First time owner - need help with upgrades/fixes

[Shadow]

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum, I'll try to keep it short and direct.

I recently purchased a 1999 Discovery series II, already fallen in love with it, but it needs a little work. I really want to do most of the work myself and although I'm fairly capable, I lack the experience and knowledge on how to do most of the repairs and fixes.

The motor is superb, head gasket has been replaced, new battery, new radiator, new transmission, new 33" tires, and very clean. I absolutely love this Disco and would appreciate all the help I can get.

The work that needs to be done are:

- 2" suspension lift (I haven't ordered the parts yet, waiting for some feedback from some of you, but I keep hearing and seeing Terra Firma shocks and springs are the way to go)

- New exhaust system to be installed

- very minor oil leak that seems to be an easy fix (I went to the shop and they said it just needs $40 worth of parts, but 4 hours of labor!)

- Power locks lock all the doors but for some reason won't unlock (I can hear the motor working, trying to unlock but something is off)

- Interior lights won't come on when I open the doors, they were working but stopped (Must be something to do with the wiring because all the lights work when I flick to switch to on)

I really don't have the money to pay for all the labor at $90/hour, that's what I was quoted, and I know there are a few places that charge a little lower but still going to be very expensive when all the work is complete.

I'm wondering if anyone would be willing to work on the vehicle with me? I will pay you of course.

Thank you very much in advance, and I'm glad to have found this forum!

[Gromit Dog]

- New exhaust system to be installed

Technically not hard, but you have a 15 year old car. Don't expect bolts and nuts to undo easily, I usually end up using a "hot Wrench" (cutting torch) on these things. look carefully before proceeding. Labour time should not be too much if you go to an exhaust shop.

- very minor oil leak that seems to be an easy fix (I went to the shop and they said it just needs $40 worth of parts, but 4 hours of labor!)

What's leaking?

- Power locks lock all the doors but for some reason won't unlock (I can hear the motor working, trying to unlock but something is off)

Common on all cars with Power locks. The solenoids are tired. You can try lubing them with penetrating oil, followed by a good lube.

- Interior lights won't come on when I open the doors, they were working but stopped (Must be something to do with the wiring because all the lights work when I flick to switch to on)

Courtesy light switch in the door. or have you inadvertently disabled the light switch? I can't recall if Discos have a switch for this on the dome light or not...

I really don't have the money to pay for all the labor at $90/hour, that's what I was quoted, and I know there are a few places that charge a little lower but still going to be very expensive when all the work is complete.


$90 is pretty average. Think of what you get for $90. Guaranteed work, and some one else gets dirty. you also get experience, that can save you time and money in the long run. I ran a shop for years, and made a lot more money by fixing other people's repairs than doing it right the first time.

(rant over)

If it were me I'd get the leak fixed first, and get it done at a shop. I'd tinker on the rest myself... is the exhaust needed or just a "want" item. The lift is something to watch as well, I assume it means removing springs, which you "CAN" do at home, I did my RRC without many special tools, but it can be dangerous. A compressed spring can be deadly, and I have had spring compressors fail on me. Caused only fender damage on the car and a bone fracture on me. could have been far worse.

Something to consider

[Shadow]

Thank you so much for the reply.

Can you recommend any shops that have experience working on Land Rovers? I agree about paying the price for an experienced mechanic but I also know that there are a lot of incompetent mechanics out there that don't really put pride in their work. I would love to hand over my Disco to someone who is passionate about their work.

The mechanic that checked said the leak is in the oil pan valve, said it's an easy fix but hard to get to so would take about 4 hours of labor. The reason I didn't allow this shop to work on it is because they don't have much experience with the Discovery.

The current exhaust has a hole in it and one the supporting brackets is broken so it rattles.

I need the suspension lift because the guy I bought it from put brand new tires that are too big, I can't even turn the wheel all the way because the tires grind under the front bumper.

If you can lead me to a mechanic you trust I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks again :o

[Gromit Dog]

Dunno... where are you ? :)

Any exhaust shop can do what you need. Shops like mine o not do custom bending so if there is a hole, we must replace that section with new parts. An exhaust shop has the ability to decide and recommend either repair or replacement based on the condition of adjacent components. Sometimes you just can't weld or patch a piece.

Bill

[Shadow]

I live in Vancouver.

I was thinking of just ordering a brand new full exhaust system, about $500-$600.

I want a shop that can do all the work needed. I won't be working on it by myself because I'll probably do more damage haha

[swamijake]

Ah Land Rovers, turning owners into mechanics for 65 years.

[Shadow]

Haha I want to turn into a mechanic with this Land Rover but just don't have the tools or enough knowledge now.

Trying to look for someone trustworthy.

[red90]

It is cheaper to buy the tools than to pay a mechanic. It is all very simple. There is a lot of online support and I would guess there is support through the club.

