Hey guys,

Started chopping teh Disco with the 42s as per the below...

http://www.me4x4.com/modules/PNphpBB2/files/chopped.jpg

Thinking of going with a recent years' Deseil Auto ZF24 with a Defender LT230 and the MD 4.94 Low ratio and bring down the R&P to 4.3 (from current 4.88). This will cost me 700 USD (excluding the MD) or I'll stick to my LT77s and Disco LT230...what's your recommendation?

Auto offroad? If it is VERY cooled efficiently, would I have issues? Any upgrades I can do for better torque lock-up?

Thanks!

Goodnight (waking up earluy to finish the rear truggy section!)

Nadim

I doubt you'll have any problems with an automatic off-road. Just make sure to plumb in a tranny cooler.

It's getting difficult to keep up with you. :flipoff2:

Awsome.

I don't know much about the auto in question. Some don't allow for much engine braking, which can be a bummer on steep downhill :eek:

I have driven a Chrysler 727 and a GM TH-350 off road and it was acceptable. But I still prefer a granny low behind something with 20:1 COMPRESSION WHEN IT GETS STEEP :d

Amazing!

You're the guy who were fishing goldfish out of the headlight from this Disco in stock form little more than a year ago?

My trucks degrade fast, but this metamorphosis beats even Franken to a degree!

sweet man, i look forward to seeing this project

interesting progress for a guy who likes clean sheetmetal.

-Jeff

more pics Nadim :smokin:

oh, btw, kiss those footwells goodbye with the 42's :flipoff2:

Are you going to enclose the cab right behind the seats, or continue it back a little? I'd stick with an auto, you can run another t-cooler in series with what you have for pretty cheap.

Hey ya'll...

Sorry, no internet in the Lebanese Mountains! (what a relief actually...chimney, porto, chestnuts...welding, cutting...etc...)

Well, here are a couple of update pics:

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00028.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00031.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Rear_section.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Testing.sized.jpg

Ok, the low-down:

1. Some prelim dimensions for you:
Outside wheel to outside wheel width is 210 cm (~82")
Front and rear departure angles are 90 degrees
Total weight (estimated accumulated) reduced is ~350kg, more to go...
Diff clearance is +40cm
Belly clearance is +70cm

2. Some concerns you guys raised:
The footwells will be beat to go back ~2", add to that no clutch, we can go to ~3" in total
The cab will be taken back (remounting of the remaining 8 mounts on the chassis) by ~3", so we cleared the tires.
I was planning on ditching the 2" body lift, but that doesn't seem possible
The rear section will be completely sealed right behind the seats. The roof will start to roll down in a 1/4 cicle section and so will the sides, build from steel framing and steel sides (durability vs. rock rash) and rear section in plexi/alum.
No plastics ANYWHERE
The dash will be removed, so will the A/C and heater, only switches, new gauges (any recommendations for affordable good ones??), and fuses.
The batteries will be under the seats.
A HUGE cubby box will be manufactured between the seats.
Going back to the original steering wheel (in black) to help with the bigger tires, + it feels better than the Momo (I know, I'm sorry for the bling factor :flipoff2: )

3. Modifications in progress:
Auto is decided on, along with the Defender transfer case. I'll order the MD 4.94 Low ratio on the 11th (they are on vacation until then)
Also decided to switch my daily driver's TD5 (heavily tuned) for this V8, so that'll mean I get the engine compression to recompensate for the Auto and a LOT more durability - I'll loose on weight, but I can work on that
Rear winch will be at the far end for some better weight distribution.
Going to reuse the stock plastic tank (no need for more expenses right now)
Need to check for Nitrous for the TD5
Also a better hydro pump
And I think we can test run it in a month's time...

As always, your constructive (:flipoff2: ) chriticism is ALWAYS welcome!

Nadim

You know you want portals. :flipoff2:

NO WAY! hehehe...

honnest, I only wish the roof sat 20-25cm lower, other than that, she's great!

honnest, I only wish the roof sat 20-25cm lower, other than that, she's great!

It wouldn't be THAT much more work at this point...

Nice work Nadim, I will be interested in your cage & tube rear as I am going to mod a Disco with a tube rear. Hopefully I will start before the end of the year depending on work commitments.


brooksy

Wow! :eek:

Tell us about axles. I don't know if I've read what you're doing.

I say just run it like it is. You know you won't need that roll-cage. :flipoff2:

MORE PICS!!! :cool2:

Its actually a hard thing to lower the roof as the windsheild is not flat - a defender would have been much easier!

Micheal, I'm running Jac Mac 30 spliners and Cromo Longs with the Toy conversion - more pics in 2 weeks' time...

