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Priyan Perera (Osukj)
| | Posted on Monday, November 11, 2002 - 12:58 am: | 
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Hi, I'm considering buying a 2003 Discovery, but I had a few questions as far as modifications go. I'm brand new to this board, so please forgive me if this has already been discussed.
1. What is the tallest lift kit available for the Discover Series II? So far, the tallest one I've seen is the "Stage III" sold be Safari Gard. Ideally, I would like to lift the Discovery to a height of atleast 6inches. If anyone has a picture of a Discovery Series II with a tall lift, please post.
2. What is the tallest tire I can run with stock axles? I would like to run 35's atleast. If the stock axles can't handle 35's, then what is the best axle to upgrade to without too much modification to the chassis. If I upgrade the axles, I would like to upgrade to wider ones to improve stability.
3. What winch bumper options are available besides the ones from ARB and Safari Gard. I dont like the look of those two and would like something that better suits the shape of the Discovery Series II. I'm hoping the existing winch bumper applications fit the 2003 Discovery. The front fascia should basically be the same as the 1999-2002.
4. Lastly, how can ARB air lockers be added to Discovery's with the factory traction control system in place. Does this system need to be removed in order to add the lockers.
If anyone can help out with these questions, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. |
Paul D. Morgan (V22guy)
| | Posted on Monday, November 11, 2002 - 07:56 am: |
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Priyan Perera,
Have you thought about just driving the vehicle stock off the floor? These things are pretty capable. Then after that, decide what you want or need based on the area(s) that you will be driving in. The best of everything might not be the best for you.
Paul and 2 pennys |
Alen
| | Posted on Monday, November 11, 2002 - 09:46 am: |
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Priyan,
Greg Davis has a 4" lift with 33" tires, checkout his photo gallery.
ARB's work fine with TC, you should check to see if you have the nut on the transfercase to lock the center diff.
Alen |
OLIVER CLOTHSOFF (Everythingleaks)
| | Posted on Monday, November 11, 2002 - 11:09 pm: |
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On a 03 it will not.
Also, did think about the warranty ? |
Priyan Perera (Osukj)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 01:13 am: |
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Yes, I have driven a Discovery many times both on and off-road. But I would still like to lift it above 6 inches. Also, I would like to run 35's and lockers without the axles breaking. I just figured since the Land Rover sales people always brag about just how much tougher Land Rover mechanicals are in comparison to other SUV's, that a Discovery would be better able to handle these types of modifications better than say a Jeep Grand Cherokee. If the axles are not up the task of 35's and lockers, are there beefier axles that will fit well into the Discovery chassis? If anyone knows of a company that makes a 6 inch lift or higher for the discovery, I'd appreciate it if they'd list it. I'm hoping to build up a 2003 Discovery just like this guy did with his Grand Cherokee--see the web address below:
http://www.jeepzonly.com/
Along with a winch bumper, he has also added an 8 inch long arm lift, dana 60 rear axle, dana 44 front axle, lockers and 37' MTR's to top it off. Hopefully, I could build a Discovery like that. I just dont know if it is possible.
BTW, I did check with the LR Service manager and he said that even adding lockers to a stock 2002 Discovery would void the warranty. He also told me that LR's traction system worked just like any other system on the market. He told me from one off-road enthusiast to another that if I wanted maximum traction, I would have to live without a warranty and get lockers since the traction system is nothing really special when the going get real tough. Is this true? |
Ron
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 01:13 am: |
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1. Up to you. Beyond 3in and you have some issues
2. 33s or so
3. Rovertym and some others that suck. Kyle makes one
4. Same as any other truck but with them engaged ETC will never activate.
There is no reason you could not go 6in and 35s but I would not look to do it on an 03 DII. A 99 perhaps, but if you got the cash, go for it. Check out rovertym for some options.
Ron |
Carter Simcoe (Carter)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 01:23 am: |
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If you want to go through the trouble of lifting it six inches, putting it on 35s, and locking both ends why don't you get a little bit older model so you have the ability to lock the center diff?? |
Kennith P. Whichard III (Kennith)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 09:55 am: |
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Hell, If he's doing all that, he can probably afford to replace the T-case. 
There was a post around here somewhere about a 6 inch lift for a D1, but it was in Singapore or somewhere. For a D2, you might find a reputable smaller company to help you out. I don't see why they wouldn't try, for the right size check.
You're going to need a lot of modifications to do that properly, like radius arm adjustment, steering mods to include lengthening the panhard rod, and strengthening it. Also the ass end underpinnings will need a lot of work as well. You might as well go check out Rovertym.com, because they do great work and have experience with all that.
Pryian, is this going to be some sort of PR or advertisement vehicle? I can't see the neccesity of a 6 inch lift. Hell, while you're at all that, you could bob the tail and install a roll cage plus some racing seats.
Cheers,
Kennith |
john vigg (Johnvigg)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 10:06 am: |
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I've had all that on a SFA 4 runner. 35's 6 inches fo lift, all the protection. When i sold it to my best friend, we went wheeling one weekend and my disco STOCK kept up with him. I think comparing a disco to anything else is like comparing apples to oranges. Theres just something weird about them. i dont know if its how the corner weights are setup , but they go everywhere. You say you have wheeled a disco before, im not sure what else you really need to make them go through much more.
