Mr.BlueSky

The real question is how much tire do you want to run?  
 
A lift in and of itself does little to give more clearance.  It's main job is to give room for taller tires.  The tires are what gets your differentials and axles higher off the ground.  So let's start with what size tires you have now and what size you think you'd like to run, then you can decide what size lift you would need.
 
I'm not sure what you have now, but a 2" kit should give you room to run 31-32" tires which will certainly help on the trail.  This is a bit bigger than stock while still being very streetalbe and though you will be able to feel a bit of a change in acceleration you won't need to re-gear.  
 
As Eric noted, a 2" kit would basically be springs and shocks.  There are several options to choose from such as OME and TerraFirma.  BTW, Lucky8 has that Terrafirma kit rather cheaper than AB  https://www.lucky8llc.com/collections/lift-kits-2/products/2-discovery-ii-lift-kit
 
You'll also want to consider if you have or plan to add any other items to the truck in the future such as steel bumpers, rock sliders, a winch, etc.  Do you run with the truck heavily loaded for long trips with a fridge and tons of gear, or do you usually run relatively light, for day trips?  Those sort of things will help you decided how strong the springs should be.  A truck that has steel bumpers at both ends and all the gear will need stronger springs to reach the same level of lift as a stock truck with lighter springs.  You'll see companies like OME (old man emu-basically ARB's suspension brand) will offer different springs for differently loaded trucks.  
 
It's best to consider this in a holistic manner - what is the end goal for the truck, and what will get me there?  That will help you keep from duplicating efforts.  For example, if you buy stock +2 front springs then next year add a bumper and winch you'll end up doing springs again.
 
From what you've mentioned above, I'm going to make some speculative suggestions.  
 
It sounds like you don't plan to run trails often but would like a little more clearance while still retaining nice street manners.  You probably plan to leave the truck mostly stock other than a bit of lift and tires.   
 
The TerraFirma kit linked above should do that fine paired with a moderate AT tire like the Cooper AT3 or for something a bit more aggressive perhaps the BFG KO2 or Cooper ST/Maxx.  We won't get into actual tire choice here too much as that's a whole seperate topic of discussion!  But I'd look at something in the 31-32" size.  Again, let me know what size tire you have now - I believe you have aftermarket wheels so I'm not even sure what diameter they are.
 
As Eric mentioned, even stock there are 2 big wear areas you should look at and address now in the driveline - the rear flex joint at the differential and the front driveshaft.  (you should check these even if staying stock).  The flex joint can simply be visually inspected, but the front driveshaft is harder to check.  It's a non-serviceable item from the factory and the proximity of the catalytic converter to the U-joints tends to cook the grease out of them over time leading to potentially catastrophic failure.  If you don't know the age of the unit, consider replacing it with a serviceable driveshaft that you can grease yourself.  
 
Aside from the lift and tires, I'd also strongly recommend a pair of dif guards.  They are inexpensive and won't affect the on-road driving of the truck but will give some peace of mind by protecting the low-hanging differentials from accidentally hitting a rock off-road.   There are lots of options here - in fact RoverWare actually donated a set in the raffle. I prefer the weld-on version for it's strength.  http://www.roverware.us/differential-guard/
 
The next thing I would consider would be rock sliders.  They are steel pieces that protect the bottom of the doors/body from hitting things when off road.  Again, they won't have any effect on the road manners of the truck but can come in very handy as this is a vulnerable area.  They are a bit more expensive though.  Companies like Tactical 4x4, RTE, and Terrafirma among others offer sliders for the D2.  I would recommend getting a version with nerf bars.  https://www.lucky8llc.com/collections/armor-2/t-discovery-ii+ac1-accessories+ac2-armor+ac3-sliders
 
I can't help with any shop recommendations as I don't spend much time in the south bay and tend to such things myself anyway.  Some members (myself included) will occasionally host wrenching days were we get together and help each other with things like this however I'm personally pretty backed up with projects both for home and work right now and don't expect I'll be opening the shop for a club day any time soon. 

Alright time to get a few more D.i.t.D's in the calendar for the Bay folks!
 
