Well, happy to report that the radiator replacement went well, in fact better than I had hoped for! Got a Silla 2 row replacement for $170 on eBay, 180 deg t0-stst and new presure cap, and after 1 bottle of Lucas Water Wetter and 2 gal. of Prestone, all topped off, heater working as it should (which means I burped correctly!), and coolant temps running 188-197, peaked at 199 briefly but came right back down!
Prior corrections (read : repairs) : transmission rebuild, new front prop shaft w/grease-able u-joints, 5 tires (Hankook Dynapro), all 4 O2 sensors and MAF sensor (to pass NYS inspection), changed transfer case oil & added blue devil additive (seems to have stopped leaking from upper seal). Side note : after tranny rebuild & blue devil additive, no more spotting on the driveway!

Whats left? I have waiting for me in the garage a set of cross drilled & slotted front rotors and EBC Green pads, a bunch of bottles of Lucas gear oil for differential's front & rear, and a grease gun for the rear prop shaft u-joint!

I should mention that I have had this Disco 2 for only about 6 weeks! It has 126+k miles on it now, I got it at 125 +-. I think all the good advice to a Land Rover novice from this BB has been of great value! Thanks to all who have posted with their issues & advice!

 

Sounds like you have your cooling system working like it rolled off the showroom floor (better w/ the 180 stat). Pick up an ultra gauge, monitor your temps and enjoy the Rover life.

If your anything like meYour probably not content with just enjoying the ride. If you must always have something to tinker with while emptying your bank account I suggest a lift. A modest lift of 2". Plenty of items to switch out after the lift should keep you busy for awhile. Rover on!

 

Already have Ultra Gauge, that's how I determined that the radiator needed replacement! Just a bunch of small stuff to attend to now - fingers crossed!

 

IKf you can return those pads, seriously consider the Akebono ceramic pads, they are far better.
EBC pads can squeak , make lots of dust both of which can throw the 3 amigos. Just a thought.

 

What's left?

Head gaskets

drive shaft.

 

I had to laugh when I read your suggestion! There would be no way for you to know this, but I sold my Jeep Rubicon to finance the purchase of the Disco! The Rubi has a 4 1/2" RE long arm kit with tri-link rear on BFG KM2 35x12.50/15's that I installed myself 3 years ago, not to mention the numerous other goodies that go along with building a trail rig! So, as you can probably tell, there is NO bank account to drain! I have NO intention of modding the Disco or taking it on the trail! I would have kept the Jeep if I did!

 

Everything under the hood looks OK, motor running great, so, unless I start to experience any issues, no head gaskets planned. Front drive shaft replaced, rear looks good, I will grease the u-joint and see, but the doughnut and u-joint look to be in good shape - easy fix on the driveway if it becomes necessary.

 

I had a set of EBC's on the Jeep for a few years and liked the on and off road performance with them. I only got them to squeak when holding a very steep downhill slope, other than that, I could lock up the big 35" meat's on the pavement! The Green's don't seem to generate quite so much dust, and I have a set in the rear already. But I've heard good things about the Akebonos' so maybe for next time!