Ok, so maybe "best" requires some qualification. I've got a '97 D1 with no off-road mods... ok, cosmetic things like lamp guards. And I got a deal on the winch/bull bar OEM kit from LR to mount my Warn. Oh, and beefier springs. And AT tires. And bush wires. But I don't have shovels, sand ladders and picks mounted on the outside, and the high-lift has only been seen on a handful of occasions.
Unlike many of you, my off-roading is a means to an end - not the activity unto itself. I need the Disco to get me into (and out of) the secret fishing lakes that the average truck can't get into. But for 99% of the time, I'm on the pavement driving to work. So cutting wheel wells and trimming body panels is not something I'm looking to get into. However, I do frequently stand on the edge of the bumper to tie down my boat etc. and I use the hitch sometimes (I actually built a mount for my outboard motor that fits into it). Departure angle is not usually a big issue, as the aforementioned motor mount usually hits the dirt first.
My original bumper is rusting and the paint is peeling, and the plastic end caps are starting to fall off (standing on them probably doesn't help). So rather than repair/replace my rear bumper, I'm thinking of putting on an aftermarket one, a la TJM or other. Given that I'm not a hard-core off-roader, and I don't want people laughing and pointing at the Discovery that they think never goes off road, I'm looking for the best fit for my needs.
Appreciate your input.
Rich
Unlike many of you, my off-roading is a means to an end - not the activity unto itself. I need the Disco to get me into (and out of) the secret fishing lakes that the average truck can't get into. But for 99% of the time, I'm on the pavement driving to work. So cutting wheel wells and trimming body panels is not something I'm looking to get into. However, I do frequently stand on the edge of the bumper to tie down my boat etc. and I use the hitch sometimes (I actually built a mount for my outboard motor that fits into it). Departure angle is not usually a big issue, as the aforementioned motor mount usually hits the dirt first.
My original bumper is rusting and the paint is peeling, and the plastic end caps are starting to fall off (standing on them probably doesn't help). So rather than repair/replace my rear bumper, I'm thinking of putting on an aftermarket one, a la TJM or other. Given that I'm not a hard-core off-roader, and I don't want people laughing and pointing at the Discovery that they think never goes off road, I'm looking for the best fit for my needs.
Appreciate your input.
Rich
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