Its actually a hard thing to lower the roof as the windsheild is not flat - a defender would have been much easier!


Why are you looking to lower the roof? Clearance for a garage? How about just cutting that raised section and graft something else there?

Larry,

Thought about that - a RR roof looks to get in there quite well, but I like the extra 2-3 inches for head clearance, I'm 6"2, my brother is 6"4, so we'll need it with helmuts for competing...

I don' wanna cut the roof, it was suggested :)

Garage is currently being re-done to accomodate the new height (and expanding for my new 1973 Citroen DS2.3L and my brother's monster 1972 BMW 3.0CS :D )

Oh yeah, after all that is done, I'm moving to the US in October so I'll be wheeling that thing only for 3 weeks (straight!) a year!

Awesome.
Disco chop projects are great. Where will you be stateside ?

Wife in Cleveland, I'm planning on working in NYC, but eventually we'll both move to either NYC, Chicago or Boston...weekends in the mud somewhere...

Front clip pics to show clearance and width - it is me, or is the Radiator bottom support section NOT inline with the Chassis crossmember? Must be a Land Rover thing...

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_Stance.sized.jpg

We're STILL trying to lower the cab by taking out the 2" BL, but it seems highly unlikely...I prefer a 2" taller cab than to limit my uptravel by 2"...right?

We're STILL trying to lower the cab by taking out the 2" BL, but it seems highly unlikely...I prefer a 2" taller cab than to limit my uptravel by 2"...right?

I faught with the same thing for a while, and decided the BL was worth it, and that was with MUCH smaller tires. Looks good by the way.:flipoff2:

Front clip pics to show clearance and width - it is me, or is the Radiator bottom support section NOT inline with the Chassis crossmember? Must be a Land Rover thing...


I wonder if you didn't bend your frame??? My rear crossmember that I removed for my rear bumper was bent similar to yours.

I wonder if you didn't bend your frame??? My rear crossmember that I removed for my rear bumper was bent similar to yours.

Hope not...

Are you sure you want to do away with the heater? You've commented often on the drastic temperature changes encountered in the desert. If there is much humidity, you're gonna have fogging problems. The heater will go a long way to alleviating this inconvenience. Also, one of the main complaints about the Bowler and other Dakar-style rigs is the lack of heater/A-C. Might be a worthy consideration.

Are you sure you want to do away with the heater? You've commented often on the drastic temperature changes encountered in the desert. If there is much humidity, you're gonna have fogging problems. The heater will go a long way to alleviating this inconvenience. Also, one of the main complaints about the Bowler and other Dakar-style rigs is the lack of heater/A-C. Might be a worthy consideration.

I'm certain to have them removed - I recall a company that has a front windsheild that is heated to elude fogging (anyone remember which company that is?) also maybe add those fugly window plastic thingies so that I can have the windows partially open - what about getting DIY resistors so that I can have some heat going on the windsheild?

I wonder if you didn't bend your frame??? My rear crossmember that I removed for my rear bumper was bent similar to yours.

I think it's the angle of the transmission cooler line that throws it off visually

Yeah, I zoomed in on the pic, and the topline of the transmission cooler line goes downward from left to right across the front. All seems well. :flipoff2:

Just an observation but I think you may want to make it wider than it is. I am at 81in with a skinnier tire than you have (I think). I am in the process of machining 1in spacers for the front to get back some of my turning radius.

I have a set of 1.25" spacers for my daily driver 90...I'll see if I'll need them, but I'd like to be somewhat narrow too...~82 is nice...

How about some of these bad ass PORTALS ? Looks like you got some work ahead of you ! Keep the fabrication going, good luck !
-mark
:)

How about some of these bad ass PORTALS ? Looks like you got some work ahead of you ! Keep the fabrication going, good luck !
-mark
:)

Yes but they are not being sold as bolt-on kits. And he already has rover axles and lockers, and bolt-on portals are available for them.

Small update:

Drivetrain: Ordered the underdrive from Ashcroft (thanks Dave), located a 4 belt 4.2, a matching 4.2 ZF, stock LT230 & will need to plumb in a Merc Benz truck's auto cooler+fan & a custom mount for a BIG ASS hydro pump.

Body: Decided to re-use the albine windows for the sides and a Golf Rabbit Mark 1 rear flat window with regulator. Stock dash and heater remain (no budget to go custom gauges and all for now) with internal "mini-cage" for seats and harness

Everything else (i.e. whatever is left) - remains as is.

