RRS suspension strut lifespan

Back to the piece of string question...

The genuine D3s deteriorated rather rapidly at around 65K but IIRC provided better damping than the Delphis which were rather floaty from the outset. My original D4s were removed at 30K still feeling as new as the first of 3 suspension changes to make the ride softer but refitted when the D3s wore out only to fail abruptly within 5K. I'm hoping the new ones will last 80K but perhaps will be only last as long as the D3s did. However D3 genuine shocks cost a lot less than D4s so perhaps D4s use better seals and oil and hopefully will last longer.

The Delphis are currently OK/acceptable whilst cold but loose all their slow speed and short movement damping once warmed-up.

Yep ... String question it sure is !

My originals were in for 125km but had really seen better days by about 90 I think. The allmakes ones I have in now (Dunlop bags and Delphi shocks) were initially quite hard but have softened up a bit now (aprox 30k driven) and feel very good - smooth and good handling. Not sure how long they'll hold out but I don't see myself getting 125 (or even 90) out of them. In buying the much cheaper ones (1500 landed aprox) I resolved to change them a bit earlier than the originals !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Graeme

I just paid $1150 for a set of new genuine D4 shocks (not assemblies) ex UK. However with 160K done your air-springs wont last another set of shocks even if they're replaced prior to getting so sloppy. Assemblies are nearly double the price.

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Then you have to pay to get them fitted (unfortunately I cant do it)......

By the way, mine seemed fine at around 130k but deteriorated quickly out to around 150k and I have put up with it for another 10k

Best prices I can see are from around $560 to $600 per strut not including delivery or installation. It also looks like the RRS are dearer than the D3

I noted that your price included fitting. I change them myself but wondered if you could do so yourself if the money could be better spent on new ones.

Two examples for non-Genuine (delphi OEM or Allmakes):



Island 4x4 has fronts for 133-166 gbp (Front - Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.) and has rears for 175gbp (Rear - Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.).



Lrdirect has a few other options at the high end of that price range. I reckon freight would be in the order of 175GBP so buying Delphis from Island would probably set you back about aud$16-1700 incl freight (possibly a little more /less depending on freight choices and skills at avoiding the import duties and exchange rate etc).



The genuine ones seem to be about twice the price and you'd have to form your own judgement about the pros and cons of oem / genuine / used. Anyway good luck !