Hi,

  Just an update on my 99 Discovery II.  I spent a few hours yesterday changing the spark plug wires.  I think I still had the original wires at 120,000 miles.  They were in pretty bad shape.  I had one boot that was almost broken in half and most likely arcing.  Anyway, after much twisting, cussing, scrapes and bruises, I managed to change all 8 wires without removing the intake plenum.  Not fun, but possible.  It runs smoother and has more power.  Who knows, I may get one or two more mpg too (getting around 14.5 mpg now).

  Next on the list is replacing all the u-joints (front and rear) and the front centering ball.  The parts are already on order so that will be my next project before they fail and destroy something.  I can feel play in them when I speed up and decelerate.  I'm hopeful that this isn't as difficult as the plug wires were, but we'll see!

  I took it in Saturday for a front end alignment and was told that it can not be aligned due to the tie rod ends being worn out.  Sooo, that's on the list too and the parts have been ordered.  Rock Auto (on line) seems to have good prices on name brand parts so that's where I ordered this stuff.

Precision U-joints $18.07/each (needed four of them)

Ball Centering kit $26.79/each

Tie Rod Ends $24.79/each

  Oh, and now the air suspension.  The bags are losing air overnight and I have to inflate them in the morning.  I haven't decided if I should simply replace the bags or just go with coil springs and get rid of the air suspension completely.  Advice??  Either way, the cost is about the same.  That's something I need to do fairly quickly as I don't want the compressor to fail or to be stuck driving around with the rear end completely on the bump stops.

  Also on the list are new brakes/rotors and oxygen sensors/catalytic converters......  It never ends.  I guess my hobby now days is working on my Land Rover!!!!

Take Care,

Chris 

Sounds to me like you're on your way to having a reliable truck. I had an '84 Camaro that needed the front wheels taken off to change the sparkplugs. not kidding - you had to access the rear plugs from the wheel well.

This is an ACE equipped truck, yes? I'm in the very small minority I'm sure, but I'd just replace the air springs and call it good. Almost everyone else is going to tell you to put on coils for simplicity, cost, and a wide range of other factors that have nothing to do with maintaining the stock abilities of your truck.

fwiw
-ike

Way to go, Chris. Looks like fun! From the list of parts, it looks like your gonna be busy. I am assuming you opted to keep her huh?

Dustin

As far as I know, ACE and air bag suspension aren't related. You can have air bags or coils with ACE.

Coils are simpler and generally more reliable offroad. The air bags are better for towing. If you want to keep the air bags but still lift the truck, you can move the rear sensors to fool the truck into lifting itself in the rear.  Swap front springs to get a smallish 1.5" OME lift.

I replaced my air bags with coils and don't regret the decision.

Craig

Chris,

Be cautious replacing your own joints on the front prop shaft.  Make certain to mark the position of all flanges and collars for reinstallation or you will have a wicked vibration.  I would HIGHLY recommend you have it dynamically balancing when you are finished.  Here is a picture of my D2 which is 2 inch lift with BFG AT KO's.  Excellent setup.

Scott

 I understand the love hate relationship that I think most Land Rover owners deal with.  Limited part supplies, constant leaks, quirky electrical issues on the older models etc.  Right now I have a misfire I am trying to find (I am close I think), my valve covers are leaking more than one would like, my front sunroof gets stuck every once and awhile and it requires me manually cranking back closed.  There are more issues than that but those are the few that I can think of right off the top of my head.  Oh, my rotoflex is starting to crack and it soon will be replaced by a standard u jointed shaft.

I have attached two pics.  One is the DII on 265/75's with no lift, the other same size tire but with 2" lift.

*SMACK*   I been schooled    (slinking off ... )  hehe

You need to click on "Add Reply" instead of using the "Quick Reply" box.  "Add Reply" will bring up an advanced editor where there are two ways to include pictures.  You can simply attach them using the "Message Attachments" section below the message editor, or insert them inline using the "Picture" button on the toolbar. 

There are detailed instructions in the FAQ which is found under the About->FAQs menu.

Craig

 Craig, thank you for the assistance. I hope this works.

Chris,

I am trying to keep my truck looking as stock as possible, but we a little more testosterone. I could not find my other photo's showing stock to finished, but I hope this helps.

Chris

Chris,

Just noticed your post....but here is my '00 DII with 2" lift and 265/75's.  In my opinion it's been a great combo for me.  Allows me more versitility offroad with little effect on road, other than some mileage impact.

Scott

I want to play... 3" lift with 265/75s on offset 16x8" rims