Discovery 3 S Offroad

[disco_2008]

Hi
Just wondering how the D3S goes offroad with only 185mm ground clearance? Anyone here taken an S offroad?
Is there an easy way to lift the S?
Thanks

[muddymech]

i belive not great purley because of the ground clearance.
ATV in strathfield lifted one a while back they will probably be able to tell you what kits are out there.

[sniegy]

Disco 2008,
The "S" variant without TR goes well offroad albeit with a lift kit.
Without the lift the vehicle does come into contact with terra-firma on a regular basis. It still has the 2nd generation HDC & Traction Control which makes up in some way the lack of TR. (Terrain Response)
I drive training courses with LR & on a few occassions have taken an "S" variant. It will do everything the "SE" variant will but without the benefit of air suspension that can be altered. It does get scrapes from under neath but this can be fixed with a lift kit which is available now & some of the members on this forum will chime in with there own experiences.
Cheers:)

[gghaggis]

KIng Springs do a +2" coil for the D3 S - but there aren't any extended shocks yet on the Aussie market. So you'll get better ground clearance, but at the cost of some articulation.

Cheers,

Gordon

[disco_2008]

Oh So the S doesnt have TR? is that an option that the SE has?

[WhiteD3]

To have TR you have to have air and all the fruit which comes with the SE.

[Tote]

Or an S optioned with the Air suspension which is the only way to get a manual with air suspension in OZ.
Regards,
Tote

[sniegy]

Oh So the S doesnt have TR? is that an option that the SE has?
Hop onto www.landrover.com.au (http://www.landrover.com.au) & have a look at the specs & the "S" only comes with coils & no Air Susp.
But dont forget if u want an "S" & dont need the 7 seats, u can order the vehicle with TR (which includes the Air Susp.) & u have a very nice vehicle , less weight than the SE!!!! albeit a small amount.
But in 09 things change again....(Muwha..Muwhaaaa)

[Declan]

:twisted:Hi
I am thinking of buying a D3 S and putting springs on it 2 give it a lift has any body done this on there D3 S and what do they think of the D3 know. any problems with articulation, because i believe they only have a spring lift and not shocks at the present moment.

Thanks in Advance Declan.:twisted::twisted::twisted:

[rovers1952]

The latest "S" variant upgrade now comes standard with air suspension. But L.R. dropped the leather interior as a trade-off. A few members on here have a 40-50 mm spring lift but I am hearing that the jury is out on it's success....some alleged issues on shock damage when suspension tops out. Will have a clearer picture on this next week. I have done a lot of off-road in my "coiler" and yes, plenty of underbody scrapes but nothing serious given appropriate care in such conditions. Where ground clearance is not a major issue, the coiler is as competant as the SE anywhere!

[rmp]

The coiler has nowhere near the flex of the air suspension version though.

[Leo]

True - the cross linking in the air suspension works really well. Air makes towing easier too.

[Disco95]

So other than the lack of ground clearance, are there any other issues with the D3's so far?
I've heard that some sensors are a little exposed to mud and such.
Are the Electronic bits up to scratch. So far, except for the odd story, I've heard nothing untoward.

[CaverD3]

Gound clearance is only an issue on the S in off road height the air suspension has more clearance than the Pajero and heaps more than the LC200.
Unless you count lowering to normal height above 40Km/h.
Early models had issues which have gradually been fixed so the MY09 should be fairly trouble free.

[Declan]

Hi all
What I am asking is if you put srings on your D3 S is it the same height as D3 SE with air or is it still lower , and how have people found them with the springs going 4WD.

Thanks Declan :twisted::twisted:

[rmp]

That would depend on the springs you fitted. There would be a practical limit to the lift as with any indie susp car, being the length of the shocks, alignment limits, downward travel etc. I don't know what those limits are for the coiler, and wouldn't necessarily say they are the same as for the air. Reason being that the air will never run at offroad height for long as the damn thing lowers, but a coiler's height is set permanently. Therefore there may be issues with things like camber at the higher lifts. It is worth checking it out with a specialist that understands suspension properly, maybe it's fine.

