Vehicle & Technical > Discovery

Ladies And gents- My suggested set up, comments or advice?

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Ja1983:
..as lost dreamer pointed out, its worth putting some money to get the standard vehicle right first, you siad therse some welding been done, go round it, check everything out, as a small leek on say a diff could be much worse if you just overlook it, then go thundering into something hard with a lift and big wheels....  more leverage, more force... bigger bang!

i`m in the same boat, i want a unimog that doubles as a vectra.... and i`m seriously considering taking the disco to standard and using it to dolly a pure toy. thus i have the nice comfy drive of the disco (is standard form) which wil get me home in the snow, but something i can go as far as the wallet (or the missus) will allow!

also has the advantage of if i break it ... so what?!

check over all moving componants, grease points, props, gearboxes, replacing a bearing now could save you buying a swivel later.

the other ption is maybe a decent defender? stock motors with some sensible tyres will be ample for most plays, and the lighter weight, and less over-dangle makes it just that bit better round the lanes.

a lot to consider really, my disco is currently undergoing the "restoration" phase, and i have to say the likes of 2" lift are not as smooth running as you may think, especially if your on a budget.

new UJ`s every 6mths? or spend £200 on a new prop....

tyres, bigger wheels mens brakes have to work harder, handling on road suffers, and chunky tyres are not good if your tackling a lot of tarmac over the year.

My advice:

 - give the standard vehicle a good going over
 - get a second set of wheels for off-roading.
 - fit longer shocks to give more flex, but stock springs & retainers to keep road ride fair.
 - remove anything un-neccessary (bumper skirts etc) weight reduction elps on and offroad
 - think wisely before spending money - were here to help!
 - i like the "break it uprate it" stratergy, if something falls victim to abuse, fit a better one.

 - ebay, nuff said
 - auto jumble/breakers yards

good luck, dont forget to keep us updated!  8)

lurch_917:
my motors stock apart from mud tyers and its used as my dayly drive but still gets abused off road badly as long as its maintaind well it will keep ticking so look after it and it will look after you

Tyke:

--- Quote ---i like the "break it uprate it" stratergy, if something falls victim to abuse, fit a better one
--- End quote ---


Makes a lot of sense . . . up to a point.

Then it starts to push the limits of the next component up the chain.


Best advice for a limited budget and limited knowledge would be to go at it gently, sort the tyres and get some recovery gear . . . . lifts and fancy stuff leave untill you find your own and the vehicles limits . . . . let it evolve slowly around what you want to do with it . . . . else you may be suprised at what it can quickly do to your bank balance  :shock:  


There are some very capable Discovery based trucks out there but don't be deceived into thinking they are just a load of bolt on bits . . . . most have caused the builders a few heartaches along the way . . . and the occasional divorce (oops!!! :roll: ) in the process . . . . enjoy it and take your time . . .  :wink:

Chris Putt:
Good to hear others opinions- its given me a few things to think about..........

have gone over the vehicle EXTENSIVELY!! Myself and magic mike have done all of the welding we could find and also I have done quite a lot of general tidying up of the bodywork as well as the underneath, any rust has been stripped back then given a thorough coating of waxoyl. Same goes for the axles, have been stripped and hammerited. (reminds me- need to put one shot grease in swivels as they are weeping a tad)- have done exactly as you guys have suggested and got the vehicle 'solid' and in good health before tinkering for fun!

If I were to put +1" springs on and +2" shocks, this would increase my flex no doubt, but would I require dislocation cones? (probably a stupid question I know).

Cant believe the difference the new 'box made, like driving another vehicle!!

Chris

Tyke:
You might just get away with +1 springs and +2 shocks without needing cones.

Think about where you want to go with it in the future . . . . as suggested earlier, adding things later like heavy duty bumpers etc will add to the spring loading more than you may realise, even the addition of a steering guard and diff guards will take their toll on the extra spring hight you plan . . . . get it sorted right first time and save yourself some cash and heartache in the process . . . and don't be taken in by 'claimed' lift kits . . . 1" from one may not be the same as 1" from another, same goes for the 2" kits . . . . it's all about 'spring rating' . . . . talk with those who understand and plan ahead . . . . you will have to compromise somewhere along the line but if the plan is clear and stuck to you will win in the long run.




Besides . . . . none of them ever get truly completed . . . . there is always 'something' that needs doing . . . . main thing is to enjoy it fella . . . :lol:

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