Thread: D1 and D2 suspension

Originally Posted by airfireman1

Just a quick question. Is ther any difference between a D1 and the D2 series non sls suspension? Are the springs and shocks all the same?
Cheers Dave

The front suspension design is the same, but the execution of it in the D2 is significantly better, especially in all radius arm bushes. The rear is completely different, with the D1 having an A-frame setup, the D2 running a Watts linkage. This produces a better balance in the suspension when articulating in the D2 compared to the D1, with the Non-ACE D2's flexing less than the D1, and the ACE equiped D2 flexing more than the D1.

The springs and shocks are all different. The rear springs are very close but thats about it. Front springs and all shocks are not interchangable.

Slunnie, i would have thought that a watts linkage setup would allow less articulation than the a frame of the RRC/D1 etc ? they only have 3 mounting points as opposed to 5 ?

Thanks for the replys, the reason I asked is that the ironman suspension site lists the same part numbers for both the D1 and D2.
So they are definatley different springs and shocks between both series ?
Cheers Dave

D2 rear springs are same as D1...

D2 can use D1 front springs also..... Just depends how they went about making the coil...

I know this, we've fitted a couple of D2's with D1 front springs back before ARB made a 225lb front for the D2...

Shocks though, are NOT interchangeable without work

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Slunnie, i would have thought that a watts linkage setup would allow less articulation than the a frame of the RRC/D1 etc ? they only have 3 mounting points as opposed to 5 ?

The watt linkage doesn't cause any bind etc and is pretty much linked using poly bushed rose joints. It does limit travel to about 655mm shock lengths when the lower link contacts the Watts mount, though there are aftermarket cranked links to solve that problem if you are "building" the suspension. The rear suspension does have bind in it which increases with articulation as its a radius arm setup, though LR have redesigned the axle bushes to allow more movement than in previous designs, and the chassis uses and eye bush instead of a pin. Where the real gains come from though is in the ACE suspension which reportedly allows up to 5" of additional travel over the swaybar setup when offroad in standard or 2" setup. What the D2 loses in articulation in the rear in comparison to the classics, it is made up again by using a similar radius arm design in the front.

Originally Posted by Tombie2

D2 rear springs are same as D1...

D2 can use D1 front springs also..... Just depends how they went about making the coil...

I know this, we've fitted a couple of D2's with D1 front springs back before ARB made a 225lb front for the D2...

Shocks though, are NOT interchangeable without work

To interchange the front springs wouldn't you need to run a D1 style lower perch to suit a ground spring? The D2 has a stepped lower perch to suit a cut and pigtailed spring.