Chronicles of My Discovery 2

Hi,
Just starting to put a thread together for my discovery 2. After purchasing it in the summer have had some advice off this forum that's been very useful. (Hope I'm posting in the right section. My lad does not think i ought to be let use with technology.)

Been over Salisbury plain in it and think there was a bit of a sweepstake on how long my standard bumper would last. By the end of the day it was rubbing on my front tyres. So knew some adaptions were required. New wheels, tyres, front bumper and steering guard fitted.
As purchased in June. 2000 ES model TD5 Auto 158,000Falken Wildpeak At 01 Standard size. With Wheels from Paddock's.After rearranging front Bumper on the plain, fitted new wild bear bumper and steering guard.


New MAF sensor fitted after low readings and the loom to the ecu plug was cleared of oil after M & S illuminated. Thanks for advice on this Forum. Loom will be changed if it returns quickly.

Only had 4 months Mot when i purchased it. And when changing wheels noticed the ACE gaiter was split.

So changed this and noticed that 3 of the swivels had badly perished rubbers. Makes we wonder about MOT. So 4 new swivels, new discs, pads, and as an annoying ABS fault was occurring on full lock changed the bearings and replaced CV boots.

Whilst doing this water dripped om my head. Coolant was escaping from a pipe connection to the thermostat. So new thermostat and a couple of hoses. If doing it might as well replace all 3.
Also fitted a Allisport EGR valve bypass kit. Even though more expensive decided on this one so as not to risk breaking the screws to the manifold to blank the manifold.

Today started to remove the rear bumper and tow bar to fit a NAS one i had acquired. This should help not acting as a plough on the rear. New heavy duty rear bumper to fit. Waiting in box, and a couple of diff guards.
The idea is to keep the standard running gear suspension etc , but to protect the underside.
Fuel tank guard coming next week. Hopefully followed by gearbox guard and tree sliders.

NAS tow bar trial fitted.


Really enjoying the wagon so far. Body work and chassis fine.
Hoping that next year means can really get out and about.

There again, noticed today that the fuel filter was leaking a bit. And as the water contamination light occasionally pops up, have just ordered a new one and sensor. This Disco 2 just keeps on giving.

Looking good!

Was not supposed to be around this week , but one of the clients I work for announced that he did not have any money so project was stopped.
Oh well. Back under the disco. Fortunately my new tank guard arrived so I was able to commence fitting it.
Old tow bar put back on to help support the tank. Did some de-rusting and painting whilst I was under there. Chassis original and not holed, but will need to keep checking.

Then checked the diff level. Stupid plastic plug. Had previously done the front so was prepared to heat up an old football stud spanner and push hot into the plug. Then replaced with a brass one,

Also Fitted a diff guard
Finally started fitting my new rear bumper. Bit disappointed in that it was a bit scuffed from the box. But will do the job. Finally started drilling the bumper to fit the parking sensors. Even though parking badly is a rite of getting old still intend not to try and reverse into something in the car park.

That was it for a busy day. Still got a few things to do. Fit the the replacement tow bar and the rear lights and the rear shocks and drop links. So not out of work.

Arrived. Yesterday.
I know expensive at £50 but much prefer a book to read and thumb through.

Rear Bumber now on as well as Tow bar and tow eye . The drop plate and ball hitch can be swapped in as required. New shocks and drop links fitted. To be honest bit disappointed with the drop links as the nuts were obviously mismatched and had to work 3 of them up and down in the vice to suit. The 4th I managed to strip the threads being a bit heavy handed and had to buy a replacement link. I wont say where they came from as to be honest we are very lucky at the cheap prices we have to pay with a number of good suppliers. If we were buying for an Alfa or something then the prices would be horrendous. So the odd poor experience with a new component is not the end of the world.
Also managed to sort out the non working heated rear window. Fuse 8. It was sporting a blown 20A. fuse. My handbook said 30 so in a new one went. Now working.

Jobs still to do include, front diff guard, transmission guard, tree sliders and make up a compressor guard for the suspension. Disco 2 ones don't seem available but have an idea in mind , of cutting down a steering guard and using steering guard brackets cut and bolted to the chassis to support. May or may not work. But need another freelance job for a couple of months to pay for it all............

Looking good.
Where did you source the rear bumper, if you don't mind me asking

Dont mind you asking. I was chatting to Tom of Adventure Tours in the middle of the plain after i had rearranged my original front bumber , and how my tow bar acted as a plough, and discussing improvments that could be made, when he mentioned he had a 2nd hand one one knocking round his garage. So that was it.

Go for a spin last night to help put the father in law to bed who has Parkinsons. Depending on wether its a good or bad day sometimes have to do the 20 mile round trip to help mother in law.
Anyway. Decided to slide the seat back half an inch. Yep. SRS light on. Had fixed proplem on passenger side so now got to unbolt drivers side and make and remake conections.

Also it was a bit chilly last evening and more especially since the heater was not working. Must be an airblock from where i changed the thermostat. Will check the thermostat is plumbed right then drive up ramps and refill, using air bleed screw and raising expansion bottle. Hope that fixes. If not will disconnect heater hoses and make sure full that way.

Disco 2. They just keep on giving.....

Had key problems with my mgf and obtained a apare key with a little device that you plugged in and it programmed the key. All good.
Then that prompted myself to obtain the eka code for my disco 2. Two working keys but no eka. Rang up the local dealers and for exchange of my reg number i was given the eka. I was expecting to drive there with my reg book and identity. They had my details on record and knew my tel number by name from previous dealings but must admit was expecting more security than that.