Hi, I've been posting in the Toyota area for about 3 years. I am considering the purchase of a 1999 Disco2. It has 63k miles, sunroofs, but I haven't gone to see it yet. A few questions:

Does the 4.0 V8 use a timing belt or chain? I have not seen any reference to maintenance on it.

Any unusual maintenance I should be aware of?

What is the expected lifespan of this engine?

I've read up on mods for it - 2 inch OME lift, gears, etc. Anything that should be changed as it came from the factory?

mods... I think you can get more than a 2" lift out of those. Am I right guys? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Does it have air suspension in the rear? That would suck...

unusual main... I believe they just had a recall on a bunch of Disco II's. We've been replacing the ABS mod plates. You should check and make sure that was done if it was one of the recalls.

Forget the lifespan of the engine. You should be more concerned about the lifespan of the vehicle! If you are a Toy owner, you know that they last forever. (My boyfriend has an '87 4Runner...37" Swampers...with over 300K on the original engine.) I believe that if you TAKE CARE of the vehicle ie: regular maintenance, making sure fluids are full (especially w/ a Rover), etc., it will last a lot longer than something you just drive every day. If you respect the vehicle, it will respect you.

I'll get back to you on the other things. Good luck! I hope it's a great deal!

Thanks for the reply. Turns out it is a pretty base model. I will look at another one today before I consider driving the first one. I would really like the rear A/C and 3rd row seating if I can find it.

One thing that concerned me is that the gas tank looks like it has been undercoated by all the gear oil from the rear axle. I know Landrovers "seep" but it appears there is a definate bad seal back there. I don't want a vehicle that may have differential problems but for all I know the PO probably topped off the gear oil regularly for that much to be on there.

They do make SE7's, which would be your third row seating. The seats are really cool because they face each other instead of facing the front. I used to love that when I was younger! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

As for your leak in the rear... It could be just the pinion seal. Cross your fingers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> When I first got my Rangie he leaked a little in the rear (and a lot in the front) until I changed the pinion seals. He doesn't leak at all in the rear now (unless I ran out of fluid) and my leak in the front I now know is not coming from there. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> It doesn't really take that long either. There's a couple special tools you'll need to knock the seal in, but that's it. I saw a shirt that I want so bad. It takes the Land Rover logo and instead of
Land>
<Rover it says
Oil>
<Dripper That's my truck! It's so cool! I love Rovers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I forgot to ask about the timing chain vs belt. Well, I remembered throughout the day, but wasn't around anyone to ask. It was busy today. I washed 18 Land Rovers. Methinks that's a world record. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> Anyways, I'll try to remember tomorrow.

Hey, what color is it? I'm dying to know! Good luck!!

It is white with tan leather interior. Saw a green one on my way home yesterday. I'll make time to stop at that lot. Another concern of mine is that the nearest Rover dealer is 4 hrs away in Albuquerque.