AIRBAG suspension all round Disco 1

[bmw535guy]

Hi boys and girls,
I was wondering about airbag suspension as the following is my goal:
1. low ride height for road(shopping centres especially)
2. high ride height when needed
3. adjustment on the fly
4. long term reliablility
5. smooth ride

Now airbags check that plus they are said to reduce body roll (which is a good thing). Now can this be done or am i ****ing into the wind even thinking about it?

Rear doesnt look like an issue but you would have to reposition front shocks as their inside the coil. Im also aware engineer certs would need to be done but i dont mind.

[justinc]

my honest opinion? buy a vogue se rangie with operational air susp, and if you have a diesel in your d1 then swap running gear over to the rangie.

jc

[bmw535guy]

my honest opinion? buy a vogue se rangie with operational air susp, and if you have a diesel in your d1 then swap running gear over to the rangie.

jc
does the rangie have 4 wheel air or just rear? i have a back condition but still want a capable 4x4 but desperately need a little more comfort
and yes i have a 200tdi in the disco although honestly dont want to change cars again

[Blknight.aus]

long term reliability?

theres how many threads in this place regarding airbag problems?

[harlie]

I did an airbag conversion on a ’94 300tdi D1 in 1999, complete with cross link valving (first seen on L322 in 2002) – unbelievable articulation.

Can be done, I had fun. Would I do it again? No. It would be better to do a tdi conversion on a nice '94 rangie classic.

In QLD no inspection was required; I filled out a light vehicle mod form with details for “Change of spring medium”, all approved.

Air bags will not reduce body roll. I can confirm the opposite... By nature they have a softer rate.

Also make sure you fit the shocks rated for air. They are valved quite differently, as an air spring has no resistance in its expansion. Factory shocks for the classic fit straight into the rear, and if you get the towers and bottom mounts from a classic you can use classic fronts as well.

Have a good look at a late model classic, many parts will transfer over.

Airbag Man in QLD has (or did have) aftermarket bags to fit – it was a trail and fit exercise when I did it, but I know he has since sold more.

[justinc]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaX8P9fuUdw

The 200 Tdi is a fantastic conversion to these as they came out in the UK with them, Straightforward to register as a conversion, really would be a good solution and you get way better comfort than a D1....:)

JC

[harlie]

justinc is right, way better.

I will add, I was in the industry and had access to cheap air components, I developed the control system, it was more of a 'because I can' project.

[superquag]

Air suspension Range Rovers have it front and rear. This is to give differant ride heights and access level. (Almost on the bump stops)

The 2nd previous suggestion was the best all-rounder, find the (rare!) Vogue with working Electronic Air Suspension,,,, and, if you can't afford the petrol.... swap you Nice Economical Diesel into the Rangie.

I understand there will be some engine mounts to be changed and other niggling fiddles, but that's the price you pay for AIR suspension. :(

Edit: - Justinc is perfectly correct (as usual.,.....) ditch the Buick abomination and put in the diesel. The only thing you'll miss is the Disco's Pajero=style rear door. But you may prefer drop-down tailgates.....

[bmw535guy]

damn you guys, now im thinking hrm ;)
wow interesting stuff............will look into how expensive it is to mod the disco with classic front end airbags............ as i can do most of the work myself.
I would love a Rangie but with the draconian laws in victoria about RWC certificates im thiking mod mine ;)

[bmw535guy]

thanks for the info guys, seems replacing the springs with quality springs and putting air on isnt that much of a difference :) i am thinking p38 air springs, aftermarket compressor and aftermarket controller :) with manual bypass :) seems p38 air shocks would not be that hard to retrofit into disco :)

[Slunnie]

thanks for the info guys, seems replacing the springs with quality springs and putting air on isnt that much of a difference :) i am thinking p38 air springs, aftermarket compressor and aftermarket controller :) with manual bypass :) seems p38 air shocks would not be that hard to retrofit into disco :)
I dont know, but I was under the impression that RRC air springs and hardware were a better swap than the P38 ones.

[Vern]

thanks for the info guys, seems replacing the springs with quality springs and putting air on isnt that much of a difference :) i am thinking p38 air springs, aftermarket compressor and aftermarket controller :) with manual bypass :) seems p38 air shocks would not be that hard to retrofit into disco :)

Have a look at Douglas thread on this, pretty sure he is using p38 springs.

[Keithy P38]

Be careful if you cross-link the bags, will induce body pitch. This has been tried on a P38 with dangerous effects.

L322's are cross linked, they are also fully independent and a totally different vehicle to a D1, Classic or P38.

I have a mate with a Classic Rangie and 200tdi combo. Just went to Cape York actually, the 200tdi was madly rowing back gears at the first sign of a hill. I love diesels, personally don't own one, and after just swapping the 200tdi out of his classic, I'd say leave the Rangie as-is. It'd be easier to put bags under the disco than it would be to convert the classic.

There are many bits that bolt straight up in an engine swap, and there are just as many that did not. Headache just for an engine change.

That's my 2c
Cheers
Keithy