2004 Discovery Tips

[Gunnslinger]

Purchasing a 2004 Discovery with about 60,000mi in an extremely hot dusty environment. Any advice on what should be checked? Replaced? Modified? I want to stay with stock parts where practical to do so, other than tires.

Headliner is falling down in back seat area. Any clever tricks to get that put back in place?

My current plan is to have it inspected and repaired as necessary at the dealership, change all fluids and filters and replace all belts and hoses.

Should I replace all of the tie rod ends?

Thanks in advance.

[BirchHill]

Make sure you replace/rebuild front drive shaft with greaseable joints. Some of the joints are not greasable and they sit and bake between two very hot cats all the while the a/c condensation drips down on them. Its pretty common for these to break and the driveshaft then takes out the transmission. Check on the head gaskets if they have not been replaced they will soon need it.

[dcwhybrew]

If it is going to the dealer, they should give it a thorough look over. If the 60k mile service hasnt been performed, then go ahead and get that taken care of. That will cover your air filters and fluids. You shouldnt have to replace anything that doesnt need it.

[Antichrist]

Just an FYI, dealers don't rebuild propshafts, they replace them to the tune of about $1200.
The front propshaft can be rebuilt DIY for about $70, $100 if you also get it balanced.

Don't put off dealing with the propshaft as they can fail, take out the transmission and cost you several thousand. Unless something else is noticeably wrong, the front propshaft should be #1 on the list of things to take care of.

[Gunnslinger]

But thanks to all for your helpful advice. Looking at an LR3...