D1 or D2?

Jul 15, 2016
18
0
SW Michigan
So again brand new to the brand, former Toyota mechanic. Have done several GM drivetrain swaps both carb'd and fuel injected into land cruisers. I dig the body style of the discovery and am going to purchase one. The question I have is if you were to build one strictly for 4 wheeling and weekend adventure for the family easy of repair and mods which one would you pick?

Also it seems that a large amount of money is spent repairing the stock 4.6 motors. Is there anyone swapping in GM engines? I know this is blasphemy in some circles but from what I have read some are doing extensive repairs more than once and still having issues.
 

ezzzzzzz

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2010
604
7
SE Va
Simplicity leans towards the DI for the GEMS V8 and shorter rear end (less overhang) among other things. Lots of good used aftermarket parts available as they rot away. Finding one in decent condition might pose a problem, especially in the northern parts of the country.
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,745
1,026
Northern Illinois
You said you used to be a Toyota mechanic. When someone has to do the same repair several times and still has an issue don't you start thinking it's the guy trying to do the job?

In my opinion a lot of shit started going bad when the Disco2 began. But don't you worry, someone will be along shortly to tell you I'm full of shit.
 

Shiftonthefly1

Well-known member
Aug 11, 2014
433
15
Las Vegas
Advantages to both. I've owned both. I like both. But for a trail truck/weekend beater ...Definitely the D1. Almost everything in the truck is serviceable. D2 has a more refined interior. More power.
 
Jul 15, 2016
18
0
SW Michigan
"You said you used to be a Toyota mechanic. When someone has to do the same repair several times and still has an issue don't you start thinking it's the guy trying to do the job? In my opinion a lot of shit started going bad when the Disco2 began.But don't you worry, someone will be along shortly to tell you I'm full of shit."

Ha Ha yes I was thinking the same thing. I am just a little leary however because the land cruiser websites really don't have the same discussions. Don't get me wrong there are some problems, maybe I just know the ones to avoid and land rovers I am still learning.
 
Jul 15, 2016
18
0
SW Michigan
I see in your sig line you have owned both. Are you selling your D2 to get another D1? If so why exactly? I like the refined interiors and more power. Plus so far they are in better shape.
 

ERover82

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2011
3,927
460
Darien Gap
The comfort is more important as a daily driver. They're both more comfortable than an old jeep, defender, series, or in your terms an FJ60.

Power doesn't matter much off-road, except sand. All RV8s have great low end torque.
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,745
1,026
Northern Illinois
"You said you used to be a Toyota mechanic. When someone has to do the same repair several times and still has an issue don't you start thinking it's the guy trying to do the job? In my opinion a lot of shit started going bad when the Disco2 began.But don't you worry, someone will be along shortly to tell you I'm full of shit."

Ha Ha yes I was thinking the same thing. I am just a little leary however because the land cruiser websites really don't have the same discussions. Don't get me wrong there are some problems, maybe I just know the ones to avoid and land rovers I am still learning.

If you meant that I owned both. No I've only owned Disco1's. In 99 they made both. I think the 99 SD is the best one to buy. No sunroofs and kind of a stripped down trim level. Now I have a 96 with all the Safarigard stuff on it.
 

SMLE

Well-known member
Aug 21, 2014
107
2
GA
I'm in the process of swapping in a Chevy 305 (because it was running and free...) into a D1 with a manual transmission.


Got the adapter kit from the guy in Australia.


If I can get it to work, I'll get a crate 350 and swap it in.


It's slow going, but I'll get there eventually...
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,766
566
Seattle
Range Rover Classic! It shares many of the same components as the D1 (or should I say the D1 carried forward many components from the RRC), but more comfortable, more refined (in some ways), and if fitted with a manual locking transfer case (from a D1), then just as capable off road. Plus it's the classiest ride out there. I've owned a RRC and am on my second D1. I love my D1 and if I was going to buy another Rover it would be a RRC.

Mechanical/electronic simplicity of the D1 relative to the D2 is a big plus in my book. Also I think the exterior styling of the D1 has an elegance that the D2 can't match, but that's a subjective measure. If you want something for the family then consider a long wheelbase RRC (1993-1995). The rear legroom of the 100" wheelbase models makes for cozy quarters and the extra length in the 108" wheelbase of the RRC LWB all went into the rear footwells. The legroom is palatial.
 

BDM

Well-known member
May 23, 2005
333
30
OR
Sounds like you're more than capable of doing engine swaps. I've recently seen an LS3 dropped into a D2. I've got a 99 D1 and I've beaten the hell out of it and it's been an awesome DD and occasional weekend off-roader. The only problem is that it's really too small for the family and all our stuff....well not really too small but comfort wise some thing bigger would help. Oh, and it's dog ass slow. The D2's can fit bigger tires with out carving too much sheet metal and all around more spacious and comfortable.

1999-2002 D2's still have the 4.0 which at least with some new heads will good for awhile. 2003-04 frames aren't as strong and people are now starting to see frame strength issues with rust in the north east.


Here's what I would do. Buy a clean rust free 99-01 D2 (01 last year had option for CDL linkage I think?). Gut the engine and replace with LS swap or another GM swap. Drop in better 3rd members and hardened axles (or do an axle toy swap). Good to go. Too easy right? ;)

Don't get me wrong, I love my D1. It's a great beater truck. And for the money there's really nothing better out there. If you got the money, time and know how, you could build a sweet D1 or D2 either way just depends on personal preference.
 

1920SF

Well-known member
Jan 6, 2007
2,705
1
NoVA
D1.

There's no room in a Classic for stuff.


This. RRC is great if its just you and a chick. Dii is ok if you have to haul a shitload of diapers.

D1 is a compromise of many things but given your requirements prob the best pick. But I'm biased.
 

rovercanus

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
9,651
246
D2 because D1's have been known to kill nuns in passing buses and discostew has no clue.
Easier to fit bigger tires on a D2 if that is your thing. What is your thing? Wanna see my thing?