Land Rover Discovery and Discovery II

tincup47

Either bias or good drugs. One of the criticisms that we get at Land Rover is that our vehicles are too off-road biased.

roo514

Hello! Planning to take the new DII up to Tahoe for a ski trip and due to the abundant snowfall there lately, chains may be required. Just wondering whether or not the DII is going to need chains (or will they require chains on it), and if so, do we put them on the front or rear wheels?

expert1

Unfortunately the days of just non-chain 4 wheel drive with M/S tires in California is soon passing. More often when I go up to the Tahoe, the transition between not requiring chains and full blown chain requirements are the norm now. In the past winters they allowed unchained 4X4, but I guess to eliminate all the accidents over the hill the CHP and Cal-Trans have tightened the chain requirements. If you chainup put them on the rear.
Comment: It is kind of funny. Going up hill I guess the chains should be on the rear and downhill the chains should be on the front with the weight transfer considered.

kbowen

I would like to know where that article can be found. What is the name of the magazine and what month? It would be contrary to every article, or testing, I have ever seen, read or heard about. To the contrary, most comparison tests rank the Disco as so so on the highway, but it has always gotten high marks off road, often being called a mountain goat because of it's capabilities. This guy MUST be pulling your leg!! That said, I've only been a proud owner of a DII for about six months and have not had the opportunity for any real off road testing, which I plan to do this summer. If there is something I should know, I would like to know it now. I do know, though, that my previous vehicle, a Jeep Grand, broke down two years in succession in Canyon Lands, UT leaving me stranded in the desert. I still curse Jeep to this day; it is a pitiful excuse for an off road vehicle (the Wrangler, though, as a rental unit, has performed well). Look forward to receiving the magazine name.

oceandweller

Well, it is only 24 degrees here and no snow since the weekend I wanted to take and play offroad today, but I'm trying to get rid of my cold first....she was somewhat sluggish today...so had her in '3' and tore it up a bit....damn does she love to fly though....mmmm I think of Jimi Hendrix..."90 miles an hour is the speed I drive..."
Take care....talk to you soon...

Cheers all and happy discoing!!

nanuq

Yahoo! Well since you're unable to go play yet, I did it for you vicariously... I'm just now back from tearing it up here in the deeps: we've had snow hard for the last 24 hours and it's getting DEEP out there. I was out blasting thru it, I've got snow packed up ON TOP of my transfer case, beneath the floorboards! The wheelwells are completely packed, the grille has snow smooshed into it, I cleaned a year's worth of crud off my axles and swivel housings, and it's all packed up around my oil filter. Can you say "deep" snow? I went up to make tracks in a friend's driveway too, he passed away last Fall and his house sits empty... I don't want vandals going up there. It's up a long twisty steep driveway way up on a hill, and I just blasted up it... diffs locked and flying. When I turned around to come back there were drag marks all the way up from my differentials and from the bottoms of the doors.

Now THAT is a great winter truck! Yahoo!!!!

I hope that's enough "winter" for you, Ocean... cheers! -Bob

oceandweller

Thanks man...I got great visuals there!!! I'm looking forward to a major white out!!!!! Until then, I may have to settle for mud...I like to give her a nice facial before I bathe her....it's good for the coat! Take care.....avere meraviglioso un giorno!!

nanuq

Haaaaaaa! Do you put cucumber slices on her headlights before you tear into the mudbath? I don't think I've ever thought of it quite that way... any exfoliation happening here comes from tree branches dragging down the sides or from crusty ice.

Hey speaking of bathing your beauty, have you tried Lexol? It's GREAT for your leather. Sorta leaves a residue tho... buff it awhile before you sit on it with good pants.

Grazie, il mio giorno è già meraviglioso!

dunedriver

Does anyone know when LR is going to drop a new higher h.p. engine in the Disco? I heard that LR is going to make the Range Rover almost untouchable in price, and that the new Discovery will carry a tag of between $45-$55,000. Saw photos of the new RR. Looked like a concept version but was told that it was the production model.

Anyway, I was going to fix my '97 Disovery's engine and wait to buy new when they put in an engine with a noticable difference.