The question of how it goes is answered below. I'm not sure, but if you're thinking of converting an air S to a coil S I would advise thinking through that one carefully first.

[gghaggis]

I've been driving an S coiler all weekend off-road, alongside a few SE/HSE's and a Freelander 2.

The lack of ground clearance is the major issue - it bottoms out on obstacles that the FL2 will clear. The std traction control is very good in hilly/rocky/muddy conditions (superb actually), but you can't de-sensitize it in sand (no TR) so it tends to bog down quicker on the beach/dunes. The wheel articulation is on par with the FL2, not as good as the air models.

Kings do a +60mm spring for the D3 which gives you the same ground clearance as an air model on "off-road setting", but as far as I know, you're currently stuck with the std shockie, which as someone pointed out earlier, has had a few failures when used with the longer springs.

Was a fun weekend comparingthem though!

Cheers,

Gordon

[wardh]

Hi All

I have a 2006 D3 S which has the rear fitted with King Spring raised springs (Part No KRRR-X) The vehicle was fitted out with these springs when I purchased it second hand. I am about to fit matching raised springs to the front (Part No KRFR-13) to give it more front clearence. Minimum rear clearence under diff is currently 230mm.

I have spoken directly to King Springs regarding raising the D3 and they informed me that the maximum lift they do is 40mm. this is to ensure that the shocks do not top out and get damaged. The other issue to be aware of is that going beyond 40mm increases the angle on the CV and drive shafts so that highway speeds increases the stress on bearings. (One of the reasons the Air models lower after 40ks as well as for stabillity) King Springs also stated that fitting raised springs will marginaly reduce articulation.

I have found ground clearence on the standard hight D3 sprung model is a major issue. Clearence over rocks and ruts. Pushing sand in rutted tracks or soft dunes when doing beach runs present problems. But in saying this 40mm extra lift can and will make quite a noticable difference.

I have taken My D3 along the same tracks that my old 1997 Discovery just walked through with out a problem. The D3 struggled not so much from ground clearence on steep undulating rocky hills but articulation. Sand driving is definately a height clearence issue. I will be doing more tests once the front end is lifted and new tyres are fitted.

I will keep you informed or am available for more information.

Cheers

Howard.

[Declan]

Thanks for all the replies lads it great to hear from the people who have the D3 S series what they think about the ground clearance i might wait a bit longer and see can i get a D3 SE , i was hoping to just put springs and struts on the S series but it does not seem to be going to well from the feedback, hope to hear from more people with D3 S series

Thanks Declan:twisted::twisted:

[rmp]

A note for anyone reading this thread; not all S models are coils. But, no coilers are anything but S models. This thread refers to the coil S models, ie those without air suspension and thus Terrain Response.

[gghaggis]

With respect to the longer coils:

Initially, Kings did a 40mm and a 60(?) mm lift. But they may have dropped the longer spring from the range due to the shockie problems? Several owners in the US bought the longer ones, as well as a couple of owners here in WA - I think they were actually marketed as 50mm, but gave closer to 60mm of lift.

There hasn't been (as far as I know) any claims on cv's, axles etc due to fitting longer springs - the D3's drive train is fairly over-engineered (especially with respect to the older LR models), and 50 to 60 mm raise (which is about off-road height in an EAS car) won't unduly impact on wear issues in regard to the car. The reasoning behind the 50kph limit on the off-road setting is more to do with legalities and legislation in the US.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Declan,
I bow to GGHaggis' greater experience, but to give you my experience:

I did a 4wd course with the standard springs in my 2005 D3 S model. It suffered a dented fuel tank, dented tail pipes and chassis scrapes.

