Thread: Here's a strange one (Coils to SLS) is it possible

Looks to me that there is a lot to think about, what is it that actually fails in the standard system to make people change it, as i'm sure that would be the best way, am i right in assuming when you hit access mode it open a valve that link the bags like in range rovers because that would be cool, if you could source the parts it is probably worth-while for those of us that carry loads or tow.

Thanks for all that info Paul, really handy, i'll have a look at fleabay for the parts

Cheers
Will

Will,

I think it's basically the expense of replacing bags and compressors which inspires the decision to switch sls -> coils.

Unfortunately there isn't an access mode as such on the D2. You get self levelling and off road modes, plus an extended mode if the abs detects you have grounded the chassis. If you purchase an accessory "plip", you can lower the rear suspension as far as the bump stops to aid hitching a trailer.

I have been checking the prices of stuff from the UK and in some instances I'd be tempted to buy new rather than scrounge.

I'd be looking at buying the at least the following new:

- Height sensors: these have bushes that wear giving erratic readings.
On ebay $35AU for used, $40-45AU new from UK.

- Air springs: Contitech are the OEM manufacturer and have the correct air fitting. Dunlop offer a good quality pattern part, but use a different connector - Urban Panzer's site shows the minor mods to fit the Dunlops. Because these are critical components I'd be hesitant to installed used unless they were known good, low km items. Factor about $140 each from the UK for new Contitech's.

- Air harness: this is basically all the air hoses for compressor and springs. You could probably get away with used, however you'd want to make sure the harness was in perfect condition before handing over cash. $125 from the UK.

The correct chassis wiring harness for my D2 TD5 +ACE +SLS is outrageously expensive - $610 from the UK, so there is really no alternative but to patch in from a used donor harness.

The elephant in the room is the compressor (RQG100041, which includes the cover assembly shown on the parts list). Used is a bit of a risk, but buying new would push the total conversion cost up to $1000+, although you'd basically have an all new SLS system for this price.

Ultimately I think the decision on used vs new parts depends on how stuck you are likely to be if something like a used compressor fails.

cheers
Paul

I have read your first thread five times, and still can't work out where you are coming from.
Are you buying a D2 for your mother that you want to change over to SLS, or do you already have one with coils?
It seems obvious, if you're buying one, to get it with SLS already installed.
Sorry jnr, I'm a bit slow on the uptake.

Originally Posted by biggin

I have read your first thread five times, and still can't work out where you are coming from.
Are you buying a D2 for your mother that you want to change over to SLS, or do you already have one with coils?
It seems obvious, if you're buying one, to get it with SLS already installed.
Sorry jnr, I'm a bit slow on the uptake.

Should be reasonably clear from post one. D2 handed down from parents, and clearly fitted with coils

From reading the threads in this post and from having sls in my disco I reckon it would be easier to install airbag helpers into the coil spring and a lot cheaper, it would aid with towing no end. If you had sls already and wanted to modify then its not that hard to move components etc, my compressor (arb) and all valves are all located in the boot, no longer under car, I extended the wiring loom to reach the rear of the vehicle.
Cheers matt

Yeah we have had the car from new, it has coils as dad lives by the KISS principle lol, but when we go away camping the poor thing squats a bit, epecially if there is a trailer involved, i will buy the car off mum and dad when mum gets her new car, ad want to make it into a bit more of a tow rig for some of the toys so it will be chipped aswell as have some thing done about the rear suspension. The reason to keep this car is it has been a reliable one (we were dealers so we had a few) and this car has always been almost toyota like with very few problems. The main reason to go to a full SLS system is the height changes, whereas normal polyair's or whatever only assist in levelling the car.

Paul are you sure the wiring is not already there, landrover have always used a complete loom in cars according to dad. Would certainly help the decision.

Cheers
Will

Hi Will,

No, the wiring isn't there from what I can see. I had a crawl under my D2 yesterday and defintely no sign of connectors or wiring for the SLS components.

List separate part numbers for TD5/V8, +/-SLS and +/-ACE. There are also some variations for VIN's in the early XA range and late 4A's.

It appears that the chassis harness runs inside the chassis rails so could be interesting making changes.

cheers
Paul

Originally Posted by OffTrack

Should be reasonably clear from post one. D2 handed down from parents, and clearly fitted with coils

Yes clearly.
As mud perhaps.