Disco 2 Discovery 2 Suspension Guide

BRIEF: Looking for information on how various suspension components work on the discovery 2 and how modifying them affect the vehicle ride, stability and maneuverability.

There's a ton of info on modifying and upgrading the suspension for a discovery 2. Does anyone here however have a book or online resources that I could study to understand how changing Shock and Spring heights affect the rest of the vehicle suspension. From what I gather increasing the vehicle by 2" works alright with stock suspension as most of these kits do not include modified radius arms and other components. I have a lot of time on my hands (can't drive at the moment insurance is 3000 lol), so I'm spending my time trying to learn all I can.

Thanks

The Discovery 2 isn't made from pixie dust or anything magical. It therefore will react the same as any other vehicle when modifying the suspension.

The only real difference is:
-watts rear linkage
-optional EAS on the rear
-optional ACE

As for what mods, it all depends what you want to achieve such as on or off road enhancements, load or hauling capability or if it is just for looks. Lots of suspension mods and kits tend to make 4x4's worse on and off road and are purely for looks or badly engineered and ignorant.

Knowing what you want to achieve will dictate what you should or shouldn't do with the suspension.

300bhp/ton said:

The Discovery 2 isn't made from pixie dust or anything magical. It therefore will react the same as any other vehicle when modifying the suspension.

The only real difference is:
-watts rear linkage
-optional EAS on the rear
-optional ACE

As for what mods, it all depends what you want to achieve such as on or off road enhancements, load or hauling capability or if it is just for looks. Lots of suspension mods and kits tend to make 4x4's worse on and off road and are purely for looks or badly engineered and ignorant.

Knowing what you want to achieve will dictate what you should or shouldn't do with the suspension.

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The link to you explaining the pros and cons of various lifting options was exactly what I needed. Thanks.

Helpful video explaining how lift affects caster and how to go about correcting it.
Caster Correction

I find the improved handling makes it better off road.

Extra articulation and locked bars on side slopes.

Be aware that if you modify that could lead to increased insurance.
Do it properly and get it checked.

Shedload said:

Be aware that if you modify that could lead to increased insurance.
Do it properly and get it checked.

Click to expand...

Checked by whom and for what reason? Have you ever modified a vehicle or insured one before?

743 said:

Helpful video explaining how lift affects caster and how to go about correcting it.
Caster Correction

Click to expand...

You only need to correct caster if you lift. Land Rover products ride quite high in standard trim, lifting can be done, but isn't always needed and can cause other issues aside from caster, such as poor prop angles.

300bhp/ton said:

Checked by whom and for what reason? Have you ever modified a vehicle or insured one before?

Click to expand...

A proper Engineer, MoT station or reputable garage should be able to do an insurance acceptable inspection.
Any modification can affect insurance, but particularly ones involving major items like suspension.
You could easily find yourself uninsured with a BIG bill and possibly uninsurable.
A small price to pay.
Yes and Yes.

Shedload said:

A proper Engineer, MoT station or reputable garage should be able to do an insurance acceptable inspection.
Any modification can affect insurance, but particularly ones involving major items like suspension.
You could easily find yourself uninsured with a BIG bill and possibly uninsurable.
A small price to pay.
Yes and Yes.

Click to expand...

Every vehicle I own is modified. I've never once been asked to have any of them inspected for insurance purposes. All have full mods declared.

Same. Not really a thing in the UK.

Older land rovers are very easy to work on and fairly difficult to get things wrong in terms of fitting suspension. End of the day the front end is only 3 bolts (think) to change a front damper and spring on a D2.

Just make sure everything is done up properly and or torqued to spec.

Not all insurance companies are created equally.
1- Over the years I've had, 'no report required but increased premium'.
2 - 'Engineers' report, which consisted of someone we knew who worked for a major chain checking everything was tight with no leaks and headed notepaper ! TBH, they would never do this normally but it satisfied the insurance.
3 - Last one was a fresh MoT. Inspector was bemused but again, kept insurer happy.

Bottom line is, if your happy with the work done and the insurance are aware, crack on and keep us updated in how you get on.