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_Stance.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/s1.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/s2.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/s6.sized.jpg
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/s9.jpg

Nadim:
I think you have the right idea when it comes to drivetrain swaps. I'll bet it is easier to remove the obdy than the drivetrain :Flipoff2: Maybe I'll try it next week.

LOL - yeah - we took the decision to have the body off so that the welder can finish off the cab and everything to do with that while the mechanics can finish the swap - also, we are re-working the outriggers to the cab/chassis mounts to clear the 42" (the rear tires rub at flex!).

Do you guys think 42"s on 102" wheelbase is too much?

Do you guys think 42"s on 102" wheelbase is too much?

I think with those tall of tires I would want a longer wheelbase. Mine is now 102" with the 37's and I don't think I would go much bigger than 39's with the current Wheelbase. But this is for the type of wheeling I do. Your mileage may vary!

Hurry up and get some pics of the cage. I have something in the works and want to get a few more ideas before I "dive" in.

Hehehe - Its gonna be at least another couple of weeks before all the drivetrain is set-up and the cab is fully sealed...

Anything I can help with now? :flipoff2:

Nadim, I thought we we're moving at a fast pace with Big-ass but you my friend have taken the cake!

What do you plans for enclosing the cab consist of? Softop top/back or all aluminum to resemble a Disco cab? Take a look at the photos. Not exactly what your going for but the cab design is great. BTW, the rig below belongs to Glen Zipf. out of OZ. Hope you don't mind the face time Glen!

http://www.get-rhino.com/pirate/glen1.jpg

http://www.get-rhino.com/pirate/glen2.jpg

http://www.get-rhino.com/pirate/glen3.jpg

Do you guys think 42"s on 102" wheelbase is too much?

We talked about this, but If I were you I would want around 110-115 with those sized tires. I would really recommend doing it now before designing the rear and putting everything back together. It really looks like it's coming together, I am jealous!!

That p/u is sweet, but not what I have in mind - the closure will be "Land Rover" - like...

Buckon - yeah, I know, but The design of the rear will allow me to go longer without affecting anything, nevertheless, I think 42"s on 102" for now it right...on 37s I was more than comfy...

Anything I can help with now? :flipoff2:

I'm going to build a cage for my rangie. Just trying to decide:

A) Just build internal cage
B) Cut roof off and make it convertible with full cage
C) Cut part of roof off and make back half open.

Hijack off!

I went with option #1 for 2-3 years and it was the best...easy to do, as long as you design the cage to fit inside without an issue - my design worked for me...

Do you guys think 42"s on 102" wheelbase is too much?

Not enough wheel base in my oppinion. I'm running 39.5's and I'll be at a 113" wheel base with my Disco.

Hey guys,

Just came back from Lebanon and checking up on the truck...

Her are some pics of the latest update...3-4 weeks and we should have it registered and good to go...

The 4.2 V8 got a brand new camshaft, and the 4.2L ZF were installed, the DBA rotors and EBC pads will go on as well, along with the RTE bottom rear spring shims and the A-arm extension will be set on the 2nd level (more pitch for the rear 3rd). The underdrive is to be sent tomorrow and should be in teh truck by next Monday. We secured an old Signaw box, I'll post pics once I get them, but the guy guaranteed that it'll push oceans :)

The approach angle is sweet, and I'm planning to make sure the winch stays behind the chassis ears. The front fenders were nicely reformed, the hood remains intact, but there is no more BS in front of the wheel. Once we push the cab 2-4" towards the rear, then this should give ample room for the 42s. Clearance under the diff is quite nice :).

Now the BEST part of this whole thing is that my mechanic, who's my buddy and is handling the project as I'm needed at work most of the time, came up with the idea to seal the rear part of teh cab with the roof, and using the alpine lights vertically to allow me to see out the sides - not sure if you guys find it "attractive", but that's not the point here, its functional, and "smartly recycled" - I love it!

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Fender_Cut_II.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_Fender_cut_1.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Clearance_from_diff.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Approach_Angle.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Far_away_cab_third_look.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Cab_profile.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Driver_s_rear_third_view.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Rear_passenger_third.sized.jpg

Thats out of control......

Nadim, if you move to the Boston / NYC area we can certianly show you some wheeling that will be a little different than you are used to!!

Matt Browne
Overland Engineering

Matt,

truck should be in the US by end of year :) - will be flat-bed towing it behind the wife's truck (currently an Xterra, soon to be a Touareg V10) across the continent - looking forward to all that!

Matt,

truck should be in the US by end of year :) - will be flat-bed towing it behind the wife's truck (currently an Xterra, soon to be a Touareg V10) across the continent - looking forward to all that!

