Thread: Softening the ride.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I agree that your tyre pressures are way too high. Factory is 28/36, although I soften up to 32/35ish. That will take some of the sharpness out.

I however disagree that the springs are the problem. Having played with shocks, the shock bump valving specifically is what brings most of the sharpness into the ride within the suspension and it affects the ride significantly more than spring rate. I dont think spring rate alters ride as much as what people will have you believe.

So you're this "Slunnie" person

I'll have a play with the tyre pressures tomorrow, in between fixing the leaking diff breather, extending the rear, and relocating my auto ECU.
Cheers all
Muppet

The scorpion atr lt245/70r16 are 1150kg max load and 65psi max inflation.

The stock front axle loading is 1100kg, so if you assume +50kg for winch and bar this means roughly a 1150kg axle loading.

1150/(1150x2)=0.5
65psi x 0.5 = 32.5psi

Same principle applies to the rear.

It should give you a starting point at least.

Originally Posted by OffTrack

The scorpion atr lt245/70r16 are 1150kg max load and 65psi max inflation.

The stock front axle loading is 1100kg, so if you assume +50kg for winch and bar this means roughly a 1150kg axle loading.

1150/(1150x2)=0.5
65psi x 0.5 = 32.5psi

Same principle applies to the rear.

It should give you a starting point at least.

Bar alone is 60kg.
Winch is about 42kg from memory.
Still.
Thanks, I'll try 32F maybe 37R

And I know the scorpions over-inflation characteristics, tyre shop exploded one about 20m from me

Mine on the weighbridge with a steel bar, cargo barrier, dog on the front seat and I cant remember the fuel load was 1.1t front and 1.2t rear.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I agree that your tyre pressures are way too high. Factory is 28/36, although I soften up to 32/35ish. That will take some of the sharpness out.

I however disagree that the springs are the problem. Having played with shocks, the shock bump valving specifically is what brings most of the sharpness into the ride within the suspension and it affects the ride significantly more than spring rate. I dont think spring rate alters ride as much as what people will have you believe.

what he said ! LR use soft shocks for a reason

Originally Posted by OffTrack

The scorpion atr lt245/70r16 are 1150kg max load and 65psi max inflation.

The stock front axle loading is 1100kg, so if you assume +50kg for winch and bar this means roughly a 1150kg axle loading.

1150/(1150x2)=0.5
65psi x 0.5 = 32.5psi

Same principle applies to the rear.

It should give you a starting point at least.

I agree with the end result of this formula in this circumstance, but I'm not sure I agree with the formula. Mind you any method such as 4psi (affected by road temps, braking and tread pattern) or contact patch (minimal variations at road pressures) would be rule of thumb as it doesnt take into account any dynamics (cornering and braking tendancies) of the vehicle or tyre (eg profile and lateral stability of the carcass). In the of the Disco2, the front tyre pressures are on the placard as being low to increase stability during turn in, and I strongly suspect the rears pressures are also quite high to increase mid corner stability. Likewise the rear are very high when towing, even if the ball weight is very low to prevent the vehicle being moved around with sidewall movement.

When I had my suspension done, 2 inch lift on kings, the rear springs are actually the range rover set, not the discovery. That being said when I am driving by myself with an almost empty tank, very floaty. Get some passengers and fill the tank and it rides very well indeed.

I have to agree with Slunnie on the shocks. The moment I changed from original the ride hardened up.
Currently springs are Dobinson +60Kg progressive on the front, Dobinson +220Kg progressive on the back. RAW 4x4 bigbore shocks all round.
36 psi all round tyre pressure until we put the camper on and then increase rear to 38 psi.
High speed dirt road travel at 28psi is stable and comfortable