Thread: Suspension Question

Not specifically a Disco answer, but:-

Most Landrovers have either no sway bars or very light sway bars, combined with long travel suspension, to enable good off road performance. This means that the only thing that stops them leaning one way or the other is to have the spring length/rate matched to the weight on each side. Since the engine and driveline are offset to one side or the other, the weight on each side is not the same. This is emphasised if much driving is done with a driver only.

From new, most Landrovers accordingly have either the length (curvature for leaf springs) or rate, or both, different between left and right. If the rate of sag under different loads differs from left to right, a lean will develop. Occasionally, when springs are replaced by owners or mechanics or suppliers who are not familiar with the above (or are careless), the left and right springs are swapped or identical springs installed when they should be handed.

Leans can develop for other reasons, such as broken springs, worn bushes or rust or structural damage (including accident damage), but the above is by far the most common cause, and is easily rectified by fitting the correct springs.

It has nothing to do with torque effects.

John

Look under from the back and make sure the swaybar linkage joints are sitting correctly on both sides.

Originally Posted by Hucksta

I have started to notice a slight lean (or list for the sailors) to the right hand side of my 98 Disco. I have seen this on a few of the older Disco's and even worse on the older Rangies. It seems to be more pronounced on the right rear of the vehicles.

I am assuming it has something to do with the power going through the drive train to the rear diff, as this happens the torque gives the car a bit of a twist and pushes the right hand rear down towards the ground, is this right?????

I guess my question is .... can this lean be fixed, if so how and can it be prevented. I know it is an asthetic issue but I'd like my Disco to look good as well as run great.......

Thanks in advance peoples

The Disco has it's battery, driver and spare all on the right hand side and over time it will sag accordingly. I bought a set of Lovells 50mm higher springs for my previous 93 Diso, each spring is marked (labelled) for each corner to compensate and these springs provide correct ride height at a loaded state (2 Adults and their gear) were only $320 delivered, great value, Regards Frank.

Check out the springs page on expeditionexchange.com, this issue is discussed there.

Essentially OME springs are handed to take account of the extra weight on the drivers side, being driver & t/case. That would explain your list.

Regards
Max P

Yeap. If you look under the bonnet of a TD5 the engine is offset to the drivers side, likewise the transfercase. Add the driver and torque reaction and they're just heavy on the driverside. With the springs already being less than marginal in their ability to support weight, the drivers side sags lower over time.