| Author | Message | ||
     John Hatzikalfas (Bayrunner) New Member Username: Bayrunner Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2004 |
Hey Guys ______I’m in the market for a Rover, I’ve been trying to check out a 88 Range Rover SWB 4 dr., but as of yet ,unable to contact owner, but in the meantime a 1994 Discovery V8 i(110,00 miles, $6300 became available)I haven’t checked out either one yet.But am kind of leaning towards the disco, which one do you guys like best and why? And which one would have all the goodies (LT230 transfer, locking center diff.,available after market parts, most durable best on trail etc.) ,Oh yes is the 1994 a good year for disco ,and would I be missing any important upgrades in this year that a later year would have that I would regret not having. Also as far as Trans. which is better in the disco the manual or the auto?____ THANKS BAYRUNNER | ||
| Jack Leitch (Liveattheedge) Member Username: Liveattheedge Post Number: 132 Registered: 12-2003 |
The D1 doesn't have all the fiddly little electrical problems the RRC has. A friend of mines RRC's battery kept discharging overnight because something was sucking considerable power from it, he has to now cut the battery everytime he leaves it for more than a couple of hours. As long as you get a well sorted D1 they won't give you much troble, only minor stuff. Very happy with my 97' D1. Cheers Jack | ||
| Paul Grant (Paul_in_ct) New Member Username: Paul_in_ct Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2003 |
Even though I have owned a few RRC's and have never had the great love for Disco's most on this board display, I would have to agree with Jack for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, six years can amount to an awful lot of rust in a RRC. You'll need to check both trucks carefully but the RRC has particular difficulty with the rear door, rear hatch. sills, wheel wells, inner fenders and floors. RRC's rust like crazy! A Disco, six years newer is likely to be in much better shape. Another important thing to consider is the motor is different in these two trucks. The '87 and '88 RRC had the first incarnation of the EFI 3.5L and it was a slug. While the 3.9L in the '94 Disco doesn't turn it into a barnstorming racer it if far more responsive. The ZF 4 speed transmission will be the same in these trucks as will the LT230 transfer case. But, again, you'll be dealing with a 6 year newer version in the Disco. I don't know what years were better for the Disco but I seem to remember hearing that '96 can be problematic, perhaps due to dramatic production increases coupled with the introduction of the 4.0L in the Disco. I don't know but I'm sure others here can help on that front. Lastly, regarding electronics, an '88 RRC isn't going to have much more in the way of electronic gizmos than a '94 Disco. There is no EAS or ETC or ABS. But, everything that is wired will be wired with cheap wiring that is 6 years older and I think that is an important consideration. I love my '89 RRC and loath the day when maintaining it no longer makes economic sense. Unless the '88 is a steal (under $3000) I would go with the Disco, especially if that $6300 figure is at all negotiable. Alternatively, if you have time to shop around for a newer RRC. I'm positive that for the same $6300 you can find a '92 or later RRC. For me, that would really be the way to go but, as I mentioned above, I'm a RRC man. | ||
| Paul Grant (Paul_in_ct) New Member Username: Paul_in_ct Post Number: 12 Registered: 12-2003 |
I almost forgot, regarding transmissions, the LT 77 in the Disco can be a lot of fun. I have a grey market '85 RRC with that transmission and it really gives life to the carburetted 3.5L. Again, it's no hot rod but it is fun and I would have to imagine it would be even better with the EFI 3.9L. On the otherhand, if you are planning to do any serious offroading, I would not recommend the 5-speed. Having wheeled with both the LT-77 and the ZF I have to say that the ZF makes life much easier. Maybe I would feel different if I had three legs but finding yourself trying to delicately balance brakes, engine revs and the clutch in a situation where damage to the truck is a real possibility is not fun. | ||
| Nathan Hindman (Nathanh) Member Username: Nathanh Post Number: 137 Registered: 07-2002 |
As far as off-road capabilities, the RRC and the Disco I will be pretty evenly matched. Same with modifications available to you. Personally, I would pic the RRC if its significantly cheaper and that's an important factor in the process. The drawback to the RRC is that it has a 3.5L engine (unless someone upgraded somewhere along the line) which is pretty underpowered. The other thing is that the Disco I probably has more comfortable seats than the RRC. As far as transmissions are concerned, the ZF is definitely much for liveable, both on road and off. It's also designed to have a longer service live than the LT-77. The LT-77 is a great transmission, but it's also not the smoothest of gearboxes around. That being said, I've got an Lt-77 in my 130 and love it. Thanks, Nathan Hindman http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1618 Registered: 02-2003 |
I would Argue that the 1988 Range Rover is less electronic and easier to fix than the disco. there IS not ABS wich is a Huge plus for me. the issue then becomes rust. if the RRC is clean i like it. if the Disco is clean i like it,. and BTW you can find a 1994 disco in great shape for less than 6400 and day of the week if you start searching. rob | ||
| Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 250 Registered: 11-2002 |
As for rust, LR started galvanizing the steel bits with the 1995 up P38 RR. Not sure when it started with the Disco. Seems strange nowadays that earlier cars never had any rust protection except thinly applied paint. There are lots of RRCs for cheap down here in Texas with no rust issues, so I'd look around. No reason to compromise. Personally I like the RRC. However a less emotional decision would be to get a 96 up Disco. The 4.0 has many significant improvements including distributorless ignition and stronger block design. The LT230 is a better long term ownership proposition than the BW in 89 up Rangies. Also, the Disco had stronger 24 spline axles (also on 93 LWB and all 94 up RRC). The price difference between a later and older Disco or RRC you will probably spend on parts replacements. | ||
| Nathan Hindman (Nathanh) Member Username: Nathanh Post Number: 138 Registered: 07-2002 |
Geoff brings up another good point. The old RRCs are more prone to rust, especially in the rear tailgate area. Defintely something to keep an eye out for if you're going to go the RRC route. Thanks, Nathan Hindman http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2420 Registered: 10-2001 |
i have an 88 RRC and a D1. i prefer the D1 only because it is a bit more comfortable for me. i like the seating position and height on the D1 more. i do like the understated classic look of the RRC. depends on what mood i am in. but whichever one is running is the one i typically drive.  D1's are easier to diagnose. ask me how i know why!! | ||
| Chris Robyn (Noirovr) New Member Username: Noirovr Post Number: 22 Registered: 07-2003 |
I have an 88 RRC and 95 Disco, both NAS. The RR is fine around town and is more than adequate for highway cruising, but the 3.5 is very low on power when you need it. Going to the 3.9 in the Disco made a huge difference for me anyway. A pre 3.9 RRC would be my last choice, frankly, but if you found one in pristine shape they are still fine trucks. The 88 still had the older style interior, which, though it has held up remarkably well, is more rugged and is probably not as nice looking as the 89 and newer with revised door panels, etc. I use the RR as a work truck--hauling landscaping materials, moving furniture, whatever. My truck has been extremely reliable with routine maintenance. The Disco has more creature comforts (dual AC and rear AC if you go for that option, dual sunroofs, CD, cupholder, etc. I would use the Disco as a daily driver without hesitation. There are more aftermarket options for the Disco should you want to customize it further. | ||
| Johnny Kal (Bayrunner) New Member Username: Bayrunner Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2004 |
Hey Guys ___ Thanks for your insights,I"m going to take the disco for a test drive today and check it out. THANKS BAYRUNNER |
