probably and a lot more if you do the cross-pin upgrade from Ashcroft. That is the last thing I would worry about.
I was one of those people that blew my rear axle with the stock 4.0. I think a lot of it has to do with the traction control. If you have one wheel spinning, and the TC hits the brakes all of a sudden on a wheel, while you are hitting the gas, it strains the axles / diffs. If it is staying on the pavement, I would not worry about it. If your off-roading all the time, then it might be time to upgrade to lockers / upgraded axles with 400 HP. The 5.3 LS I have is not that much different than a 4.6 to offroad with really and diffs / axles have been fine for what I do so far. A bit more power and likes to rev higher. I am planning to upgrade at least the rear to an Ashcroft locker.
4HP24 might not like 400 HP. Add extra cooling for sure, mine really likes its extra cooler. Maybe go to the “large” torque converter?
Honestly, a 5.3 is more than enough power for the Disco. Anything more than that is probably not going to be very usable. Jumping to a 5.3 is reasonable for the drivetrain, jumping to 400 HP is going to start finding the weaker links I think. But it depends on your usage.
I was one of those people that blew my rear axle with the stock 4.0. I think a lot of it has to do with the traction control. If you have one wheel spinning, and the TC hits the brakes all of a sudden on a wheel, while you are hitting the gas, it strains the axles / diffs. If it is staying on the pavement, I would not worry about it. If your off-roading all the time, then it might be time to upgrade to lockers / upgraded axles with 400 HP. The 5.3 LS I have is not that much different than a 4.6 to offroad with really and diffs / axles have been fine for what I do so far. A bit more power and likes to rev higher. I am planning to upgrade at least the rear to an Ashcroft locker.
4HP24 might not like 400 HP. Add extra cooling for sure, mine really likes its extra cooler. Maybe go to the “large” torque converter?
Honestly, a 5.3 is more than enough power for the Disco. Anything more than that is probably not going to be very usable. Jumping to a 5.3 is reasonable for the drivetrain, jumping to 400 HP is going to start finding the weaker links I think. But it depends on your usage.