First up we will be in Palo Alto at Joanie's for October for some finger lickin good award winnin breakfast and lunch.
 Come join us as we gather at Joanie's Cage in Palo Alto! When: 10:30 AM, Sunday October 20th Where: 405 South California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306 Menu: http://www.joaniesca....com/menus.html   Next up for November we will be heading up he East Bay to say hi to old friends at Batch and Brine in Lafayette. I don't know about you but that PBJ Stuffed French Toast has me equal parts skeptical and equal parts excited...  When: Sunday November 17th at 11:00AM Where: 3602 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549 Menu: https://mk0batchandbrinmf2bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BB_MENU_9-5-19.pdf  You can also check out the calendar for upcoming events  Let us know if you are going!

Alright time to get a few more D.i.t.D's in the calendar for the Bay folks!
 
First up we will be in Palo Alto at Joanie's for October for some finger lickin good award winnin breakfast and lunch.
 Come join us as we gather at Joanie's Cage in Palo Alto! When: 10:30 AM, Sunday October 20th Where: 405 South California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306 Menu: http://www.joaniesca....com/menus.html   Next up for November we will be heading up he East Bay to say hi to old friends at Batch and Brine in Lafayette. I don't know about you but that PBJ Stuffed French Toast has me equal parts skeptical and equal parts excited...  When: Sunday November 17th at 11:00AM Where: 3602 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549 Menu: https://mk0batchandbrinmf2bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BB_MENU_9-5-19.pdf  You can also check out the calendar for upcoming events  Let us know if you are going!

Behold the Dusy Ershim 2019 Trail Run sticker!
 
Stick it to all the things!
 
https://www.redbubble.com/people/norcalrovers/works/41678301-2019-dusy-ershim-trail-run?asc=u&kind=sticker&p=sticker&rel=carousel&size=extra_large

Alright time to get a few more D.i.t.D's in the calendar for the Bay folks!
 
First up we will be in Palo Alto at Joanie's for October for some finger lickin good award winnin breakfast and lunch.
 Come join us as we gather at Joanie's Cage in Palo Alto! When: 10:30 AM, Sunday October 20th Where: 405 South California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306 Menu: http://www.joaniesca....com/menus.html   Next up for November we will be heading up he East Bay to say hi to old friends at Batch and Brine in Lafayette. I don't know about you but that PBJ Stuffed French Toast has me equal parts skeptical and equal parts excited...  When: Sunday November 17th at 11:00AM Where: 3602 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA 94549 Menu: https://mk0batchandbrinmf2bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BB_MENU_9-5-19.pdf  You can also check out the calendar for upcoming events  Let us know if you are going!

Behold the Dusy Ershim 2019 Trail Run sticker!
 
Stick it to all the things!
 
https://www.redbubble.com/people/norcalrovers/works/41678301-2019-dusy-ershim-trail-run?asc=u&kind=sticker&p=sticker&rel=carousel&size=extra_large

I'll create one for Nclr and join it too
 
 
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For a 2” Lift, you really only need shocks and springs to be replaced, so it’s pretty easy to do. If you start going much bigger then you start needing things like castor corrected arms, extended brake lines, and lines, driveshafts, etc. So check out the above mentioned companies. Also examine your front and rear driveshafts when lifting. The front driveshaft tends to fail over time and the rear rotoflex joint also gets old and started to crack and fall apart. Both should be fine size wise with a 2” lift, but it can add extra stress on them with the new angles.
 
 
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I finally have a bit of downtime and after The Annual and Trail - I was hitting everywhere so I am now looking for a lift kit.
 
So far I only found a TerraFirma - I was wondering if you guys have any suggestion - I don't want it super high, if anything 2" all I want.
 
https://www.roverparts.com/Parts/TFD2SUSPKITHD
 
We almost never off road but we want to be capable to get thru trails and camping spots if needed.
We have 4 people and a RTT.
 