Thoughts, class?

Doug

c2sox

Has anyone changed over to an after market Xenon
bulb? Any remarks good or bad would be appreciated.

Just a side note, but I think Lord Lucas may have paid me a visit. Started my rig on a rainy day and with out starting the rear wipers she just turned on by herself. Strange I thought and I'm absolutely positive that I didn't turn it on myself. And this happened right after I was mentioning to wife that she's running wonderfully.
Also on a previous occasion searching for spare change in the coin box there came a latching sound from the rear of the truck. It seemed queer at the time, everytime I pushed the coin box to open her up she would make those latching sounds.
Then it just stopped.....funny I thought, I guess it's Lord Lucas's way of saying hello to me and welcoming to the Rover family.

By the way my rig is running like sh..

tidester

c2sox,

I take it your rig is running ship shape. Otherwise, I'd have to shoo off your post from the board. :-)

tidester
Host
SUVs

nanuq

I've tried PIAA Superwhite 80/80s and IPF 90/130 bulbs in my '96 DI. I'd say the PIAAs are the better bulbs, better color and whiteness, not at all "fake" or "ricky-racer" looking. But they last exactly one year and *poof*. That's a lot of money for one year. I called PIAA and to their credit they sent me another pair... one year later, *poof*.

In the snow they are remarkably white. When one bulb burns out and you're running a stocker in one side and a PIAA in the other, the difference is startling.

Sadly, one of my IPFs just burnt out today (coincidence? not a chance. GEE THANKS FOR ASKING THIS QUESTION) I put a PIAA in the one burnt eye and kept the IPF in the other... and side by side I'd call the PIAA the better bulb.

Now about your electrical weirdness... the solution is simple: don't ever, EVER say that your truck is running wonderfully! Holy smokes, nobody that owns a Rover is that brave!

Seriously... if it's a significant problem it will be back. Otherwise just smile and enjoy her.

LORD LUCAS DISCLAIMER: My Rover runs like absolute HELL and (expensive) parts fall off it continuously.

Cheers! -Bob

aveeno

c2sox,

On Disco II with front windshield wipers on, if you select Reverse gear, the rear wipers will start automatically.

All,

Any suggestions on what to use for cleaning leather seats and dashboard of Disco II, 2001?

Thanks,

Aveeno

nanuq

I use Lexol for my seats, it's great stuff. I use Armor-all for the dash, spray it on a cloth, then wipe. That keeps it off the inside of the windshield. Armor-all wipes (like baby wipes) do a good job of cleaning the inside of the glass.

While you're at it, use the armor-all on your exterior rubber trim too, the stuff around your rear quarter windows and the alpine windows. It keeps the rubber from cracking so early. Even a wipe with the cloth on your rear door seal helps.

-15F today and the Disco's running like a champ!

Er, wait a sec... it's running like absolute HELL and parts are falling off it continuously! (my LLD)

Cheers! -Bob

oceandweller

I use Lexol, but I chose Vinylex over Amorall for the dash etc....I was told by a collision expert...that over time the Armorall actually dries the surface....hmmm...I wonder...I want to try Forever Black for the bumper and rubber ext. trim...So far, I've been using Eagle One Wet for the wax, but I am planning on switching to Zymol.

BTW, yah...mmm..cucumbers, I never thought of that one..although...I wouldn't want to scare the wildlife with a yuppie spa facial look...:) avere meraviglioso una sera ed amare la vostra Land Rover!...I must be on an Italian kick!...talk to you soon.

kwamedog

We got a couple of inches of snow the other day. This provided my wife with an opportunity to drive it for the first time in winter weather. Well, she ended up skidding and doing a 180. She was scared half to death. Well, today we got about 4 inches and I drove it. I found that when I accelerated that the truck would have a tendency to want to go to the right. I realized that I have to give her very gradual, steady gas to prevent this from happening. Otherwise she drove great in the snow. Also, once I got used to this little quirk I was able to really enjoy driving her in the bad weather. Anybody else have this experience with accelerating? I have had Jeeps all of my life and have never had this problem. Then again, I have had Cherokee sports and Wranglers and they are much lighter and come with their own set of winter driving issues.

wasko

Kwamedog: If me remembers right, you were in MI? (in-laws mentioned MI got 4" of snow). I'd driven my DI there for 3 years in all sorts of snow and never did a 180 (at least never unintentionally -- find an empty parking lot and grab that emergency brake!). Have your wife follow your lead - slow and steady on the acceleration.

