I have two disco's, a 97 with ~150k miles and a 00 with 70k on car and 50k on engine. I have the opportunity to start to build one of them for better off road capability. I am not looking for a rock crawler, just something that can get me to off road point A and off road point B. I am sure the two are about the same, but I just wanted to get your input.
So which one would you guys start dumping money into?


edit: the disco's are hardly ever driven on the streets.

 

Do the DI, parts will be cheaper and they are the sturdier of the two off road.
A stock DI will out do a stock DII off road, a stock DII will out do a stock DI on road.
Unless you are rock crawling all you will need to do is a 2" lift with heavy duty shocks and springs, 245/75/16 tires, winch and under armor.

 

yeah go with the D1... its older and has a little more miles and im sure you cont mind as much when you beat it up a little out on the trails.

 

Parts are the same price for both when you are considering suspensions and other mods, tune up and general maintance items.
A D1 is no more capable off road then a D2 with the CDL engaged, and yes, a D2 is the better on road vehicle.
So much for my 2 cents worth.

 

Thanks for the info guys i really appreciate it. I forgot to mention this DII is the one that has been flooded out (it is fixed now). Disco Mike do you ever have issues with your ACE or any of the electric goodies on your DII, like the down hill feature or anything?
so far I am thinking 2" old man emu lift, bumpers, winch, and I need a roof rack (crap load of gear). I might get some lockers and GB axels down the road, but for now just this. Thanks again guys.

 

oh and what ever i build on it's getting some new gaskets, plugs, wires, all that good stuff.

 

I'd build the D1. Its older, it could use a rebuild more than the D2 you have. Plus, the D2 is a better on road vehicle in more stock trim.

However, you could always follow some of the best internet advice ever given. Get both.

 

Build the D1. You have the stronger axles and the CDL linkage is already there which is critical for off road. D1 also has fewer electronics to cause problems on the trails.