Every Bump in the Road

[skrams]

The ride quality in my 2000 DII has (I think) deteriorated. Every bump in the road is jarring and I am jolted around in my seat. I have 82,000 miles on the clock, stock suspension with SLS and 255/65/16 tyres. Both of the air bags have been replaced in the last year. I know the ride will not be like a minivan and expect it to be a lot stiffer, but this is not even remotely an acceptable ride. Highway driving is ok, city driving is horrible.

Is there a simple test I can do to assess the state of the coils / shocks. Rocking the truck at each corner for instance. What will that tell me. Is there another component of the suspension that could be a contributor to the ride quality.

Any ideas !!!

skrams

[scotth]

If you have never replaced the shocks, it's time. I replaced mine at 65,000 miles and they were shot. While you are considering replacing the suspension if you are ever going to install a lift do it now. My Disco rides better now with the lift than it did before. I replaced my shocks with OME and a RTE lift.

[Muddy Oval]

Springs wear too- your shocks are probably gone, but springs are a wear item too.
That being said, you're probably experiencing a little 'shock' from some bushing wear as well. Panhard, watts links and other bushings under there can transfer a little shock on bumps.

[Steph]

Hey Skrams, don't forget that Sprimg is here and the air pressure in your tires has gone up quite a bit now that the warmer weather is here. Start by checking that.

[skrams]

Just as I suspected, I guess I am replacing the shocks & springs sooner rather than later. Not that I can justify putting more money into this thing right now. It has cost me a fortune lately. As for a lift, I do not off-road my truck, but I do tow with it so I want to keep the centre of gravity as it is.

How difficult a job is shock / spring replacement for a novice. Bushings would be the hardest I imagine ?

thanks
skrams

[ealex]

If your concern is a jarring ride, make sure to check tire pressure before spending any money (other than on a air pressure gauge). LR recommends 32 psi for the D2. With rising temps, tire pressure in the tires will also rise. Overinflated tires can cause a rough ride and cause uneven tire wear over time.

Worth checking first.

As for shocks, while they affect handing and feel, worn out shocks will not cause jarring. If anything worn shocks will contribute to a gentle slopy ride rather than the stiffness you are describing.

thats my $0.02

[Roverhound]

Originally Posted by ealex

LR recommends 32 psi for the D2.

No they don't, look on the door jamb.

[ealex]

I didn't look at the door sticker, but at the service info provided by Land Rover Colorado Springs. What's the sticker say?

Either way the point stands. Tire pressure should be betwen factory spec (whether from the sticker or the FSM) and max pressure rating of the tire.

Avoid going below spec (except on the trail ) for safety/handing.

[auwesman]

Front - 28 PSI COLD
Rear - 46 PSI COLD
2000 DII

[Steph]

Skrams, I was in the same position as you no later than a couple of weeks ago. My SLS air compressor had failed and I was stuck between replacing it,converting to coils, or change the whole suspension all together.

Made a few phone calls and ended up with an Old Man Emu supension with rear coil conversion. The whole set-up with 4 coils, 4 shocks and a steering stabiliser cost me only a few bucks more than a factory coil conversion with front shocks (cause I needed them) and I have new stuff all around. It lifted the Disco 2 inches and is suppose to settle at 1 1/2 inch which is really not much but just enough to enhance it's look. Of course I got bigger tires too (265/70r16) but to my huge supprise, even my wife which always hated the looks of the Disco, complimented that it now looks really good.

Anyways, before making a decision,call Rover Park Boys in Alberta.

[skrams]

Thanks for the info everyone. Tyre pressure was a little high so I adjusted that, the ride is still very rough though. The ride is definately not gentle and sloppy as mentioned by Ealex.

I will try Rover Park Boys, better than getting hit for import duty and exchange and all the other stuff associated with goods coming across the border from the US or UK.

[Rovin4life]

dont spend the money on shocks and struts before you have it diagnosed.

you could have a loose tie rod or some other bushing.

better to spend the money now for a fix then waste all that money and still have the problem.

[Muddy Oval]

You got a whole suspension for $300??

[skrams]

Originally Posted by Rovin4life

dont spend the money on shocks and struts before you have it diagnosed.

you could have a loose tie rod or some other bushing.

better to spend the money now for a fix then waste all that money and still have the problem.

Good idea, I will do that before I drop another wad of cash into this money pit. I would love to go just a couple of months without a problem looming over my head.

[RudemanRB]

I set my tyres as 34 PSI front COLD
38 PSI Rear COLD


I guess it's all about where you live also, different climates.
I'm in Los Angeles were we have

Spring, Summer, Fall and Fire seasons


Rudy