The lift can be a big discussion and there are a lot of options. What do you want the lift for? What do you want the suspension to be good at?

[Shadow]

But even if I buy the tools I'd want to tackle all the repairs and upgrades with someone that has done it before. That's what I really prefer to do, but I know it's not very probable that someone would be willing to help out that way.

The lift is for some minor off road driving, to fit the bigger tires that are on it, and for aesthetics.

I'm driving to Calgary next week, but have to rent a car because I'm worried I'll make matters worse if I drive the Discovery.

[red90]

A normal lift does not affect tire clearance. Keep in mind it reduces on road drive quality and mileage, no matter what you do, so there is a trade off for the extra height. It is a big confusing subject. Most lift springs are copies of the ones ARB sized up many years ago. These were intended for expedition style use, with the goal of handling higher loads. The downside is they are stiffer which makes the ride rougher when not loaded up. You can find softer springs if you are careful, which is better off road at the expense of more sway on road. Confused yet?

The next question is shocks. Do you want stiff or soft? the best off the shelf ones I've driven on at the Koni heavy tracks. They are magical on dirt roads.

I assume you have coil springs and not air springs? Do you have ACE?

None of the problems sound serious, so I'm not sure why you are scared to drive the Disco.

[Shadow]

Thanks for the explanation about the suspension. I will be driving it mostly on the road, just occasionally off road and when I do it won't be anything extreme. I really want to solve the issue with the tires rubbing and grinding when I turn.

When you say a normal life, what do you mean exactly? I was thinking of a 2" lift to allow for more clearance.

And yes, it's confusing but I do understand :)

Currently, air springs but I've been told the coil springs are much better. I'm doing my research but appreciate it when people who have tried different shocks and springs give their insight.

Not that I'm scared to drive it, because I am driving it on a daily basis. Just driving from Vancouver to Calgary and then back again will be about 2,000 km and I'm worried the oil leak might get worse or the busted rear shocks may cause problems over the long distance... Unless you know someone in Calgary that could do the work on my Discovery in Calgary? I could drive it down and then do all the work there...

[Shadow]

I really appreciate all the feedback and help so far. Thank you!

[acg]

I recommend the Terra Firma 2" springs wholehearted. I've just done it on my Disco. This means you will not have to change your brake lines for longer ones. You may want to consider changing the shocks as well. I suggest going with the medium duty springs instead of the heavy duty springs.

I took me and another guy about 2-1/2 hours to get the job done in a shop with a two post lift. It may take a little longer if you were to do it on a home garage while on the floor stands. It is manageable job if you have another individual to help you.

Here are a couple of great videos to help you:

[acg]

I recommend the Terra Firma 2" springs wholeheartedly. I've just done it on my Disco. This means you will not have to change your brake lines for longer ones. You may want to consider changing the shocks as well. I suggest going with the medium duty springs instead of the heavy duty springs.

I took me and another guy about 2-1/2 hours to get the job done in a shop with a two post lift. It may take a little longer if you were to do it on a home garage while on the floor stands. It is manageable job if you have another individual to help you.

Here are a couple of great videos to help you:

[red90]

Thanks for the explanation about the suspension. I will be driving it mostly on the road, just occasionally off road and when I do it won't be anything extreme. I really want to solve the issue with the tires rubbing and grinding when I turn.

When you say a normal life, what do you mean exactly? I was thinking of a 2" lift to allow for more clearance.

And yes, it's confusing but I do understand :)

Currently, air springs but I've been told the coil springs are much better. I'm doing my research but appreciate it when people who have tried different shocks and springs give their insight.

Not that I'm scared to drive it, because I am driving it on a daily basis. Just driving from Vancouver to Calgary and then back again will be about 2,000 km and I'm worried the oil leak might get worse or the busted rear shocks may cause problems over the long distance... Unless you know someone in Calgary that could do the work on my Discovery in Calgary? I could drive it down and then do all the work there...

Adjust the steering stops to stop the rubbing. One wrench and a few minutes. Coils springs are not better than air springs. They are less complicated, but air springs have a lot of advantages. There is nothing wrong with a lift but I think it is important to understand that there are downsides. The ride and handling will be worse and mileage will get worse as well. You tend not to hear about the downsides. When people spend $1000 on upgrades, they justify the expense with praise no matter what the negatives.

"Normal" lifts are simply taller springs which in effect simple changes the ride height. Springs to not control tire clearance. Tire clearance is control by the maximum compression travel, which is limited by the bump stops. If you were to install taller bump stops, you should put in shock relocation mounts or longer shocks, which then require brake lines, spring retainers and driveshafts (to do it properly). For what you want a 2" "spring lift" is fine, but tire clearance will be the same.

My suggestion... Drive it. Go off roading and learn first hand. Decide what YOU need based on your own experience. Too many people add stuff because they think they need to or that it is cool.