I am going to pick up a "new to me" Disco 1, and while it's been seemingly well-cared-for, there's always something. TWS has a "new to you" kit for the Disco 2, which looks pretty cool but some parts of it are irrelevant to the Disco 1. Curious - if you were building a "new to you" kit for a Disco 1, what would you include?
"New To You" Kit for Discovery 1
- Thread starter Saetaes
- Start date
Nothing. Aside from changing fluids and filters straight off, I'd drive the vehicle for a while and get to know it. Listen, look, smell, feel, and observe real time data. I'd rather let the vehicle tell me what it needs rather than do whatever came with some kit compiled by someone who has never driven it.
- Pay close attention.
- Make a list.
- Prioritize tasks.
- Complete tasks.
- Repeat for the next ten years.
Def fluids first, so you have a baseline of when they were changed. Possibly degrease and power wash the underside if it looks dirty or oily so leaks become more apparent.
It depends on what already has been done maintenance wise. Never hurts to at least change the oil / filter and look at the air cleaner. Plugs and wires depending when last changed. If still has the original radiator watch the temps. Cooling is paramount as an aluminum block which you really don’t want to overheat. The owner’s manual has a maintenance schedule to review as a guideline.
Thanks all. Fluids/filters are a given. The thing I like about the TWS kit is that it highlights some of the well-known weak links in the D2 - wipers, drive shafts, etc. Obviously if these things are good on your truck, don't replace them. But I guess I was trying to query the hivemind for, as the TWS kit says, "parts that are a combination of maintenance items that are often neglected, common failure parts, and improvement parts. All of these items are easy to replace and can be done with little no mechanical knowledge." Maybe that's not the right approach, though.
German Gruner
Well-known member
... to clean before spring both evaporator water drains to avoid floods in sommer
... to take four 13mm bolts from radiator assembly cap and to wash dirt between condenser and radiator
... to touch each wheel hub in stops after highway to indirect check bearing gease or water ingress damage.
... to listen if some birds are chirping near U-joints (or grease them before each travel and forget it)
... to buy door lock springs kit
... to clean all transmission snorkels banjo bolts to prevent axles seal leaks.
... to use distilled water in windscreen/headlamp washer to prevent clogged valves/nozzles/pumps
... to change DOT4 each 3 years to prevent brake cilynders rust
Taking these preventive measures with a D1 will warranty it will be ok for own funeral
... to take four 13mm bolts from radiator assembly cap and to wash dirt between condenser and radiator
... to touch each wheel hub in stops after highway to indirect check bearing gease or water ingress damage.
... to listen if some birds are chirping near U-joints (or grease them before each travel and forget it)
... to buy door lock springs kit
... to clean all transmission snorkels banjo bolts to prevent axles seal leaks.
... to use distilled water in windscreen/headlamp washer to prevent clogged valves/nozzles/pumps
... to change DOT4 each 3 years to prevent brake cilynders rust
Taking these preventive measures with a D1 will warranty it will be ok for own funeral
Do the pressure wash - then you can see what is leaking (trust me - something is!) Check your bushings and ball joints - they've probably never been looked at. Particularly the pan hard rod bushings as those are what cause the dreaded death wobble. Get to know your vehicle - use the forum here to find out how to do things (definitely download the RAVE manual, very handy). Brakes are iffy on these rigs, so do a complete brake check. Change the fluid and consider new rotors and pads (check out EBC brakes - unbelievable difference). Tighten up the steering with the adjustment screw at the steering box. Speaking of tightening - check all of the bolts and nuts everywhere - you'd be surprised how many are probably loose. Torque values are in the manual.
Have fun! Once you've updated all of the 20 year old neglected bits - you will have a "mostly" reliable awesome 4x4!
Have fun! Once you've updated all of the 20 year old neglected bits - you will have a "mostly" reliable awesome 4x4!