Air suspension to coil kit conversion/ride height

[onlybitumen]

Hi folks, looking at purchasing a 2002-2003 petrol Vogue and would like to fit an aftermarket coil kit. Have noticed these kits also supply the Electronic Bypass Module (EBM) to disarm the " Air Suspension Inactive” message on your dash.
At the next stage of mods could we safely increase the ride height moving to coils and if so what height would you recommend above standard. I would be looking at 4wd tyres on an 18 inch rim.

Basically have been scared off the airbags from reading posts here and my own experiences with our RR sport with 40k's from new that has already needed parts replaced.
Saw this company advertise their kits

Range Rover MK III L322 AIR Suspension TO Coil Spring Conversion KIT Arnott | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221258337960'ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

[101RRS]

Why would you want to lower the capability of the L322 with one of these.

What problems did you have with your low km RRS - the only real issue is the desiccant in the compressor clogging up at much higher Kms.

[onlybitumen]

Why would you want to lower the capability of the L322 with one of these.

What problems did you have with your low km RRS - the only real issue is the desiccant in the compressor clogging up at much higher Kms.

This doesn't answer my question

[sheerluck]

This doesn't answer my question

I think you may struggle to get an answer to your question. Removing the air suspension is going to be removing part of it's capabilities, and I don't remember reading about anyone doing that on here.

[BigJon]

You would need engineering approval to remove the air suspension.

[BigJon]

if so what height would you recommend above standard.

What ever the engineer would allow. I suspect not much. I think you can lift a coil sprung Disco 3 about 50mm above standard, that gives you a reference point.

[Laurie]

Yes you can do it !

You can raise the suspension to the offroad height setting the airbags give you now. Anything past that the normal mods for a high lift come into play.

18" wheels are not a problem; it just depends on tyre selection for guard clearance at the height you want. Have a look at this thread further down the page
Photo's of my 322 with its new muddies

I'm with the others here :D the air suspension is what makes the vehicles special !! I don't know if you have driven a L322 but it rides better than the sport ! There is a wealth of information on this forum regarding the air-suspension amongst others topics, and if you purchase a FAULT READER you can do most of it your self. Just a few threads below you'll see were members have replaced whole units etc as I said plenty of help here.

I hope you buy it, BUT think very carefully before you get the coils. Take it offroad first then you will see why it just works !!

Laurie

[101RRS]

This doesn't answer my question

When you post on a public forum you have to be prepared for various responses.

In my view your proposition is ill founded and by getting more information such as an understanding of what you are basing your proposal on, then other options may become clear.

Many a poster (including me) has changed their minds after hearing differing points of view, even though they do not address the specific question.

I have a RRS and as indicated, the main issue is the compressor and not the system overall, but I would not consider changing it to springs.

As mentioned by some L322 owners I doubt you will find the specific answer you seek on this forum as the proposition is a retrograde step and few would be interested - however many on here who are experienced with the L322 air suspension may be able to convince you that the mods you propose are not necessary.

Good luck with your search for information.

[harlie]

Just go buy a Nissan.

Running around with a permanent lift will greatly shorted CV life.

[jazzaD1]

don't forget it is a range rover, a later model one at that! It is going to require adequate maintenance, why would you ruin it by putting coils in?

[onlybitumen]

Thanks for all the info guys, appreciate the feedback and I will head back to the drawing board. Ps I haven't ridden in the l322 yet so will definitely take this into consideration

[ahebron]

I am not going to enter into the right or wrong debate on this but do pop over to RANGEROVERS.NET HOME (http://www.rangerovers.net) and have a look at what the Sceptics are doing to their Full Fats.

Adrian

[Homestar]

I think the EAS on the L322 is one of the most robust LR have built. Much better than the P38 and better than the early RRS as well.

In all the posts I've read about issues, the main one is the front bags failing as they reach 200KKM, and the compressor wearing out. Niether is a big deal or expense to change and you'd be good for another 200KKM.

As Jon mentioned, you have engineering and insurance issues to look at as well, so by the time you do all that work, you could have bought new front airbags, new compressor, a IID tool and still have heaps of change left over.

If you want coils, buy a different vehicle...

[RR P38]

Looking at the rear of my L322 I dont think there is enough room to squeeze coils in unless major structural changes are made to the vehicle.
No way is it as easy to do as on a P38.
To be honest after having driven an EAS Rangie for the last 15 years I dont think I want to drive a vehicle with coils on it......well not a 4wd anyway.
Take a look at leaf sprung vehicles they sag pretty fast.
Coils are not that much better, you might get another 2 years before it needs a re set or new springs.
How do you sort a sagging coil/leaf sprung vehicle out if it is loaded......yep they put those silly helper air bags or Poly bags in them.
EAS trounces metal suspension hands down.
I can replace a P38 air bag in 15 minutes with nothing but a jack and a screw driver. An L322 I have not worked on Yet, but the EAS seems well more reliable.