ARB + Suspension = WTF!!!

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Originally Posted by froryan

Further - what are everyone's reccomendations? Should I cut OME loose and head for some of the other options - mainly either the XGS Golds from TJM or Bilsteins along with some springs (I need to have a hunt around on hear again for springs as I spent more time researching shocks :oops2:)
Fro

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Hi Fro,

I recently did a full suspension upgrade on my SLS D2a - (but I kept mine standard height). I went with new rear OE Contitech Air Springs (as I had a leak in one), front HD King Springs and Koni Heavy Track shocks alround.

This setup keeps the ride as LR intended - supple, with a superb ride with very secure handling. Koni's are expensive (around $950 for a set) but well worth it and can be adjusted to compensate for wear, then can be re-built. Ive had Koni's on 4 previous cars (not 4WD's) and they all outlasted the car!

So you could go with SLS spacers, Kings HD Raised front springs and Koni Heavy Track Shocks (they do a +50mm raised version for the D2). This setup would cost more than other options but would retain the lovely Disco ride and improve the handling significantly.

Good luck !

I would have to agree that ARB Canberra does lack the required level of customer focus.

Yo Fro

If you are serious about keeping the SLS with spacers then really ask around for the best fit shocks... the airbag has different compression / rebound characteristics than springs so standard shocks may give you a suss rear end.

Can vouch for Suspension Stuff but were unable to source SLS compatible shocks.... Looks like Bilstein are the only off the shelf longer shocks, unless anyone else can add to this...

Also double check the ABS and brake lines lengths on the back end in a controlled environment at full articulation... I had to unclip the ABS lead from the chassis clip on the passenger side.

Would like to use the SLS spacers but they are illegal in Qld:(

As for the ARBs in Brisbane... more than happy with them

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Originally Posted by pohm66

If you are serious about keeping the SLS with spacers then really ask around for the best fit shocks... the airbag has different compression / rebound characteristics than springs so standard shocks may give you a suss rear end.

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I don't quite know what a "suss rear end" means. However air springs have some inherent damping while coils have none. So using shocks designed for coils will just mean that you are slightly overdamped, but shouldn't produce any issues.

I fitted air springs to my rear axle, and kept the same shocks (bilstein) and I have no issues.

I've got SLS with Tombie's kit as a lift. I went to ARB Dandenong some years back and they fitted OME shocks. They infact wanted to verify that I had a lift on the SLS system as without it there would be a problem. Don't know if it is the best system I could get but 5 years and numerous km off road it's still going strong.

Well after all last night and a lot of this morning researching all over the interweb, I have shortlisted down to the following:

Shocks = either Koni (pricey) or Bilsteins (apparantly hard/harsh?)
Springs = Dobinsons, Lovells or LRA's in-house springs

I would greatly appreciate everyones feedback on all or any of these in any combinations.:D

Cheers in advance

Fro

Hey Ben...

What I meant by "....a suss rear end " is that usually shocks and springs are matched to compliment each other especially in the off road, load and braking areas.

With the standard shocks matched up with SLS these characteristics maybe different to the detriment of effective braking or loose back end on corrugated corners etc. Braking though is majority front end biased.

Just passing on the feedback I received from ARB, Suspension Stuff and Dobinsons when I went through this exercise.;)

Fro, in my case I ended up with Dobinsons, happy so far but the back is a lot stiffer... not sure if that 'cos the previous shocks were shot though....

I have been researching this one for a while now and although I would probably prefer Bilsteins because the mono design is better at dissipating heat in situations where the corrugations are measured in days rather than distance it seems that only Koni are recommended to suit the SLS from the manufacturer.
I have tried just about every Billie expert around and they all have different tales to tell but when you mention SLS they will often cross themselves repeatedly and try to change the subject.... or recommend you convert the vehicle to coils.
So I reckon it will be Koni heavytrack for me.

Hey mate,

Thought you'd have them fitted by now ya slack bugger! Don't understand why Canberran's make things so hard, at the end of the day its a bloody sale!

I went with OME all round with my SLS kit & my local ARB bloke didnt even question me nor did he talk about warranty.

I havent had any problems with the rating for the rear shock vs the airbag either; has performed great on & off road.

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Would like to use the SLS spacers but they are illegal in Qld:(

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Woops! Didn't realise they were illegal in QLD!

itchynipl

I tried Koni and Bilstein andmust say, Koni is better but Billies are cheaper and fit the budget for a relativle cheap car whilst still much better than original. IMHO.

In regards to ARB/TJM service, I have my old Dive instructor run the local ARB shop.
In his words"Old Landy drivers are nutters and oxygen thieves"

That is their viewpoint behind closed doors and reflects in their customer service. I am now on my 9th Landy and modded all of them and always shop around, what they are used to at ARB and the like is for a Landcruiser?patrol to pull up and for the guy to say --Go for it mate and drop $10-15K on it just like that. New Landy (D3 and D4) owners do similar just not as the others, we are more savvy and do more research.

The people that work at those places know we drive an older car and will not shell out that sort of cash. They don't really understand the affliction with Land Rover unless by the very rare occasion they have a guy that works there that has one.

Best we acknowledge it and support those that will give us the time of day.

Try it, go in with a mate in a Patrol or similar and see.
I even get that treatment at mates shop and hence no longer go there.
I told him why but he also drives a Cruiser and is pretty much like the others.
Still paying his lease payments and depreciation and does not get it that my old(97) Disco will go where he goes but mine is paid for, comfortable and I have not just burnt a heap of cash in doing so and will always hunt for best deals.

Oh well, research is key to success. Good on you mate.;)