D2a SLS shock options

[HermanZ]

Hi guys,
I'm looking at replacing all 4 shocks and the front springs on my 2003 D2a, has SLS and ACE, looking to use standard front springs with std travel TF or EFS shocks.


With the standard LR shocks there is a specific option for SLS (RDP102363) - what is the difference to other standard shocks ?
Will the TF or TFS shock work well with the SLS rear end ?


I do mostly highway driving with the occasional dirt and forestry road, so looking at keeping things fairly tame and comfy.


Any advice on this ?

[simonmelb]

You just need to check open and closed shock lengths for compatibility.

See thus thread: 2" SLS lift with Bilsteins Installed (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/83318-2-sls-lift-bilsteins-installed.html)

No idea about the brands you mention. Go Bilstein if you can afford them.

[lewy]

personally i would keep to the standard shocks,the ride is pretty good.and they are designed for the suspension.if it aint broke dont fix it.

[HermanZ]

Thanks so far,
the current shocks are well flogged out, will need to replace them for sure.
Just wondering what the difference between the SLS specific and the non sls specific standard shocks might be,
as the Terrafirma or OME or Bilstein or what have you don't have an option for SLS.

Does anyone know ?

[twr7cx]

I recall reading years ago, where someone had posted up pictures and measurements, that the SLS shocks are longer.

A possible option is the standard height Bilstein front shocks with the +2" Bilstein rears.

[simonmelb]

Yep that’s correct - see post #14 in this thread:

2" SLS lift with Bilsteins Installed (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2-a/83318-2-sls-lift-bilsteins-installed.html)

You can also use Std height Konis but these are a softer ride and bottom out too easily compared to the Bilsteins which suit the d2 better.




I recall reading years ago, where someone had posted up pictures and measurements, that the SLS shocks are longer.

A possible option is the standard height Bilstein front shocks with the +2" Bilstein rears.

[LOVEMYRANGIE]

Ive had the std Bilsteins in mine since 2010, absolutely changed the way it drove on the road, the only thing i noticed is being gas with SLS the rebound would cause it top over slightly due to the gas pressure. Not a real issue but it just felt a bit weird coming out of a dipand having the rear end rise up.
The Bilsteins are gassed to suit a coil spring, there's actually no version specific to the SLS and with the rolling design on an airbag it'll extend that little bit more with the help of the shock.

My rears are due for replacement, ones leaking oil and has no gas left, pretty sure the other is missing a little gas to but it still rides beautifully if not a little spongy for my liking.

Clyde also sports Bilsteins and EAS, these have been in since 1997 and still rock solid :thumbsup:

[vbrab]

Thanks so far,
the current shocks are well flogged out, will need to replace them for sure.
Just wondering what the difference between the SLS specific and the non sls specific standard shocks might be,
as the Terrafirma or OME or Bilstein or what have you don't have an option for SLS.

Does anyone know ?

Have just changed out air suspension for coils (with 50mm lift).
Had to go with straight forward Lovells HD coil rather than progressive rate, due to limited supply.
Fitted springs and left original shocks in just to see.
The original shockers fitted on alright, but had nil travel and even a minor bump was jack-hammer result.
I had a pair of new "Terra Firma" "all terrain" rear shocks there, so fitted them.

Compared to original shocks the TF shocks were much bigger diameter, and about 30% more travel when extended, so that their sweet spot covered the range of the new springs.
Ride is now very acceptable and no "hammer" on bumps.
Would not stay with standard shocks, given the improvement in ride by fitting the larger shocks.

[Bohica]

The SLS damper is part number RPD102363
The coil damper is part number RPD102333

Have not found what the difference is as yet.

[TonyC]

The SLS damper is part number RPD102363
The coil damper is part number RPD102333

Have not found what the difference is as yet.Air and coil springs need quite different damping criteria.
I don't understand it enough to know what the differences need to be.
That said, most coils are a linear spring rate and air springs are a rising rate.
I would guess the difference is in the damping rate.

Any one know any more?
This is were we need Rick 130 to chime in, or Bush65 back.

Tony

[RRT]

Can not recommend them enough, the difference between the similarly specced D2 (with lift at both ends) and the stock D2a is more than noticeable and the D2a is a very comfortable drive. Got the 50mm+ from LRA and the ride comfort is exemplary, speed humps (Judder bars to you) are source of satisfaction the way they cope with them in such a disdainful manner. Having going on some rather knarly tracks with them as well again it brings a smile watching the others with their jerky movements over the same.

[chuck]

I also had the LRA Spring Lift & Bilstein Long Travel Shocks on a MY 2000 D2 - amazing ride on both dirt & bitumen

[onebob]

I also had the LRA Spring Lift & Bilstein Long Travel Shocks on a MY 2000 D2 - amazing ride on both dirt & bitumen

….. and I have the exactly the same from LRA in my MY2000 D2

[twr7cx]

Have just changed out air suspension for coils (with 50mm lift).
Had to go with straight forward Lovells HD coil rather than progressive rate, due to limited supply.
Fitted springs and left original shocks in just to see.
The original shockers fitted on alright, but had nil travel and even a minor bump was jack-hammer result.

Being an SLS vehicle, your original shocks are designed to respond to an air spring, not a coil spring. They are also longer with different travel range to that of the equivalent coil spring units. Fit the right items for the application rather...



Would not stay with standard shocks, given the improvement in ride by fitting the larger shocks.

That outcome is likely because you compared old used shocks that were designed for air springs and are longer than the coil spring shocks, to brand new shocks - hardly a fair comparison for the standard units...

[vbrab]

Being an SLS vehicle, your original shocks are designed to respond to an air spring, not a coil spring. They are also longer with different travel range to that of the equivalent coil spring units. Fit the right items for the application rather...




That outcome is likely because you compared old used shocks that were designed for air springs and are longer than the coil spring shocks, to brand new shocks - hardly a fair comparison for the standard units...

I think maybe original shocks were tired, but they were really too short for the coils that I inserted and didn't have the travel range.
Have just got back from an 8000k outback trip loaded (which was why I changed them out) and it was less stressful not having to worry about the air springs possibly failing.
In the city I wouldn't be as concerned, but living remote means I try for the minimum in "issues" when travelling.

[Slunnie]

I think maybe original shocks were tired, but they were really too short for the coils that I inserted and didn't have the travel range.
Have just got back from an 8000k outback trip loaded (which was why I changed them out) and it was less stressful not having to worry about the air springs possibly failing.
In the city I wouldn't be as concerned, but living remote means I try for the minimum in "issues" when travelling.

The original rear shocks dont work well with anything other than a factory spring. They top out really aggressively. The fronts are ok though with even a standard 2" lift.

[vbrab]

The original rear shocks dont work well with anything other than a factory spring. They top out really aggressively. The fronts are ok though with even a standard 2" lift.

Which is exactly what they did. ("Aggressively" does cover the outcome from leaving original shocks in place with coils.)