If you plan on going that far, i suggest a disco 1, it'll be much easier, |
George Clayton (Offcamber)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 11:01 am: |
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After wheeling my nearly stock (save the ARB bumper, and ARB Rock Rails newly installed) '00 DSII on some pretty technical stuff this past weekend, mine could definitely have used disconnecting, and a coupla inches under her. Spent lots of time on the rails and cross members. Save that, I was impressed as hell with the capability of the thing! If I were to build a trail rig, I might consider all the mods mentioned above, and prolly on a D1, or an older D2 (with CDL opted), but certainly not until she's all paid off (I make number 2 tomorrow....D'oh!) |
Blake Luse (Muddyrover)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 02:29 am: |
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www.discoweb.org/RobertPearce
paste that
pics aren't working
i'm sure the same guys that helped him could help you. |
Blake Luse (Muddyrover)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 02:31 am: |
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here it is |
Priyan Perera (Osukj)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 03:55 am: |
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Thanks for your responses guys. Maybe 6 inches is a bit too much. I never gave much thought to the instability and lower breakover angles that would be associated with such a lift. I guess building something like Safari Gard's Kalahari would be pretty cool. This build up would not be for any promotional reason or anything. I just want a vehicle that performs great on intermediately hard trails and that is unique on the road. The Discovery is certainly a unique vehicle and I want to get one before Ford officially kills off the last real Land Rover sold in the US. If any of you have seen spy shots or heard of the Discovery Series III, it is front and rear independent suspension and worst of all, it looks sort of like the new explorer. I love the looks of the 2003 and I'm glad to see they have added the center locking differential again. Right now my decision is between the Grand Cherokee Overland and the 2003 Dicovery. If I go with the Discovery, I'll probably just go with Safari Gard's Stage III kit and stick with 32's. From the photos on this web sight, it seems like most of you guys go pretty much everywhere with little modification to your LR's. Now, only if LR can match Jeep's interest rates... |
Todd W. McLain (Ganryu)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 05:32 am: |
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Priyan,
Although it doesn't help you any, Land Rover Japan is currently offering 0% financing on all new Discoveries and Freelanders. Interest rates, at least for me, don't get much better than that. |
Mel A. (Krawlrovr)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 07:43 am: |
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If I were you I'd go for a 1999-2000 Disco II for ~$25000. The reason why is because they are center diff lock capable. The mid 2001-2003 Disco IIi's lost that capability. If you plan to wheel your Discovery, the center diff lock makes all the differance. A lot of us on this board are not really big fans of Safari Gard's suspensions. For the price, there are some better options out there such as http://www.rovertym.com. |
Will Roeder (Will_Roeder)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 07:53 am: |
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FWIW,
John Bradley Smith @ Rovertym can supply custom 4 inch and 5 inch springs...they are a little pricey though at $150 per spring...
Will |
Greg Davis (Gregdavis)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 - 09:00 am: |
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Priyan, check out my gallery as far as 33's on a DII. You can then e-mail me for more specifics. I'm currently at 4.5", and have a set of 36's that I'm working on fitting. It's gonna be a real PITA though, and axle and gear upgrades are a must. Let me know what you think. |
Priyan Perera (Osukj)
| | Posted on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 01:03 am: |
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Actually, I just went to my dealer today, and looked at a 2003. I'm kinda hooked on the new front end and the bigger engine, that's why I want a 2003. The salesman told me that the center locking diff is standard on the 2003--a feature that was not available on the 2001-2's according to him. The only problem is that my dealer is not budging from the sticker price and the lowest APR he offered is around 5.6% for the 03's. I was hoping to get somewhere around invoice but he told me the dealer had enough demand that they didn't have to deal much. I really do not want a used vehicle so I'll probably check with some more dealers. If the price doesn't come down, I may just have to resort to the Jeep. Their 60 mo, 0% financing coupled with Jeep dealers' willingness to deal is pretty enticing. BTW, Greg your Discovery looks awesome. I especially like your winch bumper. You probably got one hell of an approach angle with that thing. |
Michael Noe (Noee)
| | Posted on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 09:00 am: |
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For that deal, get a Rubicon... |
Greg Davis (Gregdavis)
| | Posted on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 09:07 am: |
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Priyan, beware of Salesguides that only read their marketing material. The US '03's do NOT have the locking center diff. The placard is there in front of the Hi-Low shifter, but it doesn't engage. All other markets have it for '03 except us. The only way to tell for sure is to crawl underneath and see for yourself. No other US '03's on this list have had the necessary stud for CDL activation. And thanks for the compliments.
One last thing. Don't let a few percentage points keep you from the vehicle that you really want. With the money you plan on spending, it needs to be on the vehicle that you REALLY want. Think of it this way. If the financing were the same, which vehicle would you buy? I know it will cost you more, but there's nothing worse than getting something just to save a few bucks when it really isn't or wasn't what you wanted to begin with. Deep down, you know which vehcile you'd rather have. |
Curtis N (Curtis)
| | Posted on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 01:15 am: |
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Privan,
Ultimately, you need to buy what you are happy with and what will meet your needs both financially and from a utilitarian standpoint. Think about this though: I purchased my D2 in 2000 and have driven it for two years. I can get $20-$21K in fair trade on it with 33K miles. A 2000 Grand Cherokee has a negotiable sticker retail at about the same price and trades at about $16-$17K. This is an average of about a $4K difference in trade values and the same applies in retail values. Considering that the difference in 5.4% and 0% on a $38K vehicle is about $5K over the life of the contract, and the fact that mine is only two years old, it would seem that you will be saving money by getting the Rover at the higher interest rate. Keep in mind that there is a reason that Jeep is offering 0% and it is not because they are just nice guys. This is business. If they could sell them at 5.4%, they would.
Curtis |
Carter Simcoe (Carter)
| | Posted on Friday, November 15, 2002 - 01:23 am: |
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Just to echo what has been said above the 03s DO NOT HAVE THE CENTER LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL, I got in one and yes the instructions above the transfer case has the instructions on how to lock it but that thing does not move over and according to others the "nipple" isn't there to add it aftermarket. |
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