Just bought 1999 D1- Where to start?

NOLADisco1

Member
Sep 29, 2020
14
6
New Orleans
Thanks for the add. I have already learned a ton from this page. I just bought a 1999 D1 SD that only has 75k miles on it. Never been offroad, was my wife's when she turned 16 and her housekeeper has been driving it around New Orleans for the last 15 years. From what i can see on this site, it seems like I've stumbled across one of the good ones. This will not be a primary driver and i plan on doing some trail riding in Western NC. Before I put money into it, i am going to take it to a local shop to have them take a look at everything and grease it up. Do yall have suggestions for places/parts/focal points i should have him look at?

I welcome any and all suggestions, but i am thinking that i will start with a moderate lift, tires, and light bar. I've seen some debate between 2inch and 3 inch lifts.... OME vs Terra etc. Also, has a some of the wobble when hitting a bump >50mph.

Thanks for the insights and look forward to this project.
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
Congrats, sounds like a great find. Good call to get professional eyes on it to identify what work is needed. Better to be proactive and fix stuff before it creates bigger problems. Without knowing the history of the vehicle, I'd recommend starting by changing all fluids. Consider also spark plugs and wires, depending on condition and known history. Pay particular attention to the cooling system - a few minor investments there will give you peace of mind for years to come. Also, if you haven't already, download RAVE and buy yourself a scanner. There's another thread going on at the moment on that topic, so no need to rehash that here. If you're interested, I created an Excel spreadsheet template to track all the work I do on my Disco and all the expenses. Send me your email address via personal message and I'll share it. That goes for anyone on here.
 

logan_gibson

Well-known member
Dec 20, 2016
258
47
Alabama
Check the Panhard rod, bushings are probably shot from some trans or steering fluid leaking onto it.

Then have a local indy land rover shop do an inspection on it.

Get it up to date on all maintenance.
 

NOLADisco1

Member
Sep 29, 2020
14
6
New Orleans
Thanks for all the tips. There is slight rust in non crucial places. good thing about leaking rig is that it coats everything so it won’t corrode!!
 

Steve M

Well-known member
Mar 11, 2005
107
2
Congrats on your 'new' car. My 99 (98 build year) D1 had been my daily for over 20 years, still love driving it.
 

Swedjen2

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2018
594
127
California
Where to start? Prepare to fork bucks and don't cheap-skate out. OME is better than TF. Use original rubber bushings. Replace the radiator ASAP. After 20 years, it's probably 20% plugged...min. Use the green coolant, distilled water and water wetter. You don't need 50/50 mix in Dixie. Get stock oil filters like Mann or whatever RoversNorth has on hand. Shell Rotella 15-40. Change whatever fluids are dirty...diffs, trans. t-case. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts the tranny and t-case have never been changed in the last 10 years. LUBE THE T-CASE SHIFTER LINKAGE. Nobody lubes that unless YOU do it or tell the shop.
Search the site for brake upgrades for the D1. Just don't buy brand PRC (Peoples Republic of Chy-na) squeal pad specials. Check the condition of the master cyl. and brake hoses and replace with braided hoses. Get under the frame and look around for rust. There are several good products to kill rust. POR-15, 3M, Black Star, etc.
Hoses, belts, wires, whatever is old.
Check the drive shafts.
Make SURE all the ground wires are grounded to a clean surface and tight. You can coat those connections with several products to prevent corrosion, etc.

That should keep you busy for awhile.

Just be prepared to dig deep. Deeper than you've ever gone before.
And get ready to enjoy the greatest character building experience of your life and, if you don't, start going to church again.
 
Last edited:

Vegas99D1

Well-known member
May 5, 2009
187
9
Plano, TX
Just be prepared to dig deep. Deeper than you've ever gone before.
And get ready to enjoy the greatest character building experience of your life and, if you don't, start going to church again.

Ain't that the truth!! Church up in here! LOL
 

NOLADisco1

Member
Sep 29, 2020
14
6
New Orleans
Thanks to the introduction from Chris Jones, i have been connected with a guy named Tony Parr. Tony came a looked at the truck and says its in great shape. He is going to do the build for me(as i learn). Step 1 will be to fix the front-end, all new bushings, some new u joints, some rust work, terrafirma heavy duty lift, and tires. From there, we're going to do either Tactical Rover or Lucky 8 bumper, snorkel, lights, roof rack. I will share pictures as we go. Thanks for all the help.
 
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Rocky

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2004
2,178
7
Red Sox Nation
As with any salt air zone, its the body to chassis mounts that will go first, after the rear door C pillar alloy to Steel corrosion
 

NOLADisco1

Member
Sep 29, 2020
14
6
New Orleans
85ED965A-1744-4E09-AC4A-539357A636D9.jpegGot the first phase done thanks to Tony Parr’s efforts.
98AC9273-0397-4F13-843C-D1BE1FF37C44.jpegAdjustable panhard rodEB35350B-507A-4F15-A875-6259714EE907.jpegterrafirma HD lift. New bush set...bearings...swivel pin kit, steering arms


9D63E8EB-A7CA-42A3-9DEB-392E134252D3.jpegHe also tackled some rust work and fabed replacement panels

Now for some new shoes, then bumper/winch/armor/roof rack
 

patdohere

Active member
Sep 30, 2020
34
5
San Diego, CA
Congrats, sounds like a great find. Good call to get professional eyes on it to identify what work is needed. Better to be proactive and fix stuff before it creates bigger problems. Without knowing the history of the vehicle, I'd recommend starting by changing all fluids. Consider also spark plugs and wires, depending on condition and known history. Pay particular attention to the cooling system - a few minor investments there will give you peace of mind for years to come. Also, if you haven't already, download RAVE and buy yourself a scanner. There's another thread going on at the moment on that topic, so no need to rehash that here. If you're interested, I created an Excel spreadsheet template to track all the work I do on my Disco and all the expenses. Send me your email address via personal message and I'll share it. That goes for anyone on here.

Could I get a copy of your excel sheet. I used your suggestion on the oil VR1 and changed the spark plugs and wires. Runs alot smoother now.
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
Could I get a copy of your excel sheet. I used your suggestion on the oil VR1 and changed the spark plugs and wires. Runs alot smoother now.

I would be happy to send you a copy. Follow the directions in the post you quoted and I'll email it to you.