Hi, i recently purchased a 99 disco II with a om617 benz diesel swap, was wondering if anyone else is running a similar engine and what transmission they may be using. i believe the guy who did my truck mated it to stock trans so it isnt set up for low rpm's. and my top speed is only about 60mph...65 on a downhill run . not used to this slowness as i come from the world of euro tuner cars like s4's and such. i realize im not going to be racing anyone with this thing just would like to be a little easier on my engine.
thanks - mike

 

Rear end gear swap??

 

Did you get it in Tennessee? Is it green??? Does it have a manual (R380) transmission?

Oh I just noticed Disco II. Disregard.

A manual transmission (r380) is geared about right for an OM617 but it is a big deal to find one reasonably priced and an even bigger deal to get the right clutch setup. I'm REAL interested in how that works on a Disco II. Love to hear how it is set up.

But yes you'll need taller gearing in the differentials if you stick with the stock automatic transmission.

 

How much more modification would an r380 be?

 

You would need the transmission and bellhousing (probably get those together) and you can probably use the existing adapter you have from the bellhousing to the engine face). I believe the pilot bearing that you must have will work but if not you will need a ten dollar oil impregnated bronze pilot. Them you'll need a Mercedes 240D flywheel (easy to find) and a clutch setup (clutch, pressure plate master and slave cylinder setup) and clutch pedal.

Maybe a little more to it... but the possible problem is the depth of the adapter. It has to be exact for the clutch to work properly. Also, the clutch needs to be the right size. I could find that. A Ford I think.

 

well it's something I'll definitely look into ...because it would be nice to at least hit the speed limit on the interstate

 

No doubt. But whoever figured out how to get an automatic and om617 in your Disco II working is a genius. Does it have a separate transmission controller? Those cost a thousand dollars alone! You wouldn't need that for an r380.

Or it could be using a non electronic version (Disco I) transmission, in which case it wouldn't need a controller.

Your setup would be of great interest to a lot of people.

 

i'm not 100% sure how or what he may have done, ill try to post up some pics here later today.