"Harden the Rangie Up!"

[DT-P38]

Another P38 has now been "Hardened Up"! Well to some degree anyway...

On this weekend just gone my "pretty pig" finally got her skirts (and everything else) lifted! Hard Range Australia spacers, extended shocks, height sensors, bumpstops and Arnott Gen 2 Bag's were finally fitted.

Still to go on are the 33' Simex's, Factory A bar, 'Junosi style' discreet winch mount, winch, HRA Snorkel, a new exhaust and LARGE Hard Range signage!

Anyway, this bit wouldn't have happened without the guidance of Paul and Andy at Hard Range and the B,S & T of all round top bloke Marty (rovinrangie) over the best part of the weekend.

Soooooooooo, here's a few photo's of her washed and sitting down the park at new extended/off road height... sort of makes the hurricane 18's look silly (and that's with oversized D3 road rubber on them).

Hoo Roo, Dave.

[PaulP38a]

Looks very tidy Dave, and I think it looks good with the wheels/tyres as they are. Will also look pretty sick with the Simex 33"s no doubt.

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Have to agree looks pretty smick Dave

Gary

[glenhendry]

Excellent!

Hey, run me through the decision for GenII springs with spacers instead of GenIIIs? Are the spacers compatible with GenIIIs, or would they require height sensor extensions?

Thanks for the pics.

[zuk]

Looks great where did you get your front and back light protectors and how much.
Zuk

[DT-P38]

Thanks for good feedback have to wait a bit for fitting Simex's as need to recalibrate first this weekend and then get them put on the old off roading 16's. HANGING OUT FOR THE FIRST TRIP OUT WITH THEM THOUGH!!!

Light guard's are factory items and more cosmetic than functional... Although I reckon they might save small(ish) branches damaging lights. Bought on ebay UK one by one as they came up cheaply, stored by friends in UK until had a full set and then transported back from London by Mrs on a business trip. Fog light guards are from some dude over there too, but not factory.

Gen2's were mainly an interim step driven by budget. As I understand it she will not gain the full extra articulation that gen3's provide however, rarely ever thought I needed much more than the standard Dunlop bags provided so why not just have a go? Don't think you can put the lift kit (spacers) in without sensor extensions, extended shocks and EAS recalibration... unless you want to throw faults every time a sensor goes out of range (or wreck your std length shocks). Paul and Andy at Hard Range are much better informed to comment on this though, as I am still learning the nitty gritty's while slowly building up my pretty pig.

[PaulP38a]

Gen2's were mainly an interim step driven by budget. As I understand it she will not gain the full extra articulation that gen3's provide however, rarely ever thought I needed much more than the standard Dunlop bags provided so why not just have a go? Don't think you can put the lift kit (spacers) in without sensor extensions, extended shocks and EAS recalibration... unless you want to throw faults every time a sensor goes out of range (or wreck your std length shocks). Paul and Andy at Hard Range are much better informed to comment on this though, as I am still learning the nitty gritty's while slowly building up my pretty pig.

Yep, right on Dave... you did good considering the dodgy instructions :p Spacers are needed for the lift kit regardless of whether using Gen II or Gen III air springs. Gen II's are a bit cheaper than Gen III's and ride more like original air springs than the Gen III's, which are firmer on low height, and softer on high settings.

Need longer shocks and extensions for the height sensors too, or stuff will break. As you know, we have a couple of other little tricks in there too ;)

Cheers, Paul.

[poleonpom]

Looks fantastic and an inspiration to get mine sorted out properly - if that day ever comes!

[Hoges]

Yep, right on Dave... you did good considering the dodgy instructions :p Spacers are needed for the lift kit regardless of whether using Gen II or Gen III air springs. Gen II's are a bit cheaper than Gen III's and ride more like original air springs than the Gen III's, which are firmer on low height, and softer on high settings.

Need longer shocks and extensions for the height sensors too, or stuff will break. As you know, we have a couple of other little tricks in there too ;)

Cheers, Paul.

sorry to hijack this...but does your reference to the GenII-III difference mean that a non tapered genIII bellow might provide a softer ride at standard height than the current GenIII and even OEM? If so, I wonder if it's worth approaching Arnotts to see whether they might consider a trial run... thoughts?

[PaulP38a]

sorry to hijack this...but does your reference to the GenII-III difference mean that a non tapered genIII bellow might provide a softer ride at standard height than the current GenIII and even OEM? If so, I wonder if it's worth approaching Arnotts to see whether they might consider a trial run... thoughts?

Sounds reasonable Hoges. I can mention it to them next time I call or e-mail them.

I reckon they'll probably say that's what the Gen II's are for, but I can ask anyway.

Cheers, Paul.

[DT-P38]

Did my final fixes to lift and suspension today and the world is a beautiful place!

Changed a dodgy sensor, repaired a dodgy extension and fitted a straight sway bad link to replace the bent one I didn't know I had.

Cleaned up three of the top solenoids as one corner kept popping up higher than the rest. And found a culprit dodgy O ring.


