IIA 88 body onto Disco Chassis

[bfrieck]

Well, I decided to keep looking because I've heard of ridiculous prices (like $200-$500) for running Disco I's around here. Also, I'd really like a manual tranny. Will I be able to mount the Series body on the Disco chassis in such a way as to make stuff line up from the front end back? How far off will the Disco I manual tranny shift lever be from the Series shift lever location? I assume that the clutch pedal linkage is not much of a problem since the clutch pedal communicates with the clutch hydraulically. I could easily live with electric fan(s) if doing away with the engine mounted fan cures some space problems. What's the give and take there?

[mongoswede]

i have a shortened disco chassis that is getting a series body. we cut about 12 inches out of the middle of the chassis. project on hold at the moment. if you want to use a full length disco or rangie chassis it is 100" wheelbase. consider putting a truck cab on and a flatbed...otherwise you are in for a fair bit of aluminum work to cut down a 109 pu bed to fit.

[bfrieck]

Well, I've heard that, but the IIA body I have is an 88; some have commented that the drive shaft will be pretty short if I cut down the Disco chassis enough to match up with the 88. What do you think? Will the drive shaft just be "pretty short" or will it be "too short"?

[yorker]

What transmission do you plan to use? There are different length bellhousings and input shafts on the R380 for Defender vs. Disco. If you are going to do THIS MUCH fabrication work the rear drive shaft should be the least of your worries at this point.

[bfrieck]

I have found a Disco I with a stock manual tranny that I plan to use.

[yorker]

http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co...&productId=157

http://www.lro.com/forum3/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=40545

[HybridIIA]

Yup, exactly correct. If you want to use an R380 and still retain the Series recessed front end, you need the Stumpy. I just picked my up at the airport last weekend. Beware though. The Stumpy will not bolt to the Rover V8. You will need an adapter plate, use a Series 9-1/2" clutch, drill the Disco flywheel to match the Series clutch, cut approx 1/2" off of the V8 crank and fit a bushing adapter for the gearbox input shaft.