Suspension info

[disco95]

I'm just wondering how much difference it makes to disconnect your sway bars. I'm thinking of taking off the rear in my S1 Disco. How much will this affect the onroad handling? Is the extra axle articulation a lot better or just a bit?
Importantly, would it affect my insurance adversly? How would I go unbolting them before heading out on a 4WD jaunt? Will they get in the way while hanging there?
Thanks.

[PhilipA]

Well seeing that all early 3.5 Discos did not have sway bars I do not think the world will end if you take them off.
However it will body roll a lot as the front springs are 133Lb per inch and the rears dual rate 150/220 lb.
I would change the springs for 160LB per inch front and straight 220 rears.
I have done 160LB front and 180 lb rears on my 92 Range Rover and this is almost exactly the Rover HD spec without roll bars. I am VERY happy with mine, but you may not like it. To me its a LOT better off road and on secondary country roads. Roundabouts are the only downer.
I think it would be hard for an insurance company to claim non roadworthy seeing there are hundreds of thousands of non roll bar cars on the road. I THINK that the Disco commercial in UK never had roll bars, so you can argue that the factory made em like that up to the end.
In 92 There was a Hunter Range Rover in the USA without roll bars so I believe I am OK but I do noit think it would ever be an issue.
Regards Philip A

[disco95]

Hmmm, sounds like it could be a go-er. I'm running HD Kings in the back, don't know the rates though. Maybe I'll give it a try.

[PhilipA]

Reading again, if you have heavier rear springs then you should definitely remove the rear bar as the car will become "taily" The heavier springs restore the roll stiffness.
BUT I would take off the front, for a pure Rover experience as Spen King intended.
Reagrds Philip A

[Slunnie]

I'm pretty sure the early Discos also used the bumpstops to control sway. Something to be aware of if its lifted.

[disco95]

Worth noting Slunnie, thanks. She's lifted 2".

[barney]

give these guys a ring,
EMAIL: sales@ultimatesuspension.com.au

WEBSITE: www.ultimatesuspension.com.au

they are the experts. they can custom make your springs and shocks to suit your needs.
in the past i've had two vehicles with their kits on them and they have both been awesome on and off road

[PhilipA]

BUMP STOPS TO REDUCE SWAY????
I think that would be novel.
No they don't. All Rovers AFAIK use the same cheap square rubber bumpstops, on Rangie Classic and Disco 1 anyway, roll bars or no roll bars
It may FEEL you are on the bumpstops but body roll generally is only an inch either way. It would be very dangerous if a car touched a bumpstop while cornering.
Regards Philip A

[disco95]

Originally posted by barney
give these guys a ring,
EMAIL: sales@ultimatesuspension.com.au

WEBSITE: www.ultimatesuspension.com.au

they are the experts. they can custom make your springs and shocks to suit your needs.
in the past i've had two vehicles with their kits on them and they have both been awesome on and off road
I've just about got my suspension how I like it, handles REALLY well on road, corners like a brick, flat as......and pretty good off road. I am interested in getting more travel without doing stupid lifts.

[barney]

new springs with more droop=more travel without the need for a massive lift, and of course longer shocks will be needed

[disco95]

I've got the longer springs with more travel and bilstiens to match. I'm interested in perhaps getting more travel again, I think down the track I'll try a dislocation kit but for now I was playing with the sway bar idea.