Just got my D2 - need suggestions for protection

Hi guys

So I finally bought my first Land Rover, a lovely Discovery 2.

She's in pretty good nick and I'm very grateful for the generous advice that I received on this forum.

I've only had her for 36 hours and I'm already referring to her as "her/she", rather that "it". I've never done that with a car before so I think I've well and truly caught the bug.

Drove back from Devon to London yesterday, taking in a few gentle green lanes in Dorset on the way. Great fun - made sure I let my other half have a go so she gets the bug too . Bottled out of some of the more arduous stuff until a) I've got some under protection fitted, and b) I know what the hell I'm doing.

I'm hoping to do some maintenance/mechanical work myself, but I'm new to the whole thing so baby steps...

So, next jobs are:

a pro WaxOyl treatment
new tyres - probably General Grabber AT so I can keep the existing rims
steering and diff protection

Any recommendations for steering and diff protection? Ideally easy to fit without too much hassle.

Thanks as always

Stu

they're just bolt on accessories so shouldn't challenge you too much!

You looked at recovery points? Maybe invest in some jate rings and some decent ropes...

I'm reasonably new to it all as well and (just after work related things i need) I'm looking at decent recovery gear and maintenance before making it look like a monster

london stu said:

Hi guys

So I finally bought my first Land Rover, a lovely Discovery 2.

She's in pretty good nick and I'm very grateful for the generous advice that I received on this forum.

I've only had her for 36 hours and I'm already referring to her as "her/she", rather that "it". I've never done that with a car before so I think I've well and truly caught the bug.

Drove back from Devon to London yesterday, taking in a few gentle green lanes in Dorset on the way. Great fun - made sure I let my other half have a go so she gets the bug too . Bottled out of some of the more arduous stuff until a) I've got some under protection fitted, and b) I know what the hell I'm doing.

I'm hoping to do some maintenance/mechanical work myself, but I'm new to the whole thing so baby steps...

So, next jobs are:

a pro WaxOyl treatment
new tyres - probably General Grabber AT so I can keep the existing rims
steering and diff protection

Any recommendations for steering and diff protection? Ideally easy to fit without too much hassle.

Thanks as always

Stu

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Hello Stu and big congrats on your new car - looks very nice.

I must admit that I laughed out load when I read about you calling it, 'her' - you are well in already.

If I may suggest something? Irrespective of what the service history says, I always always go through my Discos from front to back and I NEVER have break-downs, as a result.

So all oils all filters, coolant and brake fluid replaced. Check all the hoses and pipes carefully, particularly the pas and oil rubber hoses.

If any doubts at all, replace all discs and pads. Not only do your brakes work better, but it protects the calipers.

SHE looks pretty tidy!

Just looking at your comment about under body protection and like you say diff guards will come into requirement! As for fitment most "slider" style diff guards fir the same! a plate on the top of the diff secured by 2 of the existing nuts and 2 bolts into the bottom of the diff housing!

As i have just fitted one on my own vehicle my advice would be to make sure you clean up the threads and all the crap out of the threads as you wont be able to get the bolt all the way in with out this ( I made the mistake of this and snapped a bolt in there, another 4 hours of fannying around drill it out etc...)

There are several makes of "slider" style diff guards or simply the ring style! QT I would assume is the most common as they are known for there durability, but there are other makes out there! The ones we stock are Terrafirma which you are looking around £60 each! Stylish and durable but pretty new to the market!

As for steering guards again there are so many to choose from! again the ones we stock are Terrafirma and in my opinion look quite sexy, there is a new model coming out for the D2 which are quite on the market yet! This new style does look good with a winch bumper!

Hope the above gives you a bit of food for thought! (there is no plug intended by the way just personnel advice and experience)

If you,re going to be bumping your car over lots of rocky lanes, then diff guards are a good idea. But, unless you are planning a lift and bigger tyres, then there is more chance that you will crush the sills or smash the front and rear bumpers before you hole a diff !.

I would advise that you stick to your plan of AT tyres, and then get out on the lanes and play days and see whether you will be putting your nice, shiney expensive Disco into situations where you need the extra protection.

Well done on your purchase, it looks great.

Thanks guys.

Biglad, I'm about to embark on the fluid and filter changes as you suggest. Never been under a car in my life so please be prepared for some dumbass questions

london stu said:

Thanks guys.

Biglad, I'm about to embark on the fluid and filter changes as you suggest. Never been under a car in my life so please be prepared for some dumbass questions

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No problem mate, just ask away. Regarding parts, I always get my filter kits from Paddocks.

You'll need 2 x 5ltrs of engine oil;

Transfer box and both diffs - 6ltrs of EP 75 or 80-90 oil

For the main gearbox -manual 3ltrs of mtf94 or auto 5ltrs of Dexron III atf.

Also get yourself a few cans of aerosol brake and clutch cleaner - you'll need it soon.

Dave

Hi guys

I'm looking at buying this for the transfer box and diffs:

Carlube EP75w90 semi-sythetic gear oil.

Is this OK? Does semi-synthetic mean I need to change it more regularly than if it was fully synthetic...?

Thanks as always

Stu

you should change any oil regular ,at least once a year on average mileage to get rid of any contaminents ,but in theory fully synthetic can last longer

jamesmartin said:

you should change any oil regular ,at least once a year on average mileage to get rid of any contaminants ,but in theory fully synthetic can last longer

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Completely agree, especially the rear diff which seems to suffer worst from water ingress due to it's breather located too low. I reckon to change this every 6 months or anytime after serious wading.