Originally Posted by
DiscoWeb
Ben,
Correct
The GOE rod basically replaces the standard connector (all of about 4 -5 in long) but unlike the standard rod it has two holes at one end. When driving normally you leave it at the standard length setting and everything is normal.
When you get off road you change the holes and the GOE rods simply tricks the suspension into thinking it is in normal height when it is actually in off road height. The key benefit is this allows you to travel at speeds above 50 kph at off road height.
For people who do a bit of outback touring or travel on sand the fact that once you are travelling over 40 or 50 kph the vehicle lowers to normal height is an issue and one of the criticisms of the D3/D4 electronic suspension.
Additionally if in really tough stuff you can then select off road height but that is effectively extended mode giving you just that extra bit of clearance in the tough stuff. The cheapest 40 mm suspension lift you can have.
They will not damage your airbags/compressor, however it is very strongly recommended that you do not drive for extended periods at high speed in off road height.
The only issue I have had was when I first fitted them I kept raising and lowering the vehicle (because I could) and I got a warning because I overheated the compressor. Since then, once adjusted I simply leave the vehicle in the normal height (off road) height and rarely change unless I am in a really tight situation.
They are easy to fit and easy to change over, takes about 20 sec each wheel and once you have finished your off road playing you simply put them back to the normal setting and drive off.
The other option is the Llams system which for fear over over simplifying it is an electronic version of rods as in it 'tricks" the cars computer into thinking the height is X when it is Y. Able to adjusted on the fly from inside the vehicle and provides you with numerous height option to both raise and low the vehicle.
There are plenty of thread on the Llams system and also on the pros and cons of both.
Interestingly both the GOE rods (Gordon) and Llams (Graeme) are made by members on this forum.
I hope this helps your understanding and deliberation.
George