I subsequently fitted the King Spring 2" + lift and have suffered NO further problems. On the other hand, I'm sure that I don't test my D3 to the limits that GGHaggis does. :eek:

I still have the original shocks, but I see that Koni are now marketing replacement shocks. When the time comes, I'll almost certainly be moving in that direction.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Declan]

Is the D3 S really that bad on sand as i have been reading, that it keeps getting bogged.
it good to here some people are happy with there new 2inch spring lift.
Reason i am asking is I have seen a nice D3 s and i was going to buy it and put springs on it to give it extra lift hopefully making it the same height as the D3 SE.

Thanks for the replies Declan

[rmp]

With respect to the longer coils:

Initially, Kings did a 40mm and a 60(?) mm lift. But they may have dropped the longer spring from the range due to the shockie problems? Several owners in the US bought the longer ones, as well as a couple of owners here in WA - I think they were actually marketed as 50mm, but gave closer to 60mm of lift.


That'd be the standard "we'll tell you it's 50mm officially so that's what you tell your insurance officially, but wink wink nudge nudge she'll be right as it settles a bit know what I mean"

[Leo]

Or an S optioned with the Air suspension which is the only way to get a manual with air suspension in OZ.
Regards,
Tote


A note for anyone reading this thread; not all S models are coils. But, no coilers are anything but S models. This thread refers to the coil S models, ie those without air suspension and thus Terrain Response.


......is I have seen a nice D3 s and i was going to buy it and put springs on it to give it extra lift hopefully making it the same height as the D3 SE.


Just look for a 's' with air suspension - problem solved. :cool:

[rovers1952]

Picked up my coiler from routine service this morning and professional advice is that there can be (and have been) considerable alignment issues with a 40-50mm spring lift. ie scrubbing tyres etc despite re-alignments on fitting. This is inconsistent with what I have read on this forum elsewhere. Bushwanderer, trust yours are wearing OK? Am still keen to get mine done.

[wardh]

Declan.

We spent 2 weeks camped at
Flinders beach North Straddie at Easter with the coiler D3 and although I have indicated problems with clearence we never actually got bogged, but in saying that every one that followed us though the soft rutted sand onto and off the beach's loved the gradeing work we did.

As I said I am about to fit front raised springs to match the rear that has already been lifted. If the measurements are as King Springs have indicated this will give me 230mm under the front which will make a difference. (still trying to decide on standard raised or heavy duty, both give the same lift)

One thing that I did notice while running through soft dry sand was that because the D3s under belly being so flat, maintaining momentem sort of skated you across the worst ruts. (the bash plate was quite polished by the time we got home) Not ideal but we managed to keep out of trouble. If the tracks to the beach were too deep I just staddled them. All beach work was done with DSC off and 25PSI in the quite worn 235/70R 17 Cooper ATR tyres.


Howard

[wardh]

Rover1952

When I purchased my D3 coiler it had had the rear spring raise to compensate an issue that the previous owner had towing a heavy off road camper, the mod also got the nod from the LR dealer, I spoke to them at length about it to ensure I was fully covered by the remaining factory warrenty.

Now to your query. I had a full front and rear alignment done before I picked up the vehicle, I have now done close to 10,000ks and there is no sign of abnormal wear. I rotated the tyres 5,000ks after the alignment and will swap them around again in the next week or so, actually I am getting more out of these tyres than what I expected, I hope they wear out soon as I am keen to put on some new boots.


Howard

[Declan]

I had Ssangyong Rexton and it had no problem on sand it would not have had the height of the D3 this was it problem it got caught on it side most , I know the D3 is a fair bit heaver but it should have the power to go thru the sand no problem and with a spring lift it should make it a lot easier as long as the tyre pressure has been lowered to correct PSI.

Declan:twisted::twisted::twisted:

[Bushwanderer]

SNIP
Bushwanderer, trust yours are wearing OK? Am still keen to get mine done.

Mine are wearing fine, although probably due for an alignment again.

