Information needed about a D3 S model

[TerryO]

Hi everyone,

I've just about given up on the idea of up powering my D2a to a 4.6 for towing duties, so I am starting to look at secondhand good late model D3's, mainly for towing a off road caravan with an all up weight of about 2.5 ton.

My first question is does a D3 S model without air suspension have the same tow ball weight capacity as a D3 with Air?

Which is 350kg I believe?

And I believe it isn't that straight forward with an S spec D3 with out air suspenson to stiffen up the rear end to tow a relatively heavy caravan? Not as easy as just using polyairs etc as you would on earlier Discos, is this correct?

Another thing apart from not having air suspension does a S spec D3 have any of the other computer enhanced traction control functions and hill decents like its more up market siblings?

Any assistance will be very much appreciated as once I have all the correct information then I will determine what model I buy. What ever model D3 I buy will still end up doing some off road duties as I'm not intending to buy a caravan to stay in caravan parks.

Cheers,
Terry

[Graeme]

Be aware that 2009 Oz spec S3 S all have air suspension.

[TerryO]

Thanks for that but unfortunately I have never seen a 09 D3 S model for sale second hand and chances are it would be close to the price of slightly older SE that would have the Air suspension fitted.

There are a couple of 07 S models around that I am considering as options and that is why I asked these questions.

cheers,
Terry

[Graeme]

I gather that you don't want air suspension, rather than looking for a cheaper vehicle. If so, what are your concerns?

[talltales]

I have a D3 S model 2005. I have upgraded the suspentsion with Dobinson coils and gas shocks. I have towed a car trailor with a car on loaded at around 3000kg and no problem at all. we live in Toowoomba and regularly tow up the range. my son says it pulls like a bull terrier an more with the load. Th specs are the same as the air suspension model and so are all the traction devices, HDC, DSC, tracion control 6 airbags and brkes the same. All the SE has is airbag suspention trip computer and a few other cosmetic changes all the safety devices are the same including 3500kg towing capacity. Hope this helps.

[TerryO]

Hi Graeme,

actually I'd really like a D3 with air suspension but a good SE TDV6 with low clicks which still has factory warrenty costs a bomb. That leaves me with the choice of either a late model TDV6 S model without air suspenion or a V8 with air. Thus the questions about S models.

cheers,
Terry

[TerryO]

Hi Talltales,

thank you very much for this information it will help me greatly, I'm off to look at a couple of S models tomorrow hopefully I'll find a good one.

cheers,
Terry

[BigJon]

No air suspension = no terrain response.

In my opinion air suspension makes the D3. I wouldn't consider one without it.

[TerryO]

Hi BigJon,

you do make a extremely valid point and I would prefer airsuspension if possible, still it will be a case of finding the best compromise vehicle that will do the job for the right price and preferably have warranty.

cheers,
Terry

[Graeme]

Don't forget that air suspension was an option on S models. This was my original target to keep costs down and help my conscience with an e-diff.