gstuart · Mar 5, 2018

rob_bell said:
Yes, I know - it's a big heavy beast of a machine.

I was watching one of Andrew St Pierre White's 4xOverland YouTube videos - he's probably marmite, but I like that he expresses an informed opinion whether you like it or not. He liked the Disco 1 (although it was too small for him), panned the original Disco 2 (technology for technology's sake with the deletion of the locking centre diff and its substitution of TC and HDC), and seems genuinely impressed by the Disco 4.

Two problems he highlighted: low-profile tyres that destroy their sidewalls (especially if you lower inflation pressures for traction) and that it becomes very expensive to maintain if you use it extensively off road... All of which I find quite interesting.

Most of the Disco 3's/ 4's I've seen up for sale generally have significant mileages (170+k miles is not unusual) - so they're good for general car use, but is a criticism for becoming seriously expensive to maintain if used off road deserved?

another reason i’ve always disliked low profiles on 4x4s, as u take away the capability when the tyres are destroyed and rims damaged

alas i think it’s like anything , harder u use a vehicle the more it reqs maintenance, inc how much on and off road use, inc if u start putting it through thick mud or water

dieseldog69 · Mar 5, 2018

Like them new Discs an pads, them V8 discs are huge!

Struts look like a problem in the waiting.

That 11D tool seems to be amazing, looked like a lot of small faults that need looked at, or is it a case of erase them and see what comes back?

rob_bell said:
is a criticism for becoming seriously expensive to maintain if used off road deserved?

Not in the slightest! A very modern car with a heap of electronics and a when new price tag equivalent to that of a small house in the Welsh valley's, I think that everything has to be taken in context, it certainly isn't going to be as cheap as a Series Land Rover or even a Defender or D1, and this is where I think the ideas get muddled, very capable off road and decent tyres makes them unstoppable but you have to factor in the cost of the vehicle and the components that go into making it, but most people who slate them for expense don't and all too often as is the case with any luxury vehicle, people often have enough money to buy it and fuel it but not keep up the maintenance of it and when they then push it hard and it fails, they complain, such is the way of the world.

gstuart said:
another reason i’ve always disliked low profiles on 4x4s, as u take away the capability when the tyres are destroyed and rims damaged

alas i think it’s like anything , harder u use a vehicle the more it reqs maintenance, inc how much on and off road use, inc if u start putting it through thick mud or water

All vehicles are only as good as their maintenance.

I detest the idea of fitting low profile tyres and mahoosive alloys to a 4x4, it goes completely against the designed use of the vehicle, although, in this day and age, we all know an Ewok, D5 and the latest generations of Range Rovers are barely going to see a muddy field with a horse box let alone anything remotely challenging to all the electrical gubbins they have that could see them a truly outstanding vehicle off road.

rob_bell · Mar 6, 2018

dieseldog69 said:
Not in the slightest! A very modern car with a heap of electronics and a when new price tag equivalent to that of a small house in the Welsh valley's, I think that everything has to be taken in context, it certainly isn't going to be as cheap as a Series Land Rover or even a Defender or D1, and this is where I think the ideas get muddled, very capable off road and decent tyres makes them unstoppable but you have to factor in the cost of the vehicle and the components that go into making it, but most people who slate them for expense don't and all too often as is the case with any luxury vehicle, people often have enough money to buy it and fuel it but not keep up the maintenance of it and when they then push it hard and it fails, they complain, such is the way of the world.

All vehicles are only as good as their maintenance.

I detest the idea of fitting low profile tyres and mahoosive alloys to a 4x4, it goes completely against the designed use of the vehicle, although, in this day and age, we all know an Ewok, D5 and the latest generations of Range Rovers are barely going to see a muddy field with a horse box let alone anything remotely challenging to all the electrical gubbins they have that could see them a truly outstanding vehicle off road.

I 100% agree with what say - and I really do like the D3/D4. It's an expensive car that is expensive to maintain, but I am sure that these costs will fall in time.

I don't have an axe to grind, but the question that came to my mind on watching that YouTube video is whether a similarly complex Toyota or what ever would also need the same level of maintenance? Is the Discovery 3/4s main problem derived my its high unladen weight (big brakes for heat dissipation, big wheels to clear aforementioned brakes = low profile tyres, high suspension loads = high wear rates on suspension and brake parts etc.)? If you're going Over-landing, you'll be making the vehicle even heavier - perhaps over 3.5 tonnes?