I suspect that people have problems because some aligners are incompetent.:mad:

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Bushwanderer]

I run 265/70R17 BFG A/Ts.

I tried them at Stockton Beach (nr Newcastle, NSW) with 21psi. They soon bogged. Reduced pressure to 16 psi. Much better :D

This was before the spring lift.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Gabbers]

Hi Guys,
I have an '07 TDV6 S with coils.

On standard springs I bottomed out on areas that I believed I should do easily.

I have since fitted Pedders springs that have a 40mm lift (I carefully measured before & after - 40m is pretty well spot on). I also want to go a larger diameter tyre to get a little bit more. However, since getting the lift I changed jobs & moved interstate so I haven't spent as much time off road as I was expecting.

For me, the Pedders springs have been great. I am not so sure of their alignment ability though - the back left feathered the outside. I will take it in for another alignment soon. It still handles really well & is not too tall to be an issue in carparks, etc. Towing is excellent (around 125kg on the ball + heaps of crap in the back).

Cheers,
Ian

[norto]

I did a Kings Springs 60mm lift about 2 years ago on my D3 S. It has been to Cape York, via the OTL, Fraser Is and across the Simpson desert plus another 10000 kms of sometimes fairly rough dirt tracks mostly towing an off road camper caravan.
The original shocks are fine....there are absolutely no issues with the shocks topping out and if you check underneath you will find that the drive shafts are running in a more horizontal plane and putting less pressure on the CV joints. The current set of Mickey Thompson 245/70-17 ATZ tyres are not showing any signs of uneven wear at 30000 kms.
If you want to know anymore give m a call.......It is the way the D3 S should have been in the beginning.

[Neil P]

....... if you check underneath you will find that the drive shafts are running in a more horizontal plane and putting less pressure on the CV joints........

That's the interesting thing about a lift Norto , the alignment of
the rotating parts is much better , and all excessive inside tyre-wear
on the rears stops. It's as if the standard stance is too low.
I'm very pleased with my adjustable suspension rods from Daveyb..........

[norto]

How is Cairns

[Neil P]

Restaurants closing, reef cats empty , hotels and motels with stand-by
rates, clothes shops giving it away, rental cars piled up in parking-lots,
yesterdays Council announcement of 8% rates increase while refusing
to stop wasting our money, etc ........... need I continue Mate !

The beach is nice and quiet ............ :)

[norto]

There is still a demand for pharmacists...ya idle git:)

[Neil P]

....... idle rich git .......

[Rick Osborn D3 S]

Hi Gordon,
I note with relief your comments below with regard to a 60mm lift on D3 S being OK, I've just fitted Dobinson springs & struts for a lift of 70mm (180,000km vehicle) I'm being told 'it'll settle (it's not), it had probably sagged so it's really only a 50mm lift... it'll be OK as long as it's no more than 550mm from the centre of the hub to the 12 o'clock position on the wheel arch..
Norto below claims his drive shafts are running at a more horizontal angle, mine are angled up to the diff approx 10 Degrees...Can anybody confirm that they have been running with the 550mm dimension with no probs?? She sure looks high now! Happy to send pics to anyone emailing me direct rick@fujinon.com.au
Thanks in advance for info' provided Rick


With respect to the longer coils:

Initially, Kings did a 40mm and a 60(?) mm lift. But they may have dropped the longer spring from the range due to the shockie problems? Several owners in the US bought the longer ones, as well as a couple of owners here in WA - I think they were actually marketed as 50mm, but gave closer to 60mm of lift.

There hasn't been (as far as I know) any claims on cv's, axles etc due to fitting longer springs - the D3's drive train is fairly over-engineered (especially with respect to the older LR models), and 50 to 60 mm raise (which is about off-road height in an EAS car) won't unduly impact on wear issues in regard to the car. The reasoning behind the 50kph limit on the off-road setting is more to do with legalities and legislation in the US.

Cheers,

Gordon

[Rooster86]

I was told that lovelles do a extended shock for the d3