Plugged in EAS Unlock and zero faults. Checked stored height values and all looks pretty good. Will fiddle with them a bit tomorrow... will see if i can squeeze another inch into off road height and maybe make standard my normal off road position by dragging it up some too.

Went for a 15km drive tonight and no issues. If I lock it in highway the handling doesn't even feel much different to pre-lift kit. EXACTLY what I was after. Not really a long road test, but so far gen2's seem good.

Chomping at the bit to try off road set up!

[DT-P38]

Well 290-70-16 JT works WELL at std and high with a little 'lug rub' on the steering arms at full lock. Mud flaps and mounts are removed and a little inner guard scrape is occurring on articulation. So yeah... it's Dremel time.

But today is a VERY nice day! Might have to try and get out this weekend sometime.

Special mention and solid thank you to Michael (boofdtl) and his boss Sam at Tyrepower Camberwell. Great service, very competitive pricing and well... my new No1 tyre-brake-battery guys in the East of Melbourne.

[Keithy P38]

Looking pretty tough there!

[DT-P38]

Thanks Keithy, but it is going to be a case of "no pain, no gain".

I understand the worst pain will never go away. These Simex things are THE noisiest tyre I have EVER heard. I guess I'll just have to get a louder exhaust and turn the tunes right up when on the black top!

Secondly, my 'Pretty Pig' is now going to receive a little errr... plastic surgery shall we say?!? But you know what? I am convinced she can handle a bit of nip and tuck. Especially when it's going to help keep the P38 ranks well represented amongst the disco and defender boys over here in VIC!!!

IMHO both the Pig and most other P38's on the planet have a higher potential than they are generally allowed to reach.

Next: Hard Range snorkel install and build-fit "Junosi" style discreet winch mount...

[Landover]

Looking awesome Dave, now you will have to get out and test it. Come out on Sundays run if your not busy.

[PaulP38a]

Brilliant Dave, love it!

Cheers, Paul.

[SPROVER]

Thanks Keithy, but it is going to be a case of "no pain, no gain".

I understand the worst pain will never go away. These Simex things are THE noisiest tyre I have EVER heard. I guess I'll just have to get a louder exhaust and turn the tunes right up when on the black top!

Secondly, my 'Pretty Pig' is now going to receive a little errr... plastic surgery shall we say?!? But you know what? I am convinced she can handle a bit of nip and tuck. Especially when it's going to help keep the P38 ranks well represented amongst the disco and defender boys over here in VIC!!!

IMHO both the Pig and most other P38's on the planet have a higher potential than they are generally allowed to reach.

Next: Hard Range snorkel install and build-fit "Junosi" style discreet winch mount...

You didnt happen to be in Balwyn last night? I was in a Burgundy Holden Calais and gave you a bit of a wave.:D You were probably wondering who that crazy guy was! It looks like a well set up machine and definately stands out.
Cheers
Chris

[DT-P38]

Looking awesome Dave, now you will have to get out and test it. Come out on Sundays run if your not busy.

Thanks mate, she's getting there at long last.

I was really hoping to tag along but ran out of time today to cut a bit of plastic out from around the front guards... have been driving a bit and she will definetley not be approaching any decent lumps and bumps until I can get that properly sorted (hopefully tomorrow).

Will catch up with you on the next run.

[DT-P38]

Yes Chris that was me... and I was a bit confused and wondering who the non-LR driver was giving us the thumbs up (so to speak)!?!

You were not far from our place at the time, do you live nearby? It would be cool to have a fellow AULRO-ian in the area to catch up with and talk LR with here and there.



You didnt happen to be in Balwyn last night? I was in a Burgundy Holden Calais and gave you a bit of a wave.:D You were probably wondering who that crazy guy was! It looks like a well set up machine and definately stands out.
Cheers
Chris

[DT-P38]

Ok, so I know its just styling, but anyone got an opinion on the two looks below?

I am tempted to go satin black-charcoal on the original factory rims for a more "business like" look. Currently thinking that the alloy looks a little too fancy?!?

[PaulP38a]

Stay with the silver mate. I was seriously looking at getting my alloys painted black or powdercoated, but now I see them on the car, I like them in the silver.

What you need are some nice whitewall tyres to make it real classy :p

[Hoges]

Sounds reasonable Hoges. I can mention it to them next time I call or e-mail them.

I reckon they'll probably say that's what the Gen II's are for, but I can ask anyway.

Cheers, Paul.

Sorry I missed your reply Paul... been a bit preoccupied lately...
I understood the GenII were very similar to the OEM dunlop design...which is a pity because they are a linear response and not real 'soft' especially at height.

I studied the arnott website..they have these real fancy Audi 'air springs' which have metal outers and are variable rate ... started getting greedy thoughts :wasntme::angel:

If they're good enough for the Q5/Q7 as an optional extra they just might fit the rangie with some clever bracket design...

A non tapered bellows with a different design lower piston might just provide the variable rate needed to restore the magic carpet ride of the classic... and save dental work from loose fillings the next time I travel the corrugations on the PRD!

cheers

[Hoges]

Ok, so I know its just styling, but anyone got an opinion on the two looks below?

