Shimsteriom

Master Procrastinator

• Jul 7, 2016

• #1

Not sure if there's already a thread about this, but if I haven't seen it, feel free to point me in the right direction.

Anyway, for those if you who have changed from bags to coils, are you glad you did it, given any costs and hassles? If not concerned about what was involved, I'd just like to know what you think now after you've swapped over.

 

markomate2

Well-Known Member

• Jul 7, 2016

• #2

This is one of those "which is the best oil" topics! Lots of differing views.
Mine came with bags, I like the ride, I like the height adjustment, they were a piece of cake to change when one failed.
Unlike steel springs, bags will always have a maintenance requirement, either the bags, pump, height sensors etc.
But I like them.

 

biggeeeee

Retired - Living the dream

• Jul 7, 2016

• #3

I have bags and as said require maintenance but an easy system to work and and replace parts.
I like it as I have the remote that allows the back to lower, which is used all the time to hook up trailers, takes the strain out of it.

 

wammers

No longer with us, RIP

Donater

• Jul 7, 2016

• #4

Air suspension is far better than coils. In fitting coils you remove a design feature that enhances considerably the higher speed (above 50 MPH) maneuvering capabilities, cornering and stability of the car. The Early classic Range rovers handling at speed was to say the least interesting. Fitting a rear anti roll bar improved that a little. But only when air suspension was fitted did they stop rolling over for fun. Some police forces banned high speed pursuit in them because of the attrition rate. If you are at all capable of simple mechanical repairs stick with the air suspension. Once sorted it is reliable and easy to maintain.

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

• Jul 7, 2016

• #5

wammers said:

Air suspension is far better than coils. In fitting coils you remove a design feature that enhances considerably the higher speed (above 50 MPH) maneuvering capabilities, cornering and stability of the car. The Early classic Range rovers handling at speed was to say the least interesting. Fitting a rear anti roll bar improved that a little. But only when air suspension was fitted did they stop rolling over for fun. Some police forces banned high speed pursuit in them because of the attrition rate. If you are at all capable of simple mechanical repairs stick with the air suspension. Once sorted it is reliable and easy to maintain.

Click to expand...

i wouldnt say that was true on a d2 ace provides the handling or rrc,roll bar and stiffer springs make the handling,early rrc had soft springs with long travel decent springs transformed handling
i have both d2s one with air and one without,self levelling is airs best feature along with raised rear height for off road,but it doesnt handle better

 

listerdiesel

Well-Known Member

Events Planner

• Jul 7, 2016

• #6

Agree with James, we have three V8 D2's in the family, two on coils and the third was converted to coils after compresssor/valve problems.

Air doesn't make it handle better as the valving can't respond that quickly with a compressible medium such as air, but it does give a better ride.

ACE is good when it is working, but all three of ours are without ACE now, one was never fitted and two converted to solid ARB's.

Peter

 

Last edited: Jul 7, 2016

MJI

Well-Known Member

• Jul 7, 2016

• #7

Air bags wear out, springs wear out.

Air bags can puncture, springs can snap.

Keep air on

 

wammers

No longer with us, RIP

Donater

• Jul 7, 2016

• #8

jamesmartin said:

i wouldnt say that was true on a d2 ace provides the handling or rrc,roll bar and stiffer springs make the handling,early rrc had soft springs with long travel decent springs transformed handling
i have both d2s one with air and one without,self levelling is airs best feature along with raised rear height for off road,but it doesnt handle better

Click to expand...

My bad didn't notice it was a D2. Must pay more attention.

 

Shimsteriom

Master Procrastinator

• Jul 7, 2016

• #9

Thanks for the comments. Always interesting to hear other peoples views.

 

DaisyDriver

Member

• Jul 9, 2016

• #10

If you have air, stick with it. Dunlop sell compatible springs a lot cheaper than Land Rover. Changing air springs is very straightforward and a lot easier than with coils (for one thing, you deflate them instead of compressing them). Finally, the type approval for a 7 seat Disco requires air springs.

 

gary has

Member

• Jul 9, 2016

• #11

Got to agree, the bags went on mine earlier this year, after posting on here and a chat with a mechanic changed both myself, and as explained it was simple, wouldn't change a thing would stick to the bags.

 

listerdiesel

Well-Known Member

Events Planner

• Jul 10, 2016

• #12

DaisyDriver said:

Finally, the type approval for a 7 seat Disco requires air springs.

Click to expand...

3rd row seats were offered as an accessory kit by Land Rover, many were fitted by dealers along with heavy duty rear springs, all legit.

The original vehicle type approval may have required air, but subsequently I've never had any queries from insurers when I've quoted 7 seats instead of 5.

My GS was built as a 5-seater, has 7 seats now.

Peter