Front lower suspension arms D3 D4

[vbrab]

Previously replaced front lower suspension arms on D3, and when I purchased them was told that D3 arms had been upgraded to heavier specs (same as D4) and that the new arms replaced the original D3 arms and were in fact D4 arms.
Now I need to replace those arms again and have been told that D4 lower arms do not fit D3's.
Is anybody able to confirm whether D4 lower front arms do fit D3's?

[Redback]

It depends on the year model of your D3, if your D3 is not the update model, the D4 arms won't fit, OK confirmed D4 arms won't fit any D3.

[Graeme]

D4 lower arms have a different ball joint angle to all D3s for a lower roll centre but may still fit and if they do they would need to be changed in pairs.

[vbrab]

Have confirmed that Ball joint for D3 and D4 has same part number.
still working on checking rest of fitment.

[Redback]

D4 lower arms have a different ball joint angle to all D3s for a lower roll centre but may still fit and if they do they would need to be changed in pairs.

Thanks Graeme, I didn't want to say for sure there was a change for the D3, edited both posts to confirm.

[Graeme]

A revised lower arm was introduced at the start of MY07, another revision during MY08 then larger ball joints somewhere during MY09. According to the LR parts catalogue, all versions from the start of the D3 supersede to the later MY09 version. The MY06-MY09 RRS part numbers don't match the D3 anywhere according to the parts catalogue even though they may seem to be interchangeable. Similarly the MY10-MY13 RRS part numbers don't match the D4.

[kenl]

There must be some compatibility, the arm I bought from Advance factors are advertised to fit D3/D4/RRS, it goes on to say air suspension D3 models only.

[Graeme]

Whilst they all install, the ball joint angles might not be as per LR's design specs for any particular vehicle. The RRS suspension sits lower than the Discos and a lower roll centre with different ball joint angles to D3s was introduced with the D4.

[NomadicD3]

Hey Vrab,
Just a thought. Did you check the control arms yourself? How many K's have they done?
I had mine changed in Melbourne @ 130k, then at 170k I was told they were well worn and needed replacing, had a look and as they looked OK to me and weren't Knocking etc opted to leave them in. Now @225k they're still in there, had them checked last week and starting to show signs of wear/movement now.
NB they have done alot of dirt and off road work.
Just a thought mate, maybe a second opinion??
good luck
regards
Brian

[vbrab]

I replaced first arms at 200,000k, have done 140,000 on these and as I have done mostly long distances on bitumen figured I would get similar distance. (as was told at time these were "upgraded D4 spec arms"), When the "knock" started on going over speed bumps or dropping in minor potholes thought it might be some wear on upper end of air shocks as had been told these can "knock". Service guy drove it and reckoned noise was definitely lower arm wear. When out of car and watching wheels on quick stop can see movement of wheel on suspension, so am going with ball joint wear.
Service guy also pointed out wear on very outside edge of tyre attributable to ball joint wear movement when turning.
Have decided to just order full repair kits for bottom (and top) arms (bushes bolts, and ball joints ($450) and will just swap the lot.
Still cannot get any definite answer from parts sellers on interchangeability of D3/D4 lower arms.