Thread: AIRBAG suspension all round Disco 1

my honest opinion? buy a vogue se rangie with operational air susp, and if you have a diesel in your d1 then swap running gear over to the rangie.

jc

Originally Posted by justinc

my honest opinion? buy a vogue se rangie with operational air susp, and if you have a diesel in your d1 then swap running gear over to the rangie.

jc

does the rangie have 4 wheel air or just rear? i have a back condition but still want a capable 4x4 but desperately need a little more comfort
and yes i have a 200tdi in the disco although honestly dont want to change cars again

long term reliability?

theres how many threads in this place regarding airbag problems?

I did an airbag conversion on a ’94 300tdi D1 in 1999, complete with cross link valving (first seen on L322 in 2002) – unbelievable articulation.

Can be done, I had fun. Would I do it again? No. It would be better to do a tdi conversion on a nice '94 rangie classic.

In QLD no inspection was required; I filled out a light vehicle mod form with details for “Change of spring medium”, all approved.

Air bags will not reduce body roll. I can confirm the opposite... By nature they have a softer rate.

Also make sure you fit the shocks rated for air. They are valved quite differently, as an air spring has no resistance in its expansion. Factory shocks for the classic fit straight into the rear, and if you get the towers and bottom mounts from a classic you can use classic fronts as well.

Have a good look at a late model classic, many parts will transfer over.

Airbag Man in QLD has (or did have) aftermarket bags to fit – it was a trail and fit exercise when I did it, but I know he has since sold more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaX8P9fuUdw

The 200 Tdi is a fantastic conversion to these as they came out in the UK with them, Straightforward to register as a conversion, really would be a good solution and you get way better comfort than a D1....

JC

justinc is right, way better.

I will add, I was in the industry and had access to cheap air components, I developed the control system, it was more of a 'because I can' project.

Air suspension Range Rovers have it front and rear. This is to give differant ride heights and access level. (Almost on the bump stops)

The 2nd previous suggestion was the best all-rounder, find the (rare!) Vogue with working Electronic Air Suspension,,,, and, if you can't afford the petrol.... swap you Nice Economical Diesel into the Rangie.

I understand there will be some engine mounts to be changed and other niggling fiddles, but that's the price you pay for AIR suspension.

Edit: - Justinc is perfectly correct (as usual.,.....) ditch the Buick abomination and put in the diesel. The only thing you'll miss is the Disco's Pajero=style rear door. But you may prefer drop-down tailgates.....

damn you guys, now im thinking hrm
wow interesting stuff............will look into how expensive it is to mod the disco with classic front end airbags............ as i can do most of the work myself.
I would love a Rangie but with the draconian laws in victoria about RWC certificates im thiking mod mine