Hi Everyone,

I posted this in another LR forum and got no responses :-/ This discovery section has way more posts so fingers crossed.

I am planning to create a dedicated trail buggy out of a land rover discovery. When I was a teenager, I had a 1998 Discovery LE - and I REALLY miss it, especially that V8 sound.

I currently own a 2013 Jeep Wrangler 4-door, and am restoring a 1973 Jeep CJ5. However, I'm starting to think about my next project, and really feel nostalgic about the discovery. Luckily, they are EXTREMELY affordable these days. I can get one in decent condition for under $1,500 that will still take an inspection sticker, or even less for one that won't.


Years To Avoid??!?
I have read conflicting information about the 4x4 systems, learning that some Discovery II models do not include the ability to lock the center differential (in the Discovery II). Can you please tell me what years to avoid? (I'm based in the US if that makes a difference).

I'd rather have the factory option for center diff lock and not deal with modifying the transfer case - unless it's very easy to retrofit. I've read that some years the models retained the capability, but were simply missing the linkage to engage the lock. I read they did this because of traction control implementation - but I REALLY need the true mechanical lock for the style of offroading I'm intending.

Does a 2013 model have the ability to lock the central diff?

Thanks!

 

I assume you meant to ask about a 2003 Disco, not 2013. The 2003 does not have CDL nor any provision for it like the 1999-2001 models. IIRC some of the earlier build '02s have the internals too.

The 2004 is the only DII to have CDL equipped and enabled from the factory. The '99-'01s have the hardware for CDL in the transfer case but have no way to engage it. There is a lot of info in this forum about replacing the TC shifter with one from an earlier Discovery, or, if you're lucky like I was, finding an '04 in a boneyard and installing it. New versions that work like the '04 version are available but are around $500.

 

Thank you! I had read the facelift in 2003 brought it back - can you verify that it is 2004 only?

 

That's right, the 2003s do not have CDL. At least not in the U.S.

 

I have an 03, we do a lot of desert crawling and really want the diff lock, what would it take to get her there? would i be able to use 04 donor parts? and if so what would I need?

 

All you would need put of the 04 is the transfer case and shifter linkage. You can do it with just the transfer case snout, but whether or not you want to take them apart is up to you.

 

To the OP, if you want a trail buggy a D1 might be a better choice. The suspension works better off road and the frame in a D1 is less likely to be rotted through than a D2. Plus D1's have a locking transfer case.