MY12 D4 suspension stiffness (lack thereof)

[Brad]

I picked up my new MY12 Disco 4 SE in Nara Bronze last Friday and so far the permagrin is yet to wear off One item which is starting to bug me however is how apparently soft the suspension is.

Driving on normal condition Sydney roads many small bumps will set off oscillations which repeat up to two times before damping out. For example left side compress, right side compress, left side compress, right side compress, damped. Is this normal for D4? I don't recall similar softness in vehicles I've test driven however the last time I drove one was probably 6 months ago and it was not MY12.

I had a '93 D1 prior to this which exhibited similar (but slightly more pronounced) behavior, which I attributed to worn shock absorbers. Putting Bilsteins in greatly stiffened (and improved IMHO) the ride.

Should I be asking the dealer to examine the car or is this the default setup? If the latter, is my only option to have the shock absorbers replaced with something better?

[Redback]

Are we saying the car bounces and wallows, if so it shouldn't, the D4 has a stiffer suspension than the D3 and is quite stable.

Baz.

[Disco4SE]

Something strange going on Brad.
As Baz mentioned, the D4 suspension is firmer than the D3. If anything, there has been comments on the D4 being stiffer in the suspension, but definately not soft??

I'd take it back to the stealers and let them drive it.

Cheers, Craig

[Celtoid]

He Brad,

There is a little wallow in my 3.0l D4 but it's minimal compared to other 4WDs I've driven, and surprisingly slight for such a heavy truck.

I've also read on this forum that the D4 shocks are rated as being pretty good, and same for same replacement would be advised in the event of new ones being needed.

Cheers,

Kev.

[CaverD3]

D4 is definately stiffer than the D3. Are your balls hanging free or have they got caught up somewhere?

[jonesy63]

D4 is definately stiffer than the D3. Are your balls hanging free or have they got caught up somewhere?

Gee Caver - getting a bit personal now, aren't we?

[CaverD3]

Twas me!

D4s not his.

[Brad]

It definitely feels "not right", to the point that I have had several passengers seperately complain about it.

Booked into Parramatta Trivett tomorrow so we will see how it goes.

[Brad]

Are your balls hanging free or have they got caught up somewhere?

I am vaguely aware of what these are - could you enlighten me as to their relevence to suspension?

[CaverD3]

Harmonic damper at the back. Large cast wieghts and can make an enormous difference to the ride if they are not free. Sometimes get hung up on wiring. Could be the cause of the not quite right ride.