As far as snow - we went skiing up at Snoqualmie Pass last night and got about 4 inches while we were there. There was already a good 2-3" on the roads, so this made it a blast! I was poking along at 30-40mph, feeling really safe, when some knucklehead in a mid-80's olds came ripping by in the left lane doing 50-60mph in his big boat. Some people will never learn...

Nanuq: I'd have to side with oceandweller on the Armor All issue - I've heard the same. Prolonged usage will actually dry the surfaces out. Also, the Germans at BMW took a cue on the rubber around the windows - it's a much different design on the DIIs than on the DIs. Instead of having 1/2-3/4" of rubber, the rubber seal is around 1/16" and is recessed, with the surface of the glass flush with the vehicle panels. It's actually a very nice design and I look at many other SUVs on the market and compare - haven't seen anything quite like it.

Well, I've asked Santa (my wife) to fix the leaking sunroof in the Defender for Christmas. Would love to get the 90 up to the pass this week. I've got 3 weeks of vacation and this week is winter steelheading, a bit of hiking, and a couple days of skiing (Snoqualmie, then Stevens Pass). After that its Hawaii for 2 weeks & my sister in-law's wedding. Only bad thing about Hawaii is that I'll miss my Rovers. I will, however, get a chance to bounce around the lava fields on the big island (treading lightly, of course) in a Jeep Wrangler (not quite the same - sure would be great to have the 90 there!).

Thanks, wasko

nanuq

Ahhhhhhh, I tempted the Evil One and he bit me. I've been running IPF bulbs in the front of Anuqa and *poof*. Friday the left one burned out. I grinned and replaced it with a spare PIAA I had laying around, feeling pretty darn smug at being so prepared. Then Saturday, *poof*... the right one went. What are the odds??? So I went on a hunt and found some amazing bulbs, half the price of PIAAs and WOWOWOWOW do they put out! Holy smokes. So I popped them in and am now being duly humble once more.

My poor abused Rover... leaks like a sieve, parts fall off, she NEVER runs right, I bet the paint will all fall off in one big sheet next week.

(wink wink nudge nudge) -Bob

ps: Ocean and Wasko, thanks for the Armor-All warning! Yikes. Hey be careful up on top of Stevens... there's a great run from the very tip-top, straight down thru the trees and over some little ledges straight toward the chair (the one over to the right) and that's where I blew my left knee completely apart. Watch out for the later afternoon stuff where the flats are soft and the faces in shadows are refrozen.

wasko

All:

If anyone uses a Palm or Visor PDA, check this out: http://www.aeswave.com/Palm/CJ2/index.htm

Nanuq - I've got a bit of a stiff left knee (old wrestling injury), so I avoid really serious black diamonds. I'll pick my way through some single diamonds, but never 2 diamonds

Thanks,

wasko

rdr07

Does anyone have any good information about how the Discovery holds up after it has 100k miles on it? I am currently looking to buy a '96 with 102k on it and would like to make sure it will last me. I'm trying to look for more information regarding the longevity and any regular maintenance that may need to be performed to keep it running well. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Raul

dnscud

hello can anybody find me a copy of the continental divide video? if so please e-mail me at dnscud@yahoo.com

nanuq

The Disco is a durable truck, and should last as long as you want it to. Every part on it is replaceable... though expensive. You'll start to see parts failing, typically alternator, power steering pump, ABS pump. Your longevity is almost totally dependent on how well it was maintained; the Lord Lucas factor notwithstanding. Regular fresh lubes make it last a long time, but neglect there will show up as tappy lifters, residue inside the valve covers, milky lube in the diffs and swivel balls, stuff like that. You can check for those pretty easily before you decide to buy. I don't know if the seller will want you pulling the diff plugs in his driveway (grin) but tappy lifters and gunk inside the oil filler tell you a lot about his attitude toward preventive maintenance. How are the brakes? Probably the rotors need changed, are they scored from worn pads? Crawl under and check the rear driveshaft... how's the aft coupling? Another common problem area. Are the tires cupped? Meaning... were they rotated regularly? Does it sit level? The offside rear spring usually sags first. How about rust at the bottom edge of the rear door openings? The tailgate? Drive her over some railroad tracks or over some mildly rough roadway at 45-55mph and see if the front end it tight... the damper should be shot by now.

