| Author | Message | ||
     Peter Healey (Peterh) New Member Username: Peterh Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2003 |
I am gathering info about D1s. I had a Wrangler and sold it because it was killing my bad back. Several years ago I had 2 discs removed. Do you think the D1 suspension would beat me up also. I test drove one the other day and it felt ok. Living with one and driving one for 30 min are 2 different things though. Also, I seem to be pulled towards the '95. It seems like a bad idea but I've heard that the '96-97 are poorest years? Possible stickey valves? I would be buying high milage Truck. Is the '95 more beginner mechanic friendly? Thanks in advance and you guys have a killer forum here! -Peter '93 Saab 900T | ||
| Dave (Discoverover) Member Username: Discoverover Post Number: 48 Registered: 11-2002 |
Peter, The stock D1 suspension gives a very soft ride and in my opinion it would be very kind to your back. They ride nicer than any other truck with truck axles. Plus your wrangler probably had rear leaf springs and has a shorter wheel base. I bought a 96' 4.0 discovery last summer with 40k miles on it thinking that it would last a long time, but since then I have replaced the entire block, heads/valves, and had the ecu re-programmed. You are correct about the 96' through 97' Rovers. The GEMS (4.0) system has a glitch in it and most of these run rich and their valves become carbon fouled. My block even had a slipped cylinder sleeve which could have been caused by overheating, but it may have been their from the beginning. The 98' and 99' rovers may have been improved, I know the valves were. So, any 96' or 97' will need work even if it was properly maintained. My engine was the cleanest they had seen and no engine should have trouble at 40k miles. My father's 95' range rover with the 3.9 non electronic fuel injection has over 100k and still runs stronger than mine, and has never had a valve job. I would definitely find a clean 94' or 95' rover with maintenance records and low miles. The quality control was better for these years. Dave | ||
| Brad Noviski (Bradnoviski) Member Username: Bradnoviski Post Number: 58 Registered: 02-2003 |
All good points abouth the 96-97 model year. I have a 96 that was built in 10/95. I have been lucky and have not had the problems that Dave has had. I still had all the typical leaks and an updated chip placed into the ECU. At 70k I replace the leaking head gaskets and had a valve job done at the same time. The valves were fine but since I had it all apart I did not want to risk a valve job in the near future. I need new shock and springs which I hope to get soon | ||
| Jeffry Scott (Jeffry) Member Username: Jeffry Post Number: 91 Registered: 12-2002 |
I've got a 96 with what are probably Old Man Emu Heavy Duty springs and Bilstein Shocks and E-rated 235/85/16 tires. I also have a bad back (herniated disk) and it is by far the most comfortable 4x4 I've owned (Suzuki (Samurai, 4dr Sidekick), Isuzu (Rodeo, Trooper), Toyota (4Runner.) | ||
| Aaron Richardet (Draaronr) Member Username: Draaronr Post Number: 122 Registered: 09-2002 |
I have a 90 RR and a 97 disco. First of all no problems with the disco. Second I am a chiropractor, so lets just say they are doctor recommended. *usual disclaimer here* | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2111 Registered: 10-2001 |
i had a wranlger with coils and my D1 even with HD OME's rides better. much better. wrangler was like driving a little wind up toy. | ||
| Leo (Leo_hallak) Member Username: Leo_hallak Post Number: 84 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have a 99 Disco1 with HVY Duty EMU, had it 6 months with 3 destroyed discs and if anything it makes my back feel much better with the heat and lumbar support. Not much time off road where I am sure you would really notice it. But you are fused and I dont know how that would feel. -Leo | ||
| John (Jroc) Member Username: Jroc Post Number: 111 Registered: 08-2002 |
Peter, Disco w/Bilstein shocks! I'm no doctor but your back will love this ride!!! | ||
| RVR OVR (Tom) Senior Member Username: Tom Post Number: 774 Registered: 07-2001 |
97's are a lot less prone to the valve issue. Half-way through the model year BMX got involved and took care of the issue. My 97 has no valve issues at all at 87k, it was made in July of 97. As far as the back goes, the suspension is fine, but the position and seat are not the best. Tom | ||
| Tim (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 437 Registered: 12-2002 |
I've had 1 disc trimmed up a bit and I have 2 compressions presently, so I know where you are coming from. My RR has been the best ever for my back, the Disco must be similiar in comfort I would guess. Personally I would avoid the Jeep. | ||
| dareDVL (Daredvl) Member Username: Daredvl Post Number: 42 Registered: 03-2003 |
I'm going to have to go against the grain here, I really really think before you plunk down your money that you take a good long test drive first before being certain its ok for your back. These things are still a lot bumpier than your typical car or japanese SUV ... |