Excellent! I would assume you'll be rolling through Colorado and Utah? Unfortunately wintertime around here really limits the wheeling. But I bet you'll be able to run the extreme trails which are open year-round.

Wow, that thing is so ugly its cool. I think thats a pretty interesting way to enclose the cab and salute the uniqueness of it.

Definately need to come to CO to play. Cool thing about winter and snow, it makes the easiest trails hard as hell.

Pete

Agree on the ugly part :) - we're trying to finish ASAP so we can have some fun in the remaining snows of Lebanon...there's a particular trail that is somewhat unsurpassable in winter that I want to try...

cool......by the end of the year I'll be ready for a little time to play.
Colorado sounds good. Have to stuff the Tdi in the Swamp Slut first, right now I hardly dare drive out of sight of the shop.

That Disco is so fawkin' ugly it's almost beautiful..!! Should be a good test for the Longfeilds.

Matt Browne
Overland Engineering

Sweet I love the look of the cab cant wait to see this done. Do you have any up-dates BTW?

some updates...

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00084.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00087.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00081.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00086.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00079.sized.jpg

http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/DSC00092.sized.jpg

2-3 weeks to go :)

I just had a though, you should put a sunroof in as a rear view window :D

Yea, so when it's covered in mud you can just push the button.

I thought the same thing! There was a Ford F-150 advert on the TeeVee last night showing the electric sliding rear window in the Xtra cab - or whateveritscalled spanky new Ford truck.

And here I am with a RRC roof panel with a sunroof. Hmmmm, maybe I should turn it into a pickup cab for the 88

:smokin: or :barf:

Damn, you guys are worse than my fiancee! going to make me spend my money on useless stuff :flipoff2:

I like the idea, will explore...

Any other hints/comments? we're taking it slow, but steady...

i really need more pictures.
i will show you mine if you show me yours.....:flipoff2:

these are the best I have...post yours already...

these are my buggy.
the disco is still stock, but i just built a big ugly front bumper i haven't taken any pics of yet.
i will most likely post em up, even though they are a little low tech for this board:flipoff2:

Dino,

I'll give you an 'A' for effort, an 'A' for creativity and an 'A' for making me go..."WTF?". :confused:

Nicely done.

these are the best I have...post yours already...
in another thread, dino i just posted up pics of my bumper i just built on my otherwise bone stock broke ass disco.:laughing:

these are my buggy.
the disco is still stock, but i just built a big ugly front bumper i haven't taken any pics of yet.
i will most likely post em up, even though they are a little low tech for this board:flipoff2:

Sweet buggy...I have to make sure my truck is winter-ready, 1/2 the year we either have rain, snow or windy conditions, so a buggy is a no no...

Dino,

I'll give you an 'A' for effort, an 'A' for creativity and an 'A' for making me go..."WTF?". :confused:

Nicely done.

LOL - thanks Serious, I hope I get a "B" in "done" soon, my ass is itching to drive that thing...

Some recent updates

Main outer Exo tubing (expensive CDOM 60mm x 4mm)
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/60mm_x_4mm.sized.jpg

Final approach angle:
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Approach_Angle_001.sized.jpg

Clearance under the belly is 63cm
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Belly_clearance_65cm.sized.jpg

Main rock slider / cab mount:
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_Mounting.sized.jpg

Nice and wide - front end fully clearanced for tires and engine/tranny oil coolers:
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_naked_1_1.sized.jpg

Same, different angle:
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_naked_1_4.sized.jpg

Winch basket mock up - tubing to start from the top tip of the basket (made out of 8mm single piece bent and rewelded!)L
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Front_winch_basket_1_1.sized.jpg

Rear winch basket set-up (will be 2-3" higher up):
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/Rear_winch_basket_1_4.sized.jpg

Width, exo safety clearnace and body:
http://www.dubai4x4.com/albums/albuo98/rock_slider_clearance.sized.jpg

Different but I still like it.

Different but I still like it.

+1

Tell me about building a truck like that in Lebanon. Are you having a hard time finding simple things like nice DOM tubing? Looks like you have some nice shop space and a few buddies to help with the heavy stuff.

I know that this board enjoys the tech that you bring, I'm just wondering if you feel like your'e totally out there w/out any local guys to offer any support?

Keep it comin! :flipoff2:

Thanks guys,

Well, building a truck in Lebanon has its pros and cons, and as you mentioned, finding DOM was a 2 month process! Also, explaining how something SHOULD be done versus COULD be done is a massive issue! TIG, MIG, and other welding techniques are very well honed, so its a matter of time and product availability.

All in all, its fun as I have to be more and more involved, however, I'm planning a BTF single seat comp moon buggy in 2007 when I move to NYC for work :)