These are just a few places to look, you can also try over on http://www.lrx.com and ask there... Mike Green has (had?) a '96 with a TON of miles on it.

Good luck! -Bob

odiopus

Does anyone know what the tire rotation pattern is on a DII when rotating the tires for the first time. I couldn't find the info. in my manual. I've got a little over 5K on my 2001 DII and was told the tires should be rotated every 5K miles. 4K of the miles are long trip miles across Texas and New Mexico and I have to say it has been running like a CHAMP (or should I say running like HELL?), on and off road. Couldn't be more satisfied with my DII. If anyone has any advise on tire rotation please post a reply. Thanks

Odiopus

nanuq

I rotate the tires on my DI front to back, staying on the same side of the truck. I just jack one side up, take off both wheels, CHECK THE BRAKE PADS, and remount the wheels. Then double check the air pressure when you drop her again. The book calls for lower pressure up front, and yours may need to be adjusted.

This will delay the inevitable cupping... it's gonna happen, just the nature of the beast. Not to worry, we all have it.

Sorry to hear that your truck is running so poorly, mine is likewise a leaky, rattly piece of "anuq". Miserable contraption. (wink wink)

-Bob

photodisco

I have a DII w/ ace pkg. Does anyone know if a
60 or 65 profile tire will fit on the 18 inch rims instead of the lower profile 55's??

wasko

Tincup/all:

Does anyone know what the weight limit of the DII rain gutters is? I've got some conflicting reports here...

I purchased a Thule rack system for carrying skis. The wife and I are also considering a roof tent for the DII and it uses the Thule rack system (see http://www.loftyshelters.com/IdeaFrame.htm - the Maggiolina). The roof tent rep said that the majority of the tents they sell in the US go on Rovers and Land Cruisers and that he's been selling them for around 10 years. He seems to know his stuff.

At any rate, he mentioned that two bars (the same that are currently holding my ski rack) can support 600lbs on the rain gutters and you can support even more weight with more bars. If offroading or expecting more weight, he said lots of folks will goto 3 or 4 bars to help distribute the weight/add add'l support if you're twisting around offroad (they've used these on Dakar support vehicles).

Now I know about vehicle dynamics and I'm not planning on loading the contents of my house on the roof, but my question is more when we're up there sleeping. The weight of my wife, son, and I is around 490lbs (I skew that quite a bit being 6'3", 250lbs). The tent we're looking at is 135lbs, putting the 'weight up there' at 625lbs. Rep said 4 bars should be able to hold 800-900lbs.

I was telling the guys at the Thule rack store this today when I was picking up my ski-rack, cross bars, and rain gutter adapters. They were looking at me like I was from another planet. Guy said, "Good luck - let us know how it goes."

So, tent guys says 'go for it' and Thule guy thinks I'm puffing the magic dragon. Tincup, do you know what weight (official and/or unofficial) Rover rates the gutters for?

Thanks, wasko

c2sox

I have the safari rack installed on my rig and I was told by my Land Rover rep that the roof should hold up to 950lbs. The rack itself is mounted on the rain gutters, hope this helps!

Aveeno: Thanks for the info, I didn't know that! That does make sense and I'm glad they built that feature in. But do you have an answer for the coin box?

Nanuq: I think I'll purchasing the PIAA's, but was the brand of the bulbs you bought that you replaced the PIAA's with? And lastly how much are these bulbs going for anyway?

odiopus

Thanks for the response on the tire rotation. Off I go on another 4K mile trip...

