My 04 D2 rebuild adventure by knightmetro

2 minute(s) of a 35 minute read

*500 MILE UPDATE*

OK, so the biggest thing is what the car was like with the old cooling system, and now the new. 

All new cooling hoses, all of them, new 180 t-stat, and of course a new Nissens radiator. So that took me from driving at 203 degrees, and idling at 212-220... to now under load not going over 186 and never more than 194 at idle. Actually I haven't seen it go over 194 at all. But then it is in the 20's here, so we shall wait for the summer to see what it maxes out at.

SO THE REAL UPDATE! No codes. No issues. Runs and drives great. Actually in 6 inches of new snow, I can't believe how well this thing handles. I understand now what people mean when they want more power, but I can deal with the fact that it takes a bit to get this tank up to speed. Keeps me from spinning those tires on the ice here. 

So far no leaks and no hesitations. Starts up every time and goes where I ask it to. Great alignment too. Drives straight as an arrow. And may I say wow on how easy it is to drive. Pulls into parking spaces like a sub compact. Well maybe compared to my Xterra anyway. 

So far I love it. The heated seats are killer and thank God that the heat doesn't take much to kick on with this engine and get the car warm.

and a sad side update...

My wife lost the back end coming down a mountain on Saturday, and an oncoming new 4Runner destroyed the back end of the Xterra.

Probably looking at a total loss as it killed the rear suspension, damaged a bunch of the rear interior, and now a slew of new dash warning lights. I can't imagine they will try to fix it all.

So, for now the Land Rover is being thrown into daily service as our only car. So pray that this whip stays running. That being said as I'm the one who rebuilt it....so....what are all of these extra bots for still on the workbench... HA. Wish me luck.