1997 Land Rover Discovery XD - Build/Restoration Thread

[pdXDisco]

Winch Install

Finally got around to installing my winch this past weekend. I picked up a parts 1997 Disco with the factory winch plate and Warn XD9000i. I spent Friday and Saturday getting it installed, and to my relief the winch works! I also took the opportunity to replace the grill, headlights, and repaint the black bits under the lights. I still need to swap the springs to HD on the front, but it actually rode pretty nice on our camping trip this week.

Front end, before:

Parts for the project, I saved a good condition brush guard from a scrap pile, I'll be adding the brush guard to the winch plate, as I like the Trek XD look.:

Front end, after tear-down:

Front end, ready for winch:

Front end, back together:

And a parting shot of our first weekend out with the new winch installed:

Next up, new springs (front and rear). And painting the hood, back to original XD configuration.

 

[Howski]

Glad you're putting your rig to good use. The hood color has always bugged me so I'm glad you're bringing it back to original XD spec! A great looking example of an XD

 

[pdXDisco]

Thanks, it's a great truck.

Yeah, the black hood has always been a temp solution until I could restore the old one. My wife thinks it gives it character, but I'd like it to look proper.

 

[Ray_G]

That looks damn good! I'm also glad about the hood but we already discussed that! Everything in its time. You may also want to craft a Saudi style grill as I think that'd be a nice accent too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pdXDisco]

Not sure about the Saudi grill, as I like the stock look (as much as possible) but maybe someday for a change...

New rear springs showed up yesterday, so maybe I'll get to them today.

 

[pdXDisco]

Got the correct rear springs on this past Sunday. What a pain, it didn't help that is was in the high 90's here in Oregon. Next up, put the HD front springs on.

Before:

After:

And a quick test run proved a great success, no rub in the back:

 

[Derel1cte]

Got the correct rear springs on this past Sunday. What a pain, it didn't help that is was in the high 90's here in Oregon. Next up, put the HD front springs on.

I think you need to make those photos public in your google drive. I'm just getting grey boxes.

 

[MattD1]

Nice truck. Always liked the XDs. Couple of questions for you on stock Castor wheels that came on the truck. Is the lip polished on the wheel, or painted the stock silver color? How would you describe the black paint on the barrel and spokes? Is it a gloss, semi-gloss?

If you have any close ups pics of the wheels, could you please share?

Thanks

 

[pdXDisco]

The wheels are silver with black painted (powder-coated?) in the middle portion. The scrapes and scratches reveal the standard silver below. I'd say it's semi-gloss.

I took a couple of close-ups. Here you go:

 

[pdXDisco]

By the way... I do have the center caps, but I don't tend to run with them on, as I don't want to lose them.

 

[MattD1]

Thanks for the info! Anyway I could PM you my email address and send me the pics of the wheels? I am unable to see the pictures you posted...

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

By the way... I do have the center caps, but I don't tend to run with them on, as I don't want to lose them.

After we had a set "go missing" one evening after parking in the wrong neighborhood I stuck the replacements in with a dab of clear silicone. They've been there for the last 15 -16 years. Nice truck!

 

[pdXDisco]

After we had a set "go missing" one evening after parking in the wrong neighborhood I stuck the replacements in with a dab of clear silicone. They've been there for the last 15 -16 years. Nice truck!

That's a good idea! I actually have two sets, but having lost a few on my RRC, I'm not wanting to lose any more, especially the black ones, as they aren't as common.

 

[pdXDisco]

I'm overdue for an update, so here's a quick one.

I finally completed the 2" lift on the truck, and sorted out the electrical issue (it was the output regulator on the alt).

My birthday present this year was a new set of BFG AT 245/75/16 tires, and man they are great! I finally got them out in the woods yesterday with a PCRC outing, and it was night and day over my previous warn out tires. Plus they just look so good.

The club was out yesterday for a run, and it was a great time. 24 trucks and a fantastic mix of old and new.

Photo by Keith Martin

That's mine on the right, and it was great to have Jay's original '96 Trek XD out for the day, which looks amazing. Inspires me to get my hood repainted and get her ready for her 20th birthday!

 

[454]

One of you needs to buy my low SD rack.