Thread: Advice about solenoid valve block rear suspension.

They are pretty reliable,I would just get one from a wreckers.

Originally Posted by simmo

Initially I will install and fill the bags individually from the bumper bar mounted schrader connections, but longer term I will want to be able to adjust the height from inside the cabin.

I would like to use the valve block as fitted to a D-2 to achieve this.

I am new to land rovers just bought a D2, when you say you want to be able to adjust the height from inside the cabin exactly what are you trying to achieve?... do you want to push the button and get 4WD mode 2" extra lift or something else?

Not that I know much but I found triumph rover wreckers in Adelaide to have a large range and for such an item I too would just get it second hand.

I want to be able to drive the car at normal ride height and lower the car when i take it into my garage under the house.

My defender is 1990 mm to the top of the roof at the back when its empty, it tends to sits a little high at the back because it typically has only a few odds and ends, ( recovery gear etc) in it. My garage is only 1920 at the doorway, normal ride height for my defender is about 2" above standard front and back, it has the OME 2" lift kit. The OME suspension has served me well for many years.

If i have the solenoid block from a D2 I can operate the solenoids using rocker switches. I can maintain the car always close to level, regardless of load, or for around town with light load even at normal height, ( 2 inches lower than now), it should make the back end softer riding.

My car already has an air compressor and tank fitted. It looks like I need to visit a few wreckers and keep my eye out on ebay; cheers simmo

Hi simmo , if you have coils in the rear , then you won't be able to achieve this , the d2's that run airbag suspension on the rear have no coils , therefore are , with a remote, able to be lowered . I suspect you have received helper type airbags which assist with load carrying , they also run much much lower pressures than the d2's

Ahh the Holy Grail of D2 7seater ownership!
The D2 airbag lowering Fob!
scarcer than hens teeth and twice as expensive!

Discorevy nailed it for you simmo,,

Hi Disco, the rear coils are going out , I'm joining you guys on the dark side, full airbag on the back end. No coils eeek I've heard good things about the airbagman on this forum. I'll keep you updated on my apprenticeship

I would suggest that you call this mob,Very helpfull,I use a viar compressor of these people. Air Ride Suspension Supplies - MANUAL RIDE CONTROL SYSTEM - 2 WAY HD

+1 on the VIAR. I just used their eBay page though.

I tried cheaper Chinese valves and they worked fine unloaded but fully loaded they sometimes failed to open. The up valve worked fine becasue my air compressor workes with a pressure switch meaning there is pressure from the compressor on one side of the valve and pressure in the airbags on the otherside of the valve. It's the pressure differance across the valve that makes it hard for the valve to open. The exhaust valve becasue it has pressure from the airbag on one side and only atmospheric pressure on the other side has a bigger differance of pressure across the valve and this is the one that struggles to open when the vehicle is loaded.

I now have Genuine wabco vavle blocks. One controls the up and down (air in or exhaust) and the other controls left or right bag. All are controlled by the factory D2 SLABS.

My compressor simply operates of a pressure switch and keeps pressure up to the valve block. When the valve opens to fill the bags, the line pressure drops and the compressor turns on.


Happy Days