Odiopus

nanuq

Holy schmolies, I can't remember the brand of the bulbs I got! Their logo is like a stylistic "APF" or something like that. "American something or other..." Sorry!

These were $40 and the PIAAs and IPFs were $70. The PIAAs and IPFs each last a year... we'll see how the new ones hold up.

dxdang

Hello All,

Long time reader, first time posting. I am currently leasing a 1999 Disco II and my lease term does not run out until May of 2003 but my mileage is pretty high (around 44K). So, my question is. Will my Disco be cover by any means once the warranty runs out at 50K? I leased my Disco at a Cadillac dealership in Sacramento, CA. that sells Rovers and the lease is finance by Land Rover Financial Services. If I am not covered after the warranty runs out. Is there a way to purchase an extended warranty for a leased vehicle? and from who? I am planning on buying the Disco once I am done leasing. So far, she runs great the only major problem was a leaking radiator and ticking noise coming from rockers at 30K.

Any advise will greatly appreciated.

Happy Holidays and Happy Rovering to All!!!

Thanks in Advance..

cterres

Will there be a HSE trim level available in the 2002 Disco II model year? If so, when???

tidester

Welcome aboard! We hope to hear lots more from you! Aren't these Rovers great?

tidester
Host
SUVs

kbowen

You will NOT be covered once the warranty expires (except from your own poocket) even though the lease is ongoing. Yes, you can purchase an extended warranty, probably around 2K to get you to 75K or so, but the terms vary and you will need to look at the plans being offered. The Rover dealership where you bought it should be able to sell you an extended plan backed by Land Rover. There are other non-Rover affiliated plans available, but I usually stick with the manufacturer's plan. You may also be able to find various levels of plans available. For example, a plan covering just the basic drivetrain would be cheaper than a bumper to bumper plan. From what I've read here the Land Rover extended plan is well worth the money given potential repairs, and even if rarely used, worth the peace of mind.

wasko

Thanks for the weight limit - I should have known a 40+ year old guy who sells roof tents for a living would know more than a young Thule clerk in a retail store

Thx, wasko

wasko

Ok, sorry for the cheesy title, but have any of you DII owners noticed a funny smell the first time traction control kicked in on your truck? I was plowing through some 4-6 inch snow down a forest trail road and TC kept buzzing and whirring and going off like mad. Made a peculiar smell - something like a cross between that 'hot new engine smell' and slight burning electronics.

Rig drove great for the remainder of the 2 hour trip and drives great today, so I'm not sure what that smell was about.

Nanuq, TC would drive you crazy up there in Alaska - it goes off contstantly when going through deep, slippery stuff.

Thanks and Happy Holidays to All!
wasko

oceandweller

Anyone know the recommended tire pressures for driving on sand...soft beach sand that is? Thanks for the input! Happy Holidays all...:)

Nanuq...as you enjoy the snow, I'll be enjoying the ocean this week! Take care...happy discoing!

ocean.

jackick

Hey Rover Buddies, just checking in to say that after 13k miles (23000 total) on my 2000 DII, things are great. "The Weinermobile" (so named because she is about as conspicuous in our little midwestern town as the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile) has presented us with no major problems and has run like a top (here is my first LL disclaimer, Nanuq- THIS TRUCK SUCKS!!!! ha ha.) We are so bummed to only have had one major snowstorm (is this MN or WHAT?!?!?!) and no real cold weather to test the Weinermobile. But you can bet once we get some measurable snow, we will be going head to head with all of the Chevys and Fords and Dodges up here. Can;t wait to take her on a frozen lake and fish out the tailgate!!! We love it and baby her like no other vehicle we have owned, except when driving her thru cornfields and up mud piles. But our last SUV, a '98 GMC Jimmy presented us with electrical problems and had about three trips to the dealer for the problem. I guess all of the rumors about LR's dependability being suspect are put out there by GMC drivers who are mad about their misfortune! One other thing, Nanuq, your contributions to this forum are very valuable and I appreciate your advice and knowledge! As you said to me before we bought the W-mobile, owning a Disco is like loving a woman- she might drive you nuts but once you fall for her, you couldn't see yourself with anyone else (or in my case, like loving a MAN since I am a woman!). Merry Christmas and Happy Rovering!
PS: Anyone put any aftermarket running boards on? I have to haul some executives around for work once in a while and I might consider adding some running boards on to assist them in getting in. Are there any out there that are inexpensive, attractive and easy to put on? My hubby is a handyman so I feel confident he can do the job...

