Reply With QuoteThe FTC numbers have been superceded to the TAX numbers. I think the difference you are feeling is probably in the steering box, as it's also different from 99-02 and 03-04.
Fossicker
D2 weren't renowned by the steering feeling, at least whenever I hop off my RR Classic and hop on the D2 (mine is a 99MY, 1st build) I always notice some remoteness (not vagueness, as it's spot-on) it's like you never feel where the wheels are pointing to.
I also had a Td5 2004MY D2, only for 12 months (I sold it as I could not stand up the Td5 frequent stalling and the on-off syndrom -nothing without turbo, and all power from 2,000 rpm). But I remember the 2004 MY D2 had much more steering feeling than the 99MY one, it felt just sharper.
Looking at the part numbers the 99MY steering knuckle were parts FTC5115 and 5116
post 2002MY (from 2A on, revised front end pocketed headlamps) are TAX000040 and TAX000050.
Both parts look the same, so it could be a question of slightest change in steering geometru. I remember looking at the 2002MY press release where it was stated that the steering geometry had been revised (don't know if it was due to complaints from users)
As I would like to get rid of the lack of steering feeling, could anyone that have driven pre and post-2002MY D2 confirm the difference in steering feeling?
Yes, I know I should go for a P38, but just want to keep and improve my D2 even though I like much more the way the p38 drives, feels and behaves.
Thank you and best regards
Robert
Master
The FTC numbers have been superceded to the TAX numbers. I think the difference you are feeling is probably in the steering box, as it's also different from 99-02 and 03-04.
YarnMaster
Yes, steering geometry was changed to improve response/feel. The new knuckles were used from VIN 2A754808 onwards.
Camber angle
Old: -10'±30' (FTC5116, FTC5117)
New: +20'±30' (TAX000040, TAX000050)
You can swap the newer steering knuckles for the old, but you have to do them in pairs.
cheers
Paul
2A754808 has a build date of 20020116, so the change occurred midway through MY2002.
Last edited by OffTrack; 22nd January 2013 at 03:26 PM. Reason: Add build dates for change over.
Fossicker
Hi Paul,
thanks for your reply.
I managed to get my hands yesterday on a press release. It stated they modified suspension and steering geometry to improve handling, stating that spring-dampers rate had been modified, as well as the steering drag links and panhard rod among "other components" (they did not mention).but did not know the slight difference in camber.
The panhard rods have been modified as well as the part numbers are different.
Don't know what difference might make the panhard rod, but I'm pretty sure the new one might fit, as the bolts are the same and the bushes too, it might be a very slight change.
Old panhard rod: RBI100050
new spec panhard rod: RBI000100
It's odd because while the old steering knuckles had been discontinued, the panhard rods and drag links were still being supplied in both specs (pre and post 03 MY), but I'm pretty sure the "new" spec panhard rod might fit older vehicles.
Anyway, will begin chasing any ball joint play and might bite the bullet and try and fit the improved panhard rod.
Thanks again for the steering knuckle specs. Will have to chase a good donor from the correct MY to begin with.
best regards
Robert
TopicToaster
Early to late panhard rods are different lengths. The's why they are still supplied for both. One way to sharpen it is to lift. The change in castor will make steering more responsive. I went up with HD +50mm spings but without the weight allowed for it's about 70mm. Then used 3deg corrected radius arms which brings it back but not quite to original. So it's better but not as extreme as uncorrected.
Fossicker
I would prefer avoinding lift at all costs
My garage door only clears the roof by 30mm so it's a very tight fit.
And the spanish MoT measure with tape measure each off roader. 20mm more than stock height and the MoT is directly refused. Then the owner has to apply for a new approval, need an engineer's report and a second inspection, and a bill of almost 1,000 USD (not a pretty sight).
Did not know anything about the different panhard rod length, but will begin the research for the knuckles ASAP.
Best regards and thanks again
Robert
YarnMaster
Just a heads up for the locals these are LHD part numbers.Originally Posted by RFollia
Seems the knuckles were introduced before the other suspension changes, as panhard rods were introduced from 3A000001 onwards.
According to RAVE:
On models from 03 Model Year, the Panhard rod is shortened by 30 mm (1.18 in). This modification was introduced to enhance the suspension bump steer characteristics in line with other suspension improvements introduced simultaneously. The change to the Panhard rod also required the relocation of the attachment brackets on the axle casing and the chassis.
Fossicker
Better then to forget about the new spec panhard rod if I don't want to swap complete axle assy and do some welding or chassis swap.
Cheers from Spain and thank you for all the input.
Search is on!
Wizard
Great thread. This probably explains why the steering on the 99 D2 I just bought doesn't feel anywhere near as good as the 04 D2 I used to have.
Fossicker
That was what I wanted to hear and read, and my impressions were right, the 04MY D2 handled just much better, even though it had no ACE.
Cheers from Spain
Robert
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