01 Disco - transfer case issues need help

[Mr. Pickles]

I have an 01 Disco that won't shift into 4 low. Had my mechanic (not a British motors specialist) take a look at it and he says I need a new transfer case. I'd like to add the center diff lock to my vehicle anyway, so I'd like to add that during the repair. I've read that halfway through 01, Land Rover changed the case so that an 01 and a half will need the full kit, whereas 99-01.5 just needs some parts from a Disco I.

How can I find out which model I have?
How should I proceed and what type of cost am I looking at?



Thanks in advance!

 

[David Harris]

First, have you ever had the truck in 4 low before? On adding the diff lock, you will know it one can be fitted by looking on the front output shaft housing (front driveshaft connection) and seeing if there is a threaded nipple sticking out on top. If there is, you just need the linkage. If not, you either need to swap the housing with one that does or the whole transfer case.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

I just purchased the vehicle and haven't had it in low before. It's at the mechanic's now waiting for an O2 sensor. Thanks for the quick response.

 

[David Harris]

Does the linkage move back and forth at all? If it's never been in 4 low, the linkage could just be seized from lack of use. That would be my first place to check. You would have to remove the center console and access plate underneath to check that. You can check for the diff lock provision at the same time and even install the cdl linkage at that point.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

No movement at all. If it's seized, how would I go about freeing it up?

 

[BirchHill]

This thread has pictures of the front out put housing with the threaded nipple your looking for. Shift interlock solanoid may be bad. It keeps you from shifting if key is not in on position.
http://landroverforums.com/forum/di...-work-d2-transfer-case-71076/page2/?styleid=2

 

[David Harris]

To check if the linkage is seized you will have to remove the center console over the transmission inside the vehicle. Then there is a steel access plate under the shifter. To remove this you will have to drill the rivets out and then it just comes off. At this point you will see the transfer case linkage and can work on freeing it, which may require unbolting it and soaking it in pb blaster for awhile or just discard it and replace it with the diff lock linkage from a Discovery 1 or 2004 Discovery 2 (as long as your transfer case has the required nipple for it). Also, as BirchHill pointed out you can check the shift interlock solenoid as well, which is bolted on to the top of the transfer case. I usually just remove this completely and do without to avoid future troubles, or you can replace it, etc., if faulty. Here is a link to a full write up with photos of what you're dealing with:

http://www.discovery2.co.uk/diff_lock.html

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Thanks. Will report back.

 

[BirchHill]

To check if the linkage is seized you will have to remove the center console over the transmission inside the vehicle. Then there is a steel access plate under the shifter. To remove this you will have to drill the rivets out and then it just comes off. At this point you will see the transfer case linkage and can work on freeing it, which may require unbolting it and soaking it in pb blaster for awhile or just discard it and replace it with the diff lock linkage from a Discovery 1 or 2004 Discovery 2 (as long as your transfer case has the required nipple for it). Also, as BirchHill pointed out you can check the shift interlock solenoid as well, which is bolted on to the top of the transfer case. I usually just remove this completely and do without to avoid future troubles, or you can replace it, etc., if faulty. Here is a link to a full write up with photos of what you're dealing with:

http://www.discovery2.co.uk/diff_lock.html

If you remove the shift interlock solenoid do you have to fab up some kind of cover plate for the hole left in top of case?

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Good question. Thanks for the info and links. Is there any reason I shouldn't drive the truck while "stuck" in 4 High?

 

[David Harris]

If you remove the shift interlock solenoid do you have to fab up some kind of cover plate for the hole left in top of case?

No. There's already a plate over it. Just remove that plate, pull the solenoid out and then bolt the plate back on with some RTV to seal it. That's it.

 

[David Harris]

Good question. Thanks for the info and links. Is there any reason I shouldn't drive the truck while "stuck" in 4 High?

You're fine driving it like that.

 

[getlost4x4]

I know this may be a funny question to ask.

but do you have the transmission in neutral with the engine running when you try to shift. the D2's have a shift interlock that only allows it to be shifted when those conditions are meet.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

I know this may be a funny question to ask.

but do you have the transmission in neutral with the engine running when you try to shift. the D2's have a shift interlock that only allows it to be shifted when those conditions are meet.

I tried to shift in neutral while stopped with the engine running and I tried the rolling method (under 5mph). I also tried with and without brake and parking break.

 

[getlost4x4]

It might be the cable shifter that is seized up. Its not to bad to get to from the top. Just find all the screws and remove the center console. Then pull back the carpet and find the cover plate. You'll have to drill out all of the rivits holding the plate on, then you can get into see the cable. I just used some self-tapping sheet metal screws when I put it back together.

I used a LT230 shifter from a 1988 RRC that had an LT230 in it already. everything bolted up and I can use the factory CDL on my D2 without any problems.