Broke down and bought a '03 disco standard w/ no options this year. Thought I was getting a great deal and found some issues that were not disclosed by seller. I've replaced the valve cover gasket, o2 sensors, new interstate battery, exhaust manifold, mid muffler (rusted out), oil pan & pickup vat-cleaned and it is now ready to rock and roll. (hopefully not roll but I will not hesitate to take it to the limit!) After all that and inspection of the lifters (no signs of damage) and rocker arms there is still a loud ticking noise which I will just learn to live with. Enough complaining for now I have an acceptable stock disco that I plan to add some toys too- bumper & winch, guards, full rack, lights, radio, beefy tires, etc. I've read through some threads and it appears this site is an excellent resource for help with maintenance, sourcing parts and classifieds. Thanks to everyone who contributes to the site and I will try to provide any knowledge I gain along the trails. Uwharrie National Forest ohv trails are in my near future and anyone in the area that would like to venture with me we'll set a date and hit the trails. Looking to join some groups i.e. Carolina Rover Owners Club & Old North State Rover Society and signup for their outings to Uwharrie.
Thanks!
Bennett

 

Hey Buddy welcome to the forum. Sorry that your Discovery has given you some inconveniece so far. But literally you can become your own rover mechanic if you stick to the forums long enough. I'm in the Charlotte area myself. If you are ever in Charlotte, or in need of immediate/ local advice for anything let me know.

There's no better time to buy a Disco then now!

 

Welcome. Please read https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...estions-46975/ . Also look in our tech section for write up on rebuild of front propshaft, which if left stock can split and poke a fist-sized hole in transmission. As one of your early mods, consider an Utra Gauge, which can scan and reset codes, display live data like coolant temp, etc. About $70.

 

Thanks! Wasn't so much the disco but the idiot seller who didn't take care of such a great machine. I hope to have years of fun with it.

 

Gauge help with predictive maintenance?? First I've heard of the prop shaft rebuild. Thanks for the info!

 

Welcome aboard. Look forward to catching you at Uwharrie. Also, if you are interested in a winter event that some in your area and myself take advantage of, check-out the link below to Blue Ridge Expeditions' Winter Safari the end of January in western NC, not far from you. Camping or cabins, your choice.

2013 Winter Safari