Hello everyone. I just picked up my first Land Rover, it is a 2003 Disco II with 60k miles on it. Got a VERY good deal on it, I traded my wife's Jeep Liberty for it. I hated that Liberty.
I called a dealer to check the maintenance history and it looks like the previous owner missed a couple maintenance items or at least did not do them at the dealer. The maintenance that requires the tranny filter replacement and the maintenance that required the serpentine belt replacement were both missed. So, better safe than sorry, I am going to do a maintenance that includes everything up to and including the 60k mile maintenance. That way I know exactly where I am.
I like to consider myself an almost competent shade tree mechanic, but there are many things I have yet to try. I have a lot planned for the Disco, and want to do as many of them as possible myself. My Disco will be a daily driver (it gets the best milesage out of anything I own) and 95% of the time will be on the road. But, I have a 3 mile dirt driveway with over a 1000' elevation gain that will be VERY muddy and have ultra-deep snow in the winter. I split my time between CA and ID. Many people would consider my driveway and decent offroad trail when the weather is not so nice. So, I will not be modding for ********* offroad use, but it will need some improvements from stock. I have a Hummer H1 that is a dedicated trail rig, but will take the Disco out from time to time, for a change of pace.
Now, for the first project. The service.
Do most of you use a OEM air filter or is an aftermarket a better option for it?
Same question but for the serpentine belt.
Same question for the tranny filter.
Where is the best place to order all the parts and lubricants I will need to complete the service? Is www.roverparts.com a good place to shop? I do not need the lowest pricing, as service and attitude are more important, but I would at least like competitive pricing. The closest dealer is an hour and a half south, so I will not be using them much.
How much of a PIA are the fender flares to replace? Mine are very faded and need to be replaced. I am probably going to paint the entire vehicle if the clay bar and buffing I am planning don't get out the serious swirl marks and numerous scratches.
I have four VERY large dogs that go with my everywhere. Is there a consensus on what rear cargo area liner is best and is there one that goes all the way up front with the rear seats folded down?
Is there a consensus on the best rubber floor mat option?
Last question. Do the jump seats come out easily? I need the extra room for the dogs, but want to be able to put them back in when I need the people room.
TIA for all the help and I look forward to being an active member of the forum and hope to contribute as soon as my knowledge of the Disco gets to that point. If you are ever in my area and want to head out on the Oceano (Pismo) Dunes, I love to take out the H1 and romp around all day. I end up pulling out a lot of stuck trucks along the way, and love the look when everyone see's how effortlessly I can pull out a big F350 or the like. Looking forward to getting the Disco stuck from time to time.
I called a dealer to check the maintenance history and it looks like the previous owner missed a couple maintenance items or at least did not do them at the dealer. The maintenance that requires the tranny filter replacement and the maintenance that required the serpentine belt replacement were both missed. So, better safe than sorry, I am going to do a maintenance that includes everything up to and including the 60k mile maintenance. That way I know exactly where I am.
I like to consider myself an almost competent shade tree mechanic, but there are many things I have yet to try. I have a lot planned for the Disco, and want to do as many of them as possible myself. My Disco will be a daily driver (it gets the best milesage out of anything I own) and 95% of the time will be on the road. But, I have a 3 mile dirt driveway with over a 1000' elevation gain that will be VERY muddy and have ultra-deep snow in the winter. I split my time between CA and ID. Many people would consider my driveway and decent offroad trail when the weather is not so nice. So, I will not be modding for ********* offroad use, but it will need some improvements from stock. I have a Hummer H1 that is a dedicated trail rig, but will take the Disco out from time to time, for a change of pace.
Now, for the first project. The service.
Do most of you use a OEM air filter or is an aftermarket a better option for it?
Same question but for the serpentine belt.
Same question for the tranny filter.
Where is the best place to order all the parts and lubricants I will need to complete the service? Is www.roverparts.com a good place to shop? I do not need the lowest pricing, as service and attitude are more important, but I would at least like competitive pricing. The closest dealer is an hour and a half south, so I will not be using them much.
How much of a PIA are the fender flares to replace? Mine are very faded and need to be replaced. I am probably going to paint the entire vehicle if the clay bar and buffing I am planning don't get out the serious swirl marks and numerous scratches.
I have four VERY large dogs that go with my everywhere. Is there a consensus on what rear cargo area liner is best and is there one that goes all the way up front with the rear seats folded down?
Is there a consensus on the best rubber floor mat option?
Last question. Do the jump seats come out easily? I need the extra room for the dogs, but want to be able to put them back in when I need the people room.
TIA for all the help and I look forward to being an active member of the forum and hope to contribute as soon as my knowledge of the Disco gets to that point. If you are ever in my area and want to head out on the Oceano (Pismo) Dunes, I love to take out the H1 and romp around all day. I end up pulling out a lot of stuck trucks along the way, and love the look when everyone see's how effortlessly I can pull out a big F350 or the like. Looking forward to getting the Disco stuck from time to time.