nanuq

I bet it was your brake pads! Traction Control operates by braking the wheel that spins, sending torque across the differential to the other side. With lots of TC use offroad, who knows?? Maybe it overheated the pads? Did it smell like a car driving down the road with the parking brake on?

You're right about TC in the deep snow... I've been there and done that... I even hate having ABS in the deeps! Have you ever buried your Disco till it was sitting on the frame rails in snow? Just TRY rocking it out with the transmission... going fore/aft quickly is impossible when the ABS keeps you from using the brakes to *STOP* the drivetrain between shifts. Very aggravating. I wish there was a switch to disable it!

Ocean... sorry, can't help you with sand... want to talk about 3' deep snow?? YAHHHHOOOOOOOO!!!! I have snow *packed* around my headlights right now... I hit some REALLY deep snow a little too hard and broke the little piece that anchors the headlight into the front end! *grin* Expensive toys, these are...

God jul!!
-Bob

nanuq

I'm glad I was able to help with your Disco decision... and I'm glad you understand about the love/hate thing. Hoooooboy is that hard to get across to some people. You want to drive a heartless appliance? Get a Toyota Land Cruiser. You want to have a truck with a personality? Buy a Rover.

Better check that ice thickness before you take Oscar out in it... we've got 13" thick now and I feel safe out there with Anuqa. I know 6" is plenty but... Rovers don't float so well and I'd hate to make my baby angry.

Lord Lucas Disclaimer: My Rover handles like a greased pig on an ice rink and leaks like a stuck Exxon tanker.

Wink wink, nudge nudge -Bob

dunedriver

I've gone as low as 11 psi on a good set of Michelins. Got to be careful not to make sharp turns or they will come off. Note that tires heat up more in sand 'cause they can be spinning, so that will "inflate" your reading. I would start at 16 or 15 psi and go lower if needed. Also bring along a portable pump and re-inflate before going 10 feet on the road!

Doug

nanuq

I never thought of that... in bottomless snow I guess you'd go with wide squishy low-pressure tires for flotation. But in simply "deep" snow we use tall narrow tires to cut down thru it and provide adequate undercarriage clearance.

You learn something new every day!

God Jul og godt nytt ar! -Bob

oceandweller

Dunedriver: Thanks for the help, I have to pick up another portable pump, though! I busted my other one :O

Nanuq: Bottomless snow eh? I wonder what the Lord Lucas' disclaimer would be for using a Land Rover as a flotation device?? Something like: "My rover has been salted by the sea, frozen in a glacier and with parts so rusted the only compliment I can give her is that she has great ventilation!" hmmmm...well maybe... Happy rovering and discoing!

frankel1

I have a 2002 D11, and love it. However, I have a problem with the gas pedal and break pedal being to close together. First I thought it was just me, then it happened to my wife. When we try to break, we hit the gas and the break together. It only happens once and a while, however once is to much when you are trying to break and you can not stop. Has anyone had this problem?

dealmkrjjd

Frankel1: I had this same problem when I bought my 2000 DII. It seems that the pedals are closer together than American trucks/cars, but after I pressed on both pedals a couple of times I made an effort to move my foot further over to the right. After 28,000 miles it has not happened again unless I am wearing my Sorel boots(very large and wide). Hopefully you too can get used to it. Just one of those love/hate quirky things with Rovers. Good luck!

02discovery

This greeting goes out to all "Thread" participants and hosts. Mr. and Mrs. 02Discovery wish all of you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and all the best for all of us in the coming New Year. We are still awaiting the arrival of your 2002 Discovery SE sans cup holders.
Our rover is slated to arrive at the dealer mid January 2002. Till then we must be content to read about all of the fun you guys and girls are having with your vehicles.
Again all the best to everyone.
Regards,
Mr. & Mrs. 02Discovery

awseymour

Hi folks,,,,

Being a 2 foot breaker, left on brake and right on gas, for all my life, I dont even notice how close the pedals are and have not had a problem. Even off road on the track through the NH woods and granite around the house, I follow the off road video and use both feet, again naturally for me.

