Advice on TD5 Disco`s

[kudlinski]

I am seriously thinking about buying a TD5 Disco. I have read the buyers guide on the forum but there are still several issues im unsure about;

- I know that not all Disco`s come with a difflock. Can this be easily retro fitted to ones that dont?

- I am going to look at a Disco commercial that has coil springs on the rear. As the truck will predominantly be used for towing heavy trailers can you buy "upgraded" stiffer springs to stop the back sinking?

As a general aside what are they like as towing trucks? I will be using it to tow a 16ft ifor and a 25ft boat trailer most days. Whats the life like for gearbox`s and clutches if driven considerately?

Cheers

Paul

[BogMonster]

See Ashcroft Transmissions website for info on the diff lock upgrade. Some parts are currently unavailable, last I heard.

[plasticbadger]

As for towing, I use mine for towing cars (from small to other Discos) and boats from 1200kg upto 3500kg.

Mine is coil sprung and I've never had a problem with sag as you shouldn't be above 100kg nose weight anyway! Regarding power, clutch etc. I find that above about 2000kg towed weight the car really starts to struggle, first just being slow, but by 3500kg you're into pulling away in low range territory . I'm now looking at getting mine chipped to help the power problem, but that may start a clutch problem which I've not had yet.

In general, if you're not going above 2000kg to 2500kg then you'll find it excellent. Above that you should really start looking at american stuff, Landcruiser or Patrol.