Thread: Changing rear air bag shocks on D2a to springs ??

It can be done relatively easily. Apart from the mechanical changes, you'll have to tell the computer of the change. This can be done with a Nanocom.
Both D2 and D2a were able to be optioned with the air suspension, but it was mandatory on seven seaters.

I got my air bags changed out to coils about 5 years ago at Whyatts in Geraldton and from memory it cost about $500.
I did this because I had all sorts of drama's with the air suspension and after a few hundred K's towing a boat bouncing on the bump stops I had a gut full and went for the coils.
My D2a even on coils is Still the best ride I have ever had in Any of the 4WD's I have ever owned.

Originally Posted by trout1105

I got my air bags changed out to coils about 5 years ago at Whyatts in Geraldton and from memory it cost about $500.
I did this because I had all sorts of drama's with the air suspension and after a few hundred K's towing a boat bouncing on the bump stops I had a gut full and went for the coils.
My D2a even on coils is Still the best ride I have ever had in Any of the 4WD's I have ever owned.

My previous D2's have all had coil suspension and I was happy enough with that (with my D3 being a constant concern when in remote outback locations), so will be looking to changeover.

nothing beats air..

If the system is maintained its far better in all respects than coils.

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

nothing beats air..

If the system is maintained its far better in all respects than coils.

Well said (err written)

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

nothing beats air..

If the system is maintained its far better in all respects than coils.

And I'll second that.

Quick google search found this https://www.allfourx4.com.au/Rear-Ai...very-2-LRKIT84
Assume you'd be able to find a supplier over west?

Simple job really, can be done without spring compressors but easier with! And as mentioned you'll need to change settings in the BCU to coils
Also if you're intent on converting to coils remove all the air lines, compressor etc... But I'd have another think about swapping? My D2 had coils when I purchased it and when I swapped back to air bags the ride and adjustability can't be compared!

If you're worried about remote travel and damaged to the air system just change the bags to new ones, keep the old as spares or carry a new spare... have the compressor serviced, install a set of bypass valves so you can inflate the bags if the compressor goes?

here's a link for the compressor rebuild https://www.bagpipingandy.com/ send Andy a message and ask for a full rebuild kit including the compressor head...

Lemo

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

nothing beats air..

If the system is maintained its far better in all respects than coils.

I have to agree with that call with the exception of one restpect "Reliability".
The ride IS better with the air suspension But after being let down twice in soft sand, rough tracks and hundreds of K's from home on the bump stops which is a royal PITA and at times bloody dangerous the coils conversion made absolute sense to me.

As the Youngest D2 on the road now (D2a) is 17 years old the air suspensions are getting long in the tooth (as is the rest of the vehicle) and keeping the air suspension in top order is an expensive exercise especially if the compessor needs to be replaced.

Replacing the air for a set of coils is a sound financial and mechanical option on such an old 4WD and IF you still want air you can always fit them inside the coils anyway and just pump them up when you need them without the need to replace that expensive onboard compressor

Each to their own But as my D2a spends quite a bit of its life in remote areas I went for the reliabillity of the coils and sacrificed a little bit of the ride quality.