I'd go for a 1" lift (with matching gas dampers) and fit some 235/70 x 16 AT tyres (my preference being the Pirelli Scorpion) on some steel wheels. I think the DeCarbon spring and damper sets sold by Scorpion racing look the smartest/best quality and would probably be the best compromise for...

Not wishing to hijack the thread, but I've been considering swapping the current V8 for a diesel unit as well (just idle thoughts at the moment, maybe something to do in a year or so). The only thing is that I'd still want the same grunt that the 3.9 V8 gives whilst getting more like 25+mpg...

Seconded! But only after you've done all the chassis painting you need/want to as it's a swine to clean it all off later. I'd recommend using POR15 paint (like Hammerite on steroids - you can get it from Frosts) on the most vunerable bits of the chassis and then waxoyl after that. Then...

My money would also be on the timing. I had exactly the same symptoms at the weekend (the Rangie, not me!) which was down to my own silly fault after having taken the distributor out and forgotten that I'd moved the engine off TDC. Easy enough to sort out though. Just rotate the crank to TDC...

No, they won't fit as a direct replacement (wrong PCD I believe), but you can get some adapters from Simmonites that will allow the conversion. Gets a bit pricey though - they cost about £300! :eek: However if you've been given a good set of P38 alloys with decent tyres it could be well worth...