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SnakeLogic:
OK, so I've been lurking around this site for a while, trying to educate myself and on occasion asking a few questions.

My situation is this:  I live in Japan, and nobody I've personally met has ever used a Land Rover off road.  The off-road site (for play) that I have access to is basically a low island in the middle of a shallow river.  

My 1995 300 Tdi Disco is my daily driver.  I have automatic transmission, ABS, a/c.

I'm looking to: a) Get my differentials higher off the ground.  b) Add a snorkel to keep water (river crossings, usually not over the top of the 235/75-15 tyres) out of the engine.  c) Get some M/T tyres, but the size is dependent on how nutty I want to get with the lift.  d) I'd like to at least TRY doing as much of the work as possible by myself.  I can turn a wrench and have a Sawz-All, but have never welded anything.

My local dealer (independent LR garage) has a great mechanic, but it IS Japan, and his time is hardly free.  I have at long last tracked down a guy who will lend me a set of spring compressors, but fully equipped rental garages don't exist here.

I've come to the conclusion that most of the guys who post regularly in here really seem to know just what they're talking about.  So I ask for your advice.  If you were me, what would YOU do first?  Try to put in a DIY snorkel?  Get the lift?  What?

While we're at it, how much lift?  It seems that a 2" lift requires less mandatory additional upgrades that a 3", but maybe not?  A 3" lift would allow for more articulation with bigger tyres?  And just what kind of additional troubles am I looking at expecting if I start getting into 33" tyre range?  I've read the tyre fitting guide about 48 times, so I know that a spare won't fit on the stock carrier; I'm more concerned about wear on bearings, etc.

The sheer volume of what I DON'T know is staggering, and that's why I've thrown myself upon your mercy.  I only WISH I could drive to LR shows and such to buy you guys a pint and pick your brains, but given my location that's a bit difficult.  Any and all feedback is more than welcomed.  

Thanks.

burgerman:
Send us a couple of tickets and il do  the work free for you :wink:    But im sure some one will come along shortly and point you in the right direction,     Also if there seems to be a lack of landy/4WD type garage outlets why not educate yourself enough (or employ some one) and get one up n running  :-k     Just food for thought

thermidorthelobster:
Tyre tread pattern will definitely make the biggest difference.  If you're going to tie them in with a lift, then do so.  I wouldn't worry about wheel bearings etc;  unless you're going for monster tyres, you won't notice a difference.  Why not look at something like a 10% tyre size upgrade, to 235/75 or 265/85s?  You'll have to check how these would fit on a Disco I as I've only put them on a TD5.  They'll go on a TD5 with a 1.5" lift quite happily.

If you need a snorkel to cross the river, then you have to have one, but if you don't, then, well, don't worry too much about it!  The vehicle will wade quite happily to tyre depth.  If you DO fit a snorkel then make sure you waterproof everything else (ie, seal all the air intake hoses, extend the breathers, etc) otherwise it's a bit pointless.

There's no reason you shouldn't treat all the things you've described as a DIY job.  You'll need to get a half-decent set of tools, but what I carry around in a medium-sized toolbox is pretty much everything you need to do these jobs (apart from a jack & axle stands;  oh and you'll need a drill and jigsaw to fit most snorkels.)

bezzabsa:
as a start i'd get the lift kit.. as if you need a snorkel then believe me youre in too deep ;)
(also -  you'd be surprised where a standard green oval can get)
2" lift  is more than enough to get started - and dont forget your wading plugs ;)
any reason why you want 15" tyres??
also how do you get on running a old (old in japanese terms) Discovery? thought after about 7 years that the MOT equivalent was really harsh ??

SnakeLogic:
My bad!  Of course my rims are 16"!  Also, thanks for the feedback on the other things as well.  

How much is involved in changing shocks?  I understand that for the springs I'll need a spring compressor, but anything special I should know about changing shocks?  I've heard that with a 2" lift, keeping the stock length shocks is OK, but others say that for off-roading, longer shocks a re a pretty good idea.  Thoughts?  Changing brake lines seems a bit daunting for a first timer like me, especially as I lack specialist tools like a bleeder.  Disposing of the old oil is nearly impossible (well, assuming I want to NOT break the law!).

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