I am tempted to go satin black-charcoal on the original factory rims for a more "business like" look. Currently thinking that the alloy looks a little too fancy?!?

Blimey! Driving on tar with tyre treads like those must be like walking on smooth concrete wearing footy boots with large sprigs.. are they for climbing stairs ? :D I was driving along a freeway recently, quietly content, when I heard this cacophany ...it was an open (soft top) suzuki passing at about 120kmh ... its screaming engine drowned by the wailing of the tyres... he was carrying a "spare" which seemed to take up most of the space behind the drivers seat...and it had treads like those in the photo.

then I realised that the Suzi was wailing like any animal which is out of its preferred environment...where are you going to let yours loose? :o:twisted:

[DT-P38]

Blimey! Driving on tar with tyre treads like those must be like walking on smooth concrete wearing footy boots with large sprigs.. are they for climbing stairs ? :D where are you going to let yours loose? :o:twisted:

Yep they are for climbing... hopefully anything I point her at! If they perform anything like I am led to believe (or like the equally aggressive mudzilla's on Mrs Cruiser), they will be worth about 1 diff lock in virtually any conditions (bar sand which I don't do much of).

Usual outings are through out the VIC High Country - mostly in the Alpine National Park, although Yarra Ranges National Park, Lederderg State Park, Bunyip State Forest and Wombat State Forest are all pretty cool too!

Black or alloy Hoges?

[Keithy P38]

If the rims were different I'd say black, but I'm gonna say leave them factory colour, suits those wheels much better!

[Landover]

I think stick with the silver. It goes with the light colour of the white car. The black looks to heavy.

[Hoges]

Yep they are for climbing... hopefully anything I point her at! If they perform anything like I am led to believe (or like the equally aggressive mudzilla's on Mrs Cruiser), they will be worth about 1 diff lock in virtually any conditions (bar sand which I don't do much of).

Usual outings are through out the VIC High Country - mostly in the Alpine National Park, although Yarra Ranges National Park, Lederderg State Park, Bunyip State Forest and Wombat State Forest are all pretty cool too!

Black or alloy Hoges?

the black appeals to my "dark side" :twisted: but I'd say leave them factory silver ... much better look as they say!
happy climbing!

[DT-P38]

Alloy it is (well for now anyway). I still lean to the dark look will wait to see how it comes up when black snorkel, a-bar, winch cradle and Hard Range stickers go on.

Cut some plastic away from front wheel arches today (see photo) and all seems good on road. Just need to cross her up to check artic properly now... couldn't find a good spot (or small hatchback Paul!) around home to stretch her out.

[wayneg]

Any chance of a pic to show where you are shaving bits off.

[Mike_S]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

So it was your P38 I drove past in the car park at the Vic 4WD show at the weekend, I did wonder. Looks pretty damned impressive :cool:

You'll be needing a louder exhaust to drown out the tyre noise then ;)

Oh and agree about Boof & Sam at Tyrepower, had my wife's Focus XR5 set up by him, great service. Will be taking the RRS there when it arrives.

[p38oncoils]

When I did the lift on my truck I found that harmonic vibration from the front driveshaft would develop at certain speeds when the lift went above three inches. Did you have any issues with front driveshaft vibration, given the amount of lift you have. If so how did you rectify it? :confused: BTW stay with the silver wheels - look a lot better than the black makeover. :twisted:

[DT-P38]

Any chance of a pic to show where you are shaving bits off.

Yeah, that was pretty dumb not to get some photo's during.... I will mock up some before & after shots on Friday when I have both mine and Craig_Kiera's P38's here... essentially, its about 20 mm from both (F&R) inner lower edges of the front wheel arches. All plastic bits of front chin spoiler, wheel arch liner, and side sill.

Still have the capacity to get some extra space from recalibrating EAS to grab that "non selectable" vehicle hung up and utilise a good chunk of it for the off road setting. Then I can have the standard set at the current off road and the highway set at somewhere inbetween its normal and standard. Well thats how I am thinking now anyway.

I do believe that I will be going further with the cutting at some point though... it doesn't feel like such a bad thing after the first one's done!
I bet that's what that freaky Cat Woman said after her first plastic surgery too hey?!?

[DT-P38]

When I did the lift on my truck I found that harmonic vibration from the front driveshaft would develop at certain speeds when the lift went above three inches. Did you have any issues with front driveshaft vibration, given the amount of lift you have.

Nothing has raised its head vibration wise as yet.

At this point I am really only driving at two inches above the standard settings at any time. When at the upper EAS settings, I am not driving at speeds beyond 65 in High/Off Road and 95 in standard height...

I am still letting EAS do its own thing most of the time unless the road is rough, corrugated or pot holed and I want to stop unnecessary scraping or lug rub when on the highway setting.

And those occasions are really only with the "off road" wheels/tyres on. With the "on road" 18's and standard (close to!) rubber there has been absolutely zero issues.

[wayneg]

If you have still got the chin spoiler why not just get rid completely to show off those chunky tyres from the front. As for painting the rims black, remember its a Range Rover, not a nissan patrol.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/02/494.jpg YUK