Has anyone had a periodic anti freeze smell when sitting in traffic or just after stopping and getting out? Not strong, just you know its there and its antifreeze. No leaks, and no fluid loss and dealer couldnt find anything. Happens off and on.

Another question... How are top of the line Michelins on these beasts ? The stock Goodyears are noisy at best, and I know folks who run Michelins on a 1 ton van and its dead quiet.

nanuq

Welllllll it was another fine Christmas at Chez Nanuq (patting my Billiken belly), a great time was enjoyed by all. I fed apples to the local moose by hand... I'll post a pic if it comes out.

I just have to post a Lord Lucas Universal Disclaimer to cover any accidental murmurings of pleasure at owning such a fine (whoops) truck.

On Christmas day I had to go get The Micropooch and the Dawg From Hell some goodies. Driving past my (late) neighbor's driveway I saw that someone had been trying to get waaayyyyy up there to his house, probably trying out their 4WD. The tracks went maybe 10' up the track and then came back down. It looked like they had spent some time trying to get up there, and they had left their front license plate impression in the snow where they'd been plowing with the bumper. I like to keep that driveway looking "used" so nobody messes with the house, so I locked the diffs and turned up the track, and ground my way all the way to the top, first try. Up there, I looked around the property, then backed around and drove back down... and saw I'd been dragging my diffs and axles and the bottoms of my DOORS all the way up the hill. WAAAHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Take that, ya buncha cake-eaters (borrowing a line from "Hook").

Okay, the second story is embarrassing: I got to work this morning (yes, I drove to work this AM, I admit it... freezing rain) and decided to back into a rarely-used spot so I wouldn't get my doors dinged. Backing up, I heard a BANG and I stopped. "ARGH" went my heart and I pulled forward. I looked out the mirrors and there's a 6" piece of well casing sticking out of the snow, filled with concrete, and it was leaning over backward about a 20-degree angle. I just KNEW I had dinged her, and was already making pennance for angering m'Lady. I pulled in under a street light and parked, got out and reviewed the damage.

So the Lord Lucas Universal Disclaimers are:

1) This MISERABLE piece of !#$%#$^ burns a TON of gas as I grind my way up impossibly snowy, steep tracks. I mean, how can anyone justify 10mpg when you're having that kind of fun?!!! Terrible, simply terrible.

2) The paint on my rear bumper is like tissue paper! I knocked over a piece of 6" well casing embedded in the ground, filled with concrete, and it took a 1/4" square fleck of black paint off my bumper! THE HORROR!!!!!!

Lousy piece of leaky British iron.

Greetings from the Frigid North, una inuuq aaniqtuuq! -Bob

kbowen

During highway travel the yellow steady ACE light kept coming on. Took it to the dealer and they fixed what they said was a leaky hydraulic pump. Took it back on the highway and the same problem, so obviously it was not a leaky pump. Awaiting another appointment. Also, the compass built into the rear view mirror is stuck. Whatever direction is indicated when you start her up stays there. I have recalibrated the compass to no avail.

Anyone know what may be causing these problems and is there a "home" fix for the compass. It's a DII SE with about 6K.

awseymour

Every now and again mine goes "nuts" and either sticks at one direction or displays what looks like a temperature reading with a distinct degree mark and "F" or "C".. I live in a cul-de-sac and usually three or four spins around in a circle will cure what ails it. Also I notice the heated windshield causes the compass to look at the heat coils and not at the dorection. This usally lasts about a mile or so.

nanuq

I never thought of that... "Does it feel warm to you??" "Let me check... yeah, it's 180 degrees out". Let's hope your directional indicator doesn't go to subzero degrees! Which way are you pointing when it's -20? Would that be SSE?

Sorry for the levity, I had to say it. -Bob