I was wondering if you guys have any suggestion and maybe a shop locally in San Jose that can install it.
(if I get a bit of downtime from work, I will install it myself)
 
Thanks
Al

We had originally said 35s for the north-bound run (Utica to Alpine) for the Annual.  We ended up with 3 trucks on 37s and one on 33s.  The truck on 33s struggled - A LOT.  There was a lot of rock stacking and winching to get it through.  The trucks on 37s were all able to clear it if not 'easily', at least with minimal difficulty and without winching. 
 
Even going the 'easy' way - southbound from Alpine to Utica - I wouldn't recommend trying it on 31s.  33s would make it but likely struggle in places and will definitely use the armor a fair bit.    And I wouldn't try it in any late-model (IFS/IRS) Rover at this point.  While I might be able to get my LR3 on 33s through south-bound it wouldn't be pleasant.  And I'd flat have to drag it up the new hills if I tried it northbound.
 
With enough determination and time sure you could drag a truck on small tires through, but why would you?  There are plenty of easier trails in the area better suited to moderately built rigs.  

If you are going from alpine to Utica I think a 31 is do able but good chance of damage at a few obstacles, specially the stairs.
 
Now from the Utica to alpines track, 33s are extremely challenged on the newly named “gauntlet “. Lockers are required or just be prepared to winch.
 
Here’s a cool shot of the granite slab at the start where Nick was testing the tipping point.
 

 
Credit to JR for this one.
 
 
 
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I think this must be a spoof.  Who would steal a D2 ?  Last time I lost mine, I found it three days later outside the same bar that I left it outside, with the keys still in the ignition and the door unlocked ....
 
Regards,
 
Graeme

Overland pros will be attending the annual event this year and will offer free delivery to members as well as the standard and seal our discount. This adds up to quite a bit when you factor in shipping cost on our big awnings which is typically a $140. You need to let us know a couple days before the event so we can make sure we have the product ready for delivery.
 
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Tammy and I are planning to run corral hollow trail Friday morning before the annual event . We plan to camp at  Stanislaus river campground Thursday night and meet up at trail head near Bear Valley at 10am after trail run we will precede down to the Annual event registration at 2pm.
 
Interested
Chuck D2
Josh
Nick 110
foster 110
Tammy p38
enderwiggin D90
Miles rrc
Andrew d2
 
Ham   146.460
 
Time  Friday 4th at  10am meet at trail head 7n35 Hwy 4
 
 
Trail info
 
Corral Hollow Trail 
 
A beautiful 4wd trail with a variety of scenery from forest gullies to open ridge tops.  The majority of the trail is easy with some challenges on the eastern end.  Along the way you’ll pass the Bear Trap Cabin, now owned by the Forest Service and maintained as an emergency shelter in winter.  Stock Rovers will need care in some locations but should find the trail entertaining and challenging.   Trail is approximately 14 miles long.

I don't know how, but somehow this trip never seemed to get a follow-up story written.  It's been too long for me to give full details, but I'll mention a few highlights:
 
Joined by Cummins powered series for first part of trip
Towed a 4wd "overland" sprinter van out of a mud pit on day one.
Lost 4wd on Tyler's diesel 2500 Suburban
Lost Tyler's motorcycle off the back of said Suburban
Posed on the 'diving board' for obligatory pictures
Tyler killed Chuck's rear axle on Hell's Revenge
I broke a motor mount towing Chuck's truck out of Hell's Revenge
Tried to tow Chuck's truck on my trailer behind Vandingo over Hurrah Pass - failed and left trailer on side of road for the rest of the weekend.
I had a leaking PS line - fixed w/parts sourced locally
Chuck's truck fixed w/parts overnighted from GBR
Ran Moab Rim with deluxe zip-tie motor mount
Vandingo made a heroic water crossing towing an empty trailer
Hung out with Robert's brother who was visiting from Down Under
Lost a wheel off my trailer in the middle of the night about 70 miles east of Reno - spent the rest of the night fighting with AAA for a tow before sleeping in Vandingo.
 
I'm sure most of you have heard the stories via Whatsapp and such.  I really thought I had written the story up but I don't see it here so I guess not.  Regardless, here are some pics:
 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/By2615sqiw1HfM8x5
https://photos.app.goo.gl/v7Tp6sXFPFHScJmS7

Bay Area Rovers Transplant Club? Or BART for short? ... wait

Following the successful headliner replacement on Stu, I decided to remove the headliner in the L322. For reference, the last few screws around the sunroof require removal of the sunroof sunshade and glass. This is a bit of a pain if you have a RTT and platform roof rack.
 

