Newbie Introduction

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onewhippedpuppy

Active member
Apr 11, 2009
43
0
Wichita, KS
Hello all, after hours spent lurking I'm finally taking the plunge and actually posting something. I'm the proud new owner of a 1997 Discovery I LSE with 105k in very solid condition. Runs and drives great with newer Bilsteins, 245/75/16 MTRs, recent total cooling system overhaul, and a lot of other preventative maintenance done. ABS is currently inop (doesn't really bother me), cruise is inop (#1 priority to fix), and there's a few other oddball issues that I'll need to sort.

I'm the former owner of an FJ80 Land Cruiser but have always been a sucker for the Disco, when this one popped up for sale locally I couldn't resist. Let's face it, reliable cars are boring.
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That's why I normally have some sort of European sports car in the garage as well. I'm a hardcore DIY guy, having a car to tinker on helps keep me out of the bars. The new Disco will serve as a part-time daily driver as well as a family fishing/camping/adventure rig. After I finish a good maintenance baseline I plan to install a mild lift, some sort of winch mount or winch bumper, and drive the hell out of it. I'd also like to enjoy some moderate off-roading, probably in Colorado since I live in a state devoid of any real topography.

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d1driver

d1driver

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2005
3,153
1
Pittsburgh, PA
Not that it matters, cause that truck looks like it is in great condition.......but I do not believe that is an LSE. The seats look like LSE, but there is alot of bling missing.

Don't worry though, I am in the process of removing the bling from my LSE.

You snagged a very nice truck!
 
eliaschristeas

eliaschristeas

Well-known member
Jul 6, 2006
2,441
5
Beverly HIlls
the LSE's had chrome bumpers and the sacred "BOOST" style wheels. someone who knew what was up took all that crap.

BTW - I have seen A LOT of LSE's rolling around lately with "Deep Dish" style wheels (such as yours). There are Boost banditos out there i guess.

anyway, that thing is gorgeous. have fun screwing it up!!!
 
Busted_D1

Busted_D1

Well-known member
Apr 6, 2005
229
0
50
Denver Colorado
onewhippedpuppy said:
cruise is inop (#1 priority to fix),
Click to expand...

First check all your rubber vacuum lines, they always crack and leak. Mostly where the white T fitting is.

This also includes one line that goes under the dash and connects to the mechanical release switch mounted on the brake pedal arm.
 
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onewhippedpuppy

Active member
Apr 11, 2009
43
0
Wichita, KS
Thanks for the comments guys. From the research I've done, the LSE wasn't actually officially offered until the 1998 model year but a few bastard 1997 LSE models were sold. That could potentially explain why lots of the LSE stuff is missing. Or maybe someone just removed it over the last 14 years. I'm not too bothered, I don't like chrome bling anyway.....

Busted D1, I've already concluded that the vacuum lines are toast. The vacuum pump end of the vacuum line isn't even connected to anything. I'm replacing all of the lines this weekend and hoping that I get off easy.
 
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Big D

Well-known member
Mar 14, 2011
126
0
Canada
Hey, glad to hear you know what to expect.

Landrovers are like going into a marriage....if you dont work on it it won't be reliable.
 
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onewhippedpuppy

Active member
Apr 11, 2009
43
0
Wichita, KS
Big D said:
Hey, glad to hear you know what to expect.

Landrovers are like going into a marriage....if you dont work on it it won't be reliable.
Click to expand...

I'm used to owning European cars, so you're preaching to the choir. Recommended and preventative maintenance is the difference between reliable and stranded. First order of business with my Disco is fixing everything that could go wrong, that will happen before I do any sort of modification. I'm an anal retentive engineer and I DIY everything, when I get done this will be a truck I'll trust to drive anywhere.
 
LRflip

LRflip

Well-known member
Oct 8, 2006
5,741
25
none of your fucking business
It's not an LSE...its missing the chrome door handles, and the "chrome" strips on the doors.

I would guess it's had an interior swap and stickers added?

also, there isn't any wood grain on the center console. I took mine out too and added the rubber grip mat.

This thing has just had the seats swapped and stickers added is my best guess.

Either way, it's a nice looking truck.

Edit: also, no color matched grill. Maybe this thing got into a front end collison? but, no rear bumper either...it sure is a mix and match.
 
mjbrox

mjbrox

Well-known member
Jun 30, 2008
1,812
48
Golden CO
ThAt thing looks like it was garage kept.

Mine has torn seats, cracks window gaskits and other cosmetic issues.

That is a really nice looking Diso. Congrats
 
WaltNYC

WaltNYC

Well-known member
Mar 3, 2010
710
138
NYC
That looks like one very nice, clean rig. I hope it drives as well and wish you the best of luck with her.
 
crown14

crown14

Well-known member
May 11, 2006
6,288
4
Clayton, NC
onewhippedpuppy said:
Thanks for the comments guys. From the research I've done, the LSE wasn't actually officially offered until the 1998 model year but a few bastard 1997 LSE models were sold. That could potentially explain why lots of the LSE stuff is missing. Or maybe someone just removed it over the last 14 years. I'm not too bothered, I don't like chrome bling anyway.....
Click to expand...
That would be correct from what I have seen, also I know of a 97 LE model that had chrome front and rear bumpers, painted grille, mirrors, etc.

Take a picture of what is under the driver's seat if you don't mind.

If I am not mistaken, you can always tell a "bastard" 97 model LSE by the rear seat- an LSE should always have lightstone beige leather but the weird 1997 ones don't have the fold down rear armrest that the 1998 models do.
 
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