Max shock extension with sls

[reid]

Hi all,

I am looking to replace the disco's shocks to Bilstein 7100, but keep the vehicle at standard height for now but MAYBE lift it 1 or 2 inches in the future. I have found plenty of information so far but it is all based around +2 inch lifted suspension.

As I understand it, I could put a long travel shock, suitable for a 2 inch lift, in the standard height front with no adverse effects but the sls rear will be a problem with the airbag potentialy over extending.

So... what is the maximum length of extension a shock can travel before damaging the air bags in a standard height Disco?

Also would spacing out the airbag by 1-2 inches while retaining standard height (by rsetting the computer) cause bottom out issues when in full articulation? My gut feeling says it will destroy something but I'm sure someone knows for certain.

For general interest, the end goal I am aiming for is a factory quality ride that wont fade when traveling over rough ground all day.

[joel0407]

Interesting you didn't get a reply to this but there are plenty that tell you not to over extend the bags or you'll tear the end out?

Happy Days.

[walker]

Yes, you can't run longer than standard shocks without installing spacers under the airbag.
If you do install spacers then you also need to install extended bumpstops otherwise you run the risk of damaging the airbag. If you play around with a deflated airbag you will notice that the top and bottom mounts actually extend inside the airbag a fair way. So if you dont extend bumpstops then you run the risk of buttoming out the airbag and causibg damage. So with extended bumpstops and spacers under the airbags you would not want to run the SLS at standard height.

I am not sure why you wouldn't just install a 2" lift??

If you don't want to lift it then don't install longer shocks.

[SPROVER]

So just to be sure.I will need extended bump stops and air bag spacers for a 2 inch lift on the rear? Thats with extended shockers as well.I will be doing this soon and just want to get it right.:D Do they flex well with that set up? Does anyone have some pictures of the rear suspension with a set up like that?

[walker]

Yes, it does flex well. I am running that set up. You only need to raise the bumpstops by 25-30mm, the full 50mm is not necessary. Some say you don't need to raise bumpstops at all but I did a few measurements and by my calculations the airbags will bottom out.

I just made my own bumpstop extensions using some 1" steel tube.

[SPROVER]

Yes, it does flex well. I am running that set up. You only need to raise the bumpstops by 25-30mm, the full 50mm is not necessary. Some say you don't need to raise bumpstops at all but I did a few measurements and by my calculations the airbags will bottom out.

I just made my own bumpstop extensions using some 1" steel tube.

What shockers do you run on your D2? With yours being a V8 i guess the front spring poundage would be different to the Td5 one?

[walker]

I am running Koni heavy track shocks for D2 with 2" lift. They have very similar specs to the extended Bilsteins for lifted D2.

My front springs are custom made by Brown springs inThomastown. They are 170lb with I think a free length of 17.5". They are a bit soft, I think 180lb would be perfect.

[joel0407]

I am not sure why you wouldn't just install a 2" lift??

If you don't want to lift it then don't install longer shocks.

To answer the "why you wouldn't just install a 2" lift"

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/174804-lift-not-lift.html

Basicly I dont need the height and I wont be convinced that rasing the center of gravity of the vehicle wont harm handling.

To respond to the "If you don't want to lift it then don't install longer shocks"

I want to run these http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/117342-suspension-bilsteins-7100-a.html


Happy Days

[SPROVER]

Cheers for that Walker.After coming from a modified D1 and learning all the stuff about them through the years, i feel like a newby again learning all the ins and outs of the D2 :D

[joel0407]

My front springs are custom made by Brown springs inThomastown. They are 170lb with I think a free length of 17.5". They are a bit soft, I think 180lb would be perfect.

Sorry about the delay on that last post. Got busy.

The Dobson springs are 190lb and 250lb for the heaviest 2" lift springs.

Happy Days