Replaced the track rod and drag link with a set off one of the parts trucks yesterday. The track rod off the parts truck was a pretty new looking Lemforder unit, score! The drag link looked original. It was better than what I had, but I'll be checking the other parts truck to see what that one looks like. Might just end up buying a new one in a few weeks.

Finished up the front end alignment in the driveway and then hit a new off road trail we hadn't been on yet. Horse Creek in Cherokee National Forest.

It was pretty rough, but not very technical until about half way up the trail. We started to get into some pretty off camber stuff around the half way point which was around 7.30, and we were alone without cell signal, so decided to turn around and come back another day with friends.

All in all it was a real good time! Other than the poor pregnant wife bracing her belly the whole time. Might need to stick to smoother trails the next few months.

 

Flushed the power steering system and replaced the fluid with Pentosin CHF 11S. Whoa!!! So smooth and quiet!! Totally worth it to buy the expensive stuff.

 

I think I topped mine up with used Subaru transmission fluid when I first got the truck.... Might need to swap that out. Haha

 

Back in Aug '19, I bought an '02 Disco SE for $800. It had a blown head gasket, a bunch of general decay, and about 25 wasp nests from not having being running in years. I knew nothing of working on cars. I had no proper tools. Skip ahead to today: I popped in a new battery, primed her proper, and let'r loose (video link below). She came to life! Here's the list of fixes/upgrades I did along the way:

• Tensioner / idler pulleys
• New Fan
• New Heavy duty fan clutch
• New oil pump
• New Water pump
• New high performance Head gaskets
• New 180 degree thermostat
• New plugs
• New wires
• New coils
• New lifters
• All new radiator hoses
• Decked heads (previously warped) & valve job (paid someone)
• New valve cover gaskets
• New valve stem seals
• New o-rings/gaskets on basically all junctions
• New Upper airbox flexible cold air intake tube (purchased)
• New timing chain
• New timing chain crank gear
• New timing chain cam gear
• Cleaned front engine cover, repacked new oil pump with assembly oil and vaseline
• Cleaned oil pan
• Cleaned oil pickup tube, replaced o-ring
• Cleaned and painted valve covers
• Re-wrapped exposed wires in loom in engine bay
• Sand blasted exhaust manifolds, new studs
• Cleaned and painted upper intake
• Rocker arms cleaned
• New valve stem seals
• Flushed heater core

It's been a journey! Looking forward to getting her on the trails.

 

Looking good! I am curious, why'd you replace lifters if you didn't replace the cam?

 

Honestly, because I didn't know any better. You're right, I should have! It was right there!!

 

I hear that! Good job none the less! Looks like you've really done something with it, hopefully treats you well now.

 

My DISCO was starting to show symptoms of a slow starts and cranking problems. Thought it was a bad battery or alternator at first. After some testing the culprit was a bad starter unit. Replaced and the new unit spins up better than ever.

 

@MrHSE7 … how much and where did you buy the new starter? I think mine is crapping out too.

 

@JUKE179r I got this unit from Amazon and am quite impressed with the quality despite the cost. No complaints to date.