It’s been a busy week working on DiscoStu over the last few days.
 
The sliders have been wire brushed and coated in clear coat to match the front and rear bumpers. (I’ll do a tech write up with the details shortly.)
 

 

 

 
Rear bumper
 

 
With extra reinforcing to support side returns
 

 
Front bumper with new lights
 

 

 
Refitted the front radiator air guide which fitted perfectly above the steering shield. I expect that this should help direct cool air into the lower radiator and avoid hot air recirculating back under the radiator.
 

 
Note the extra front bumper bracing to the diagonal gussets.
 

 
Also fitted the ARB compressor and ran air lines to the pair of lockers.
 

 
New headliner
 
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/436f2eef1bac5e7abba2940cc39ef9dd.jpg
 
Harley trying to help out with the spare tire.
 
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190923/e0c778ad25129b5e75cfbad660d8cfdf.jpg

So much has gotten done today! We had man guest stars as well!
 
I started the day off by replacing the rear taillight broken on the Dusy - I had already replaced the mirror on Tuesday. 
 
Then I started un-boxing the new Rovertyme rear links. 
 

 
By the time I started to get moving on those, Scott showed up with his Classic LWB to undergo a 2" lift install. 
 

 

 
Later in the day Johann, Cris, Matthew, and Serge showed up as well. (Matthew's Dodge Dart is coming along very nicely, if you haven't seen it already it must be checked out!)
 
All was uneventful. Once the new links were in, I tore down and replaced the fuel rail on Snowflake. Seemed like it would be a pain to do, but in the end was pretty simple. 
 

 
Overall, I am really happy with the links, though I wish I had been able to have the option to adjust them further back later on. But alas, I have but 1" of thread engaged as it sits today and I'd prefer no less. It pushed the axle roughly back to where I wanted it.
 

 
And if anyone is wondering if there is any Buick DNA left in the Rover V8... there sure is, found a smattering of standard bolts in there... 

Nice next time I need something welded I may take you up on the offer. Borrowed Robert's this past weekend and it has ignited a past love.
 
Today:
 
Tested an 11 year old rover battery - PASS. I credit it's good health to Enrique Started packing the truck and charging the handhelds. Decided that maybe I should fix the steering wheel... because that ain't right... 
 
And yes the wheels are pointed straight...

Oil change day for me - going to try valvoline high mileage full synthetic 5w30 - also put in new Mann air filter and tyc cabin filter. Total cost $67 .... wonder what that would have cost at the dealer !

Tom Harrison's map of Mojave NP shows a 4x4 trail from the Crucero site (south-east corner of Rasor OHV) all the way down to Ludlow on I-40. It looks like a valley running between the Cady and Bristol Mountains. None of my books describe the trail, but it looks interesting. Have you tried it? Is it worth taking? Warnings? Time estimate between Basin Road and Ludlow?
 
Appreciate any info.
 
John 

Going to be wheeling next weekend. Thinking of doing Barrett Lake in the Tahoe area if another couple vehicles want to go. I have never run the trail, but I hear it is pretty tough. From what I know from second hand accounts it will be as tough as the tougher sections of the rubicon, so vehicle requirements should probably be the same. So 33” tires, a locker, recovery gear, and armor etc.
The trail isn’t long, maybe 4 miles and should be about 4 hours. My plan is to roll in Saturday, chill at the lake and do lake things Sunday, and roll out Monday. It is kind of short notice, so if nobody else can make it I’ll probably do a trail that’s a little easier or that I’m familiar with.
 
 
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If there is one thing I learned Snowflake is good at, it definitely has to be slowly rolling down a hill. 
 
Andrew, if you end up putting a run together let us know. I'm interested!

We should probably go back next weekend so we can take Andrew.
 
Now who wants to come over and help me shove new engine mounts and trailing arms in Snowflake before Friday