Thread: Discovery 3 S Offroad

True - the cross linking in the air suspension works really well. Air makes towing easier too.

So other than the lack of ground clearance, are there any other issues with the D3's so far?
I've heard that some sensors are a little exposed to mud and such.
Are the Electronic bits up to scratch. So far, except for the odd story, I've heard nothing untoward.

Gound clearance is only an issue on the S in off road height the air suspension has more clearance than the Pajero and heaps more than the LC200.
Unless you count lowering to normal height above 40Km/h.
Early models had issues which have gradually been fixed so the MY09 should be fairly trouble free.

Hi all
What I am asking is if you put srings on your D3 S is it the same height as D3 SE with air or is it still lower , and how have people found them with the springs going 4WD.

Thanks Declan

That would depend on the springs you fitted. There would be a practical limit to the lift as with any indie susp car, being the length of the shocks, alignment limits, downward travel etc. I don't know what those limits are for the coiler, and wouldn't necessarily say they are the same as for the air. Reason being that the air will never run at offroad height for long as the damn thing lowers, but a coiler's height is set permanently. Therefore there may be issues with things like camber at the higher lifts. It is worth checking it out with a specialist that understands suspension properly, maybe it's fine.

The question of how it goes is answered below. I'm not sure, but if you're thinking of converting an air S to a coil S I would advise thinking through that one carefully first.

I've been driving an S coiler all weekend off-road, alongside a few SE/HSE's and a Freelander 2.

The lack of ground clearance is the major issue - it bottoms out on obstacles that the FL2 will clear. The std traction control is very good in hilly/rocky/muddy conditions (superb actually), but you can't de-sensitize it in sand (no TR) so it tends to bog down quicker on the beach/dunes. The wheel articulation is on par with the FL2, not as good as the air models.

Kings do a +60mm spring for the D3 which gives you the same ground clearance as an air model on "off-road setting", but as far as I know, you're currently stuck with the std shockie, which as someone pointed out earlier, has had a few failures when used with the longer springs.

Was a fun weekend comparingthem though!

Cheers,

Gordon

Hi All

I have a 2006 D3 S which has the rear fitted with King Spring raised springs (Part No KRRR-X) The vehicle was fitted out with these springs when I purchased it second hand. I am about to fit matching raised springs to the front (Part No KRFR-13) to give it more front clearence. Minimum rear clearence under diff is currently 230mm.

I have spoken directly to King Springs regarding raising the D3 and they informed me that the maximum lift they do is 40mm. this is to ensure that the shocks do not top out and get damaged. The other issue to be aware of is that going beyond 40mm increases the angle on the CV and drive shafts so that highway speeds increases the stress on bearings. (One of the reasons the Air models lower after 40ks as well as for stabillity) King Springs also stated that fitting raised springs will marginaly reduce articulation.

I have found ground clearence on the standard hight D3 sprung model is a major issue. Clearence over rocks and ruts. Pushing sand in rutted tracks or soft dunes when doing beach runs present problems. But in saying this 40mm extra lift can and will make quite a noticable difference.

I have taken My D3 along the same tracks that my old 1997 Discovery just walked through with out a problem. The D3 struggled not so much from ground clearence on steep undulating rocky hills but articulation. Sand driving is definately a height clearence issue. I will be doing more tests once the front end is lifted and new tyres are fitted.

I will keep you informed or am available for more information.

Cheers

Howard.

Thanks for all the replies lads it great to hear from the people who have the D3 S series what they think about the ground clearance i might wait a bit longer and see can i get a D3 SE , i was hoping to just put springs and struts on the S series but it does not seem to be going to well from the feedback, hope to hear from more people with D3 S series

Thanks Declan