Just a thought process really. I'd love a D3/4 - and for my use (green lanes, mostly road) it would likely be ideal. But for overland adventures, the Defender - or may be a tricked up D1 or D2 - might be the better option?

gstuart · Mar 7, 2018

rob_bell said:
I 100% agree with what say - and I really do like the D3/D4. It's an expensive car that is expensive to maintain, but I am sure that these costs will fall in time.

I don't have an axe to grind, but the question that came to my mind on watching that YouTube video is whether a similarly complex Toyota or what ever would also need the same level of maintenance? Is the Discovery 3/4s main problem derived my its high unladen weight (big brakes for heat dissipation, big wheels to clear aforementioned brakes = low profile tyres, high suspension loads = high wear rates on suspension and brake parts etc.)? If you're going Over-landing, you'll be making the vehicle even heavier - perhaps over 3.5 tonnes?

Just a thought process really. I'd love a D3/4 - and for my use (green lanes, mostly road) it would likely be ideal. But for overland adventures, the Defender - or may be a tricked up D1 or D2 - might be the better option?

don’t forget , you’ve forgotten one major thing

u will just be paying and fixing it, in what ever ur beloved SWMBO decides on, lol

rob_bell · Mar 7, 2018

gstuart said:
don’t forget , you’ve forgotten one major thing

u will just be paying and fixing it, in what ever ur beloved SWMBO decides on, lol

So true! Lol

gstuart · Mar 7, 2018

rob_bell said:
So true! Lol

have u decided yet or still got mixed opinions of what model , D2 perhaps

rob_bell · Mar 7, 2018

I am thinking D2 (D1 would be great too), and may be move to D3/4 later - but might just be a case of what I find! I haven’t even ruled out a Defender 110! Lol

gstuart · Mar 7, 2018

.....

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 10, 2018

dieseldog69 said:
Like them new Discs an pads, them V8 discs are huge!

Struts look like a problem in the waiting.

That 11D tool seems to be amazing, looked like a lot of small faults that need looked at, or is it a case of erase them and see what comes back?

Not in the slightest! A very modern car with a heap of electronics and a when new price tag equivalent to that of a small house in the Welsh valley's, I think that everything has to be taken in context, it certainly isn't going to be as cheap as a Series Land Rover or even a Defender or D1, and this is where I think the ideas get muddled, very capable off road and decent tyres makes them unstoppable but you have to factor in the cost of the vehicle and the components that go into making it, but most people who slate them for expense don't and all too often as is the case with any luxury vehicle, people often have enough money to buy it and fuel it but not keep up the maintenance of it and when they then push it hard and it fails, they complain, such is the way of the world.

All vehicles are only as good as their maintenance.

I detest the idea of fitting low profile tyres and mahoosive alloys to a 4x4, it goes completely against the designed use of the vehicle, although, in this day and age, we all know an Ewok, D5 and the latest generations of Range Rovers are barely going to see a muddy field with a horse box let alone anything remotely challenging to all the electrical gubbins they have that could see them a truly outstanding vehicle off road.

350mm iirc compared to original 325mm, will eventually be adding V8 brakes to the rear as well however not required just yet.

Possibly but for now the suspension struts seem fine so not going to be a major rush to replace. Hopefully the manage another year but we will see.

Yes first time round I erased the codes and most of them came back. Lot of low voltage problems when makes me wonder about the quality of the LR alternator.

Gotta do more reading into how the IID tool works to get the best out of it.

I’m upgrading to 20’s simply because I like them plus it’s working out cheaper than getting my 19’s refurbed. Sticking with 55 profile tyres so shouldn’t destroy themselves on the uk roads.

Plus gonna refurb the 19’s myself and get some AT tyres for the winter with the idea of adding a snorkel and going green laning all over the uk.

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 11, 2018

So want to get these rear suspension bushes sorted out. Not going to faff about so complete upper rear arms will be ordered for both side. Range Rover sport versions seem to be the way to go.

My question is what else should I consider doing while I’m at it?

Been told it’s well worth replacing the six brake lines while the arm is off. Is this a single kit I can buy? Any other brake bits at the same time?

Also watching YouTube videos some people are doing wheel bearings and hub bushes. Does this have to be done at the same time?
If I didn’t do the wheel bearing at the same time would I be taking the same bits off again if I do it at a later date?
Same with ten rear shocks? Should I do them at the same time to save time or does it not make much difference?

Cheers Chris.

