So here is the latest in a long line of Rovers for me. I recently acquired it for a song as it needs a lot of work. I know that is difficult to believe. :) I just received a phone call from the machine shop telling me that the engine block they have for me is ready for pickup. So I thought it was a good time to start the build thread. It starts its life as a tired old 95 disco with 180k on the clock. Coniston green exterior with bahama beige interior. It just had new Hankook AT's fitted prior to my acquisition so those will stay on it. Nice interior, all things considered. Straight body and decent paint which will buff back to life when the build is done. It is a factory 7 passenger seating vehicle w/o rear air which is a plus! I am building this disco on a budget which as you read the stages below will sound like a contracdiction, but I had most of the parts already just from being in the business for so long. SO first things first...

Stage 0: Get the mechanicals back to full working order. The tired 3.9L currently sounds like someone shaking a can of quarters so its the first to go. I am installed a 4.6L V8 in place of the 3.9L and have all the associated goodies ready for install. New coil, ignition module, 8mm plug wires with abrasion/oil protectors, ceramic coated exhaust menifolds, new gaskets etc. The engine build starts today as soon as the block arrives. 2nd will be tackling the front end. Removing and rebuilding the leaking swivel housings with new seals and hub seals. Then replacing the brake lines with stainless extended lines and flushing the brake system completely. Fully servicing all fluids and replacing all filters.

Stage 1: Then replacing the factory steering linkage with 1 1/4" solid stainless steel drag link and track rod. Installing a RTE relocation kit for the steering damper and installing a new D2 style loop to loop stabilizer in place of the stud to stud mount. Installing a detroit rear locker with HD axles and installing diff gaurds front and rear. Next installing an aluminum Columbia Overland skid plate for the fuel tank. Next, a trim job on the front air dam for more clearance. Relocating the aftermarket fog lights and installing the IPF 930 driving lamps as well as installing IPF super low H4 replacemnt bulbs. Finally removal of the old tape deck and installing a custom modified '04 Discovery in dash CD player which will accept a 3.5 mini jack cable for the Iphone.

Here we go....

Oh, Joy! Young love....and all that. :-) Should be a fun time as you get it back on the road. Would have been a shame to see it scrapped.

Tell me more about your custom '04 in-dash CD player with mini-jack. My under seat CD changer died years ago. someday I need to put something better in place and something that fits easily AND accommodates an iPod would be nice.

Nice truck, Scott! Love the fact it's non-metalic. Will be a unique little wench when the buil's complete.

I am still trying to find a good home for the L322, Hoping to get into the Kalahari soon.

I should have the steering components done sometime next week for you.

Danno

Bare 4.6L engine block fresh from the machine shop.

 Those cylinders look kinda, "used" are they in good shape? Are you going to hone them with the proper 45 degree crosshatch pattern?

Do rocks turn into aliens on the moon? 

You make me tired all over Cronin :)

That's the way my RRC has been going too.  I've been slowly turning the pile of stuff I have into the pile of stuff I want.  :)  The only thing I'm missing is a spare 300TDI sitting in the corner of my garage.  ;)  Glad to hear you have a bunch of that stuff left over.  It adds up quick if you have to buy it all new.

C

Yes, it does.  As previously discussed, I have a "Folder of Penance" with all the receipts for everything I've ever purchased for or done to the truck or off-roading in general.  It is not a thin folder.....

I keep it locked up so that it can't ambush me in unsuspecting moments.

Engine bay as it sits before transplant.

Assembled longblock awaiting ancilliaries and manifolds from 3.9L