Confused about coil spring wear

Are you mechanically inclined at all? If so, I would recommend buying a new set and doing the work yourself. It only takes a few hours. While you are at it, put a 2-3" lift instead of just replacing with stock springs.

If you want some more information, let me know and I can walk you through it. I recently just did this about 1 month ago.

To answer your question,
springs do fatigue over time especially on a heavier vehicle like a discovery. Ride height ride quality and handling characteristics worsten as things fatigue. Although springs don't commonly break it is possible that they may when fatigued. Suspension stress such as driving on uneven / rough surfaces puts even more stress on the old springs.
Considering age and mileage replacement is a good idea. Replace the shocks as well. They are even more likely to be worn and weak. The lift all depends on what you want to use the truck for.
Consider height increase for off-road and clearance, extra load for trailering or carrying added weight (including roof rack and cargo loads)

RWilson said:

Are you mechanically inclined at all? If so, I would recommend buying a new set and doing the work yourself. It only takes a few hours. While you are at it, put a 2-3" lift instead of just replacing with stock springs.

If you want some more information, let me know and I can walk you through it. I recently just did this about 1 month ago.

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I had considered doing the work myself and I've looked at a couple of YouTube videos to see what needed to happen.

Since I would be doing the work in my garage, I'm not sure of the type or number of jacks and stands that I need, especially for the front.

Can you help me with that? Thanks.

Thanks guys for the opinions. I've decided that it's going to be new springs and new shocks. Whether or not I do it myself, I can't decide. I'm an older guy, but the job doesn't look terribly technical if you have the right tools and I probably do.

A couple questions if I may. I'm unsure about what kind or number of jacks and jack stands I need. I've never done suspension work before, so some advice would be very handy.

Secondly, any suggestions on the type of springs or shocks? I'm more interested in load carrying and trailering than four wheeling. Also I do have an ARB bumper with a winch on the front that I use around our property

Thanks for your help.

You are likely going to need 2 good jack stands tall enough that you can let the suspension completely hang, same with the jack.
As for springs and shocks, do some shopping around. There is likely a supplier that sponsors this site but that's not for me to say.
Old man emu(o.m.e)and terrafirma are 2 popular name brands.
Google "old man emu" and follow a figment link on their site. With a bull bar and winch and trailering as considerations you are likely looking at a recommended lift of 40mm (a little less than 2 inches). They will likely also recommend replacing the steering stabilizer which is a good idea as well.
If you are not willing or able to tackle it yourself. Try a trusted local mechanic if you know of one. Nothing hi tech and no special tools or knowledge required as long as you are not dealing with a air suspension conversion

So, can I replace the springs and shocks using one floor jack and one or two jack stands? Or do I need a bottle jack in there somewhere?

I'm assuming that I can jack up one wheel at a time or do I need to jack up both front wheels at the same time? (same with the rear)

Thanks.

You need to jack fron complete and then rear complete. High enough to hang the axle. A good jack and 2 stands should do it

As a conclusion to this thread, I found a shop that installed new terrafirma medium duty coil springs and off road terrafirma shocks at a good price.

I've had the truck back for a couple of days and now I'm glad that I chose to replace the coils springs along with the shocks. Although I didn't realize it, the new suspension raised the truck a couple of inches and the ride is a bit firmer than I would have expected, but I like it.

Very firm cornering, handles bumps easily and just feels like it should. I recommend it.

(02 Disco,140k)

Just out of curiosity and info. For others,
what did it end up costing you for a shop to do it for you?

redtruck12 said:

Just out of curiosity and info. For others,
what did it end up costing you for a shop to do it for you?

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$850 total and that included a new steering stabilizer. Pretty good I think.