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 12, 2018

Next jobs gonna be real fun

gstuart · Mar 13, 2018

looks like ur getting there and indeed both of us will be taking the same job on

been looking at that ref the bush for the hub , going to see what it’s like when i remove the upper wishbone arm and go from there , as it will be off the road for a good few weeks anyway and can easily order them if i needed

just thought have u got a bush extractor for that hub bush

quick update , i looked under the scuttle panel for those heated washer jet wires , think i will have to wait for warmer weather , can’t quite see well enough and will remove the entire wiper arms and scuttle panel for a better look

plse let us know how u get on with the upper arms , will be watching with interest

rob_bell · Mar 14, 2018

Co-Pang-Yang said:
Next jobs gonna be real fun

View attachment 144466

That's quite a shopping list mate - good luck!

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 14, 2018

gstuart said:
looks like ur getting there and indeed both of us will be taking the same job on

been looking at that ref the bush for the hub , going to see what it’s like when i remove the upper wishbone arm and go from there , as it will be off the road for a good few weeks anyway and can easily order them if i needed

just thought have u got a bush extractor for that hub bush

quick update , i looked under the scuttle panel for those heated washer jet wires , think i will have to wait for warmer weather , can’t quite see well enough and will remove the entire wiper arms and scuttle panel for a better look

plse let us know how u get on with the upper arms , will be watching with interest

Yep, haven’t ordered anything yet. Wanna make sure it’s everything I need.

Just going on what D3 forum members are saying that it needs replacing. Considering the mileage I will be doing it I think.

I don’t have an extractor no, mate thinks we could make something up to do the job. Though I’m inclined to see what is available to buy. Not sure what I’d need mind or how much it will be.

Yes I think all jobs are gonna be on hold till warmer weather. Didn’t get a chance to get the battery out this weekend unfortunately, family stuff came up.

rob_bell said:
That's quite a shopping list mate - good luck!

Yep not done yet, still gotta add a recip saw, extra blades and probably some sort of bush puller/fitter

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 18, 2018

So, with the weather turning a bit chilly I didn’t fancy cleaning the car this weekend and instead turned my attention to fitting the headlight tinting kit I bought from Powerfuluk a few weeks back.

To start, I’ll need a pair of headlights.......

Kinda like the blacked out look

Next the strip down

Need to remove 8 screws to release the two brackets from the back

Then there are four tiny screws in each corner that need to come off

Next need to send the missus out on an errand so she doesn’t notice me using the oven

7 minutes at 70 degrees should do it

Then can carefully prise all the tabs back and use a screw driver to pull the lense away from the back of the light.

Once that’s done your left with this

Then it’s simply a case of undoing the screws holding the silver trim in place and remove and discard the orange trim

Then clean out the cobwebs and dead bugs carefully

Next I could apply the black vinyl to the lense

Then it’s a case of screwing the trim back together and place the front and back of the units together, chuck it back in the oven for another 7 minutes.
Finally push the two parts back together in the soft sealant and push the tabs back down.
Then refit the screws and mounting brackets and first one done!

Repeat the above and end up with two

And on!

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 18, 2018

Lights back off again so I could finish what I didn’t have time to do yesterday. Fit the led indicators.
Which means I need to add a resistor into the wiring

First job is to get the crap blocks supplied with the resistors and throw them in the bin!

Then get my tools

Then needed to find some where to fit the resistors.
Because it’s freezing outside I wanted to fit them to the light unit instead of the car loom so I don’t have to try and crimp in -2 lol.

After much head scratching I realised there was nowhere on the outside of the light where I could fit the resistor.
And so...........

Yup, split the light again lol.

With that done I found a suitable place for the resistor

All crimped up and resistor glued in

All done and back together with Ring indicators.

And that is my finished, de-tangoed and tinted headlights

Chris

dieseldog69 · Mar 18, 2018

Subtle but stylish.

My old company D3 had the mahoosive orange indicators in the headlights, looked butt ugly!

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 18, 2018

Thanks very much mate. I need to give it a wash and get some daylight pictures next.

Yes standard on the entire D3 Range unfortunately. This sticker kit at £20 is a hell of a lot cheaper than fitting a D4 front end so will do me for now lol.
Thinking possibly adding some halo fog light dlr’s but see how it goes.

Also worth mentioning that I have ordered a pair of Range Rover Sport rear upper suspension arms, new bolts and a full set of braided brake lines.

So when the ramp becomes available again that’ll be the next job.

rob_bell · Mar 19, 2018

You’ve been busy! Lol Nice job

Co-Pang-Yang · Mar 19, 2018

Ha ha thanks. Been a productive weekend.
I’d say the entire job took around 4 hours but could probably do it in 2/2.5 hours if I had to do it again.

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