Thread: RED 130's Suspension Change

Yeah do let us know how you get on.

Slightly related, does anybody know if you can still get the Air adjustable shockers (the ones with the airbag around them) to suit the rear of a Def?
I had a set on the rear of my XW falcon about 20 years ago (to make it look like a drag car!!!! - oh those were the days......)
I recon they would be ideal for the twice a year I will have the camper on.
The other thing that's been floating around my mind is the air bags from a RR with air suspension from someone who has converted to coils - any thoughts there anyone??

Fraser

Originally Posted by weeds

what happen if you load up first than inflate

i never worried as during normal offroading you are either loading up or unloading one spring all the time

The airbags work by expanding into the gaps between the coils, thereby artificially increasing the spring rate.

They don't work by actually supporting the load itself.

It then follows that if the springs are already compressed (loaded), expanding the airbag into the gap between the coils can't actually lift the sagged vehicle.

Originally Posted by fraser130

Slightly related, does anybody know if you can still get the Air adjustable shockers (the ones with the airbag around them) to suit the rear of a Def?
I had a set on the rear of my XW falcon about 20 years ago (to make it look like a drag car!!!! - oh those were the days......)
I recon they would be ideal for the twice a year I will have the camper on.
The other thing that's been floating around my mind is the air bags from a RR with air suspension from someone who has converted to coils - any thoughts there anyone??

Fraser

I have never seen air adjustable dampers on a LR of any sort.
I wouldn't recommend them anyway. Dampers are for controlling the spring, springs are for supporting the weight.

The damper mounts aren't designed to be load bearing in the manner of a spring mount.

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Morning Mrs Ho har,

Did you replace the main coils to a heavier rate for your new system?

I will be interested to see how you go, but my experience with a few coilers and poly airs is they wont support anywhere near the mass of the inner helper spring (140lb/in from memory).

Measurements and tare / gross weights would be good info!!!

Regards

Steve

They are not polyairs they are firestone..(we have polyairs in our disco)

but will let you know


Mrs ho har

Originally Posted by fraser130

...
The other thing that's been floating around my mind is the air bags from a RR with air suspension from someone who has converted to coils - any thoughts there anyone??

Fraser

Have a look at Hally's Defender here using Firestone air springs, which have more travel than rangie units (14" vs 8" IIRC). Besides looking at the pics, read the update post #14.

You could go down to the local truck parts suppliers and get truck airbags, they should lift up to 6 inch more than the car bags you are talking about, fully inflated might give you a 12 inch lift, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hahaha fully inflated, sounds like the old ladies from Church having a big gossip session

Air bags for trucks or vehicles which have solely air suspension are different to helper air springs that fit inside coils. They work in different ways too.