Land Rover Repair: 1999 Disco II Transmission/Trans Case Fluid + Need Mechanic, land rover dealer, transmission fluid change

Question
Dear John,

I just moved to Cape Canaveral, FL (near the space center) from Los Angeles, CA and I cannot find ANY independent shops or self employed mechanics out here. I put several ads on Craigslist and nothing. Do you know of anyone out here? I'm looking for a long term relationship with someone that knows what they are doing. There is a Land Rover Dealer in Merritt Island 20 minutes away but everyone knows what the dealers are all about. High prices and shabby service.

I was quoted:

$370.00 for a transmission fluid change.
$200.00 for a transfer case change.

They told me its because the fluid is genuine Land Rover fluid and I must use it "or else".

Do you know what kind of fluid is best? Their prices are high I was thinking I could take it to Aamco or somthing. Hopefully somthing not so heavy on the detergents if possible since it has not been changed in 40k or 50k.

Michael

Answer
The fluids in that vehicle are not "special Land Rover." with the exception of the ACE fluid, if you have a truck with the Active Cornering Enhancement option  We recommend Mobil 1 lubricants and Castrol LMA brake fluid; the specs for every fluid in the truck are in your owner's manual.

I am in Massachusetts, and I don't know any shops in Florida.  You might go to www.rangerovers.net and look at their shop list.