Please pardon my ignorance, I have decided to remove my OEM step sides/running boards. Simple , just raise the defender to 4x4 height get under & unbolt & detach I thought. However came across a couple people stating not a good idea as the vehicle can lower/adjust height without warning? Anybody have any tips or suggestions please. Thx in advance

 

I installed my side steps without even jacking the vehicle, (I don't have air suspension), as the vehicle has enough clearance in its normal mode to accomplish this. Same as for when I installed the mud flaps. No jacking needed, the vehicle height is good as it is for most of these projects. I’m going to be doing an oil change in the next week or so, and I don’t believe I’ll need to lift it for that, either.

 

so is it safe to say if the vehicle is in standard height. It will not lower itself to adjust or anything? I kind of feel dumb just asking this! Lol

 

Can’t answer to this as I do not have the air suspension, but I’m sure someone here will respond that does have more expertise with that system.

 

i have the air suspension and do not think it lowers on its own when it is in normal height and turned off.

one option would be to raise the vehicle to off-road height, turn it off, and periodically check with your eye or a tape, to see if it does lower.

if it stays in off-road height for a period of time... you would know how much time you have to work with when adding the steps.

keep us posted.

 

Sometimes the air suspension will level or adjust itself. I have found that if you leave a door open it will not adjust. I always leave a door open when doing the seasonal tire changeover.

 

Thx for all the replies. Really appreciated!

 

One tiny thing most are missing here. If you plan on being under the vehicle and have any concern about the air suspension, you may consider just putting a jack stand in place as a 'just in case.' The best case is raise the car to full extension height and then put a jack stand in place. Then you will have lots of room to work and be worry free. I have had four vehicles with air suspension, none have ever done a surprise lowering with the exception of one that got a crack in the bag at 12 years and let the air out while driving. However, you could be the lucky one, the one it fails for. Then again I do have my graduate degree in Aviation Safety, so I am cautious.

 

Seems to me, to remove these steps is just 4 bolts on each side. With that being said , getting way under is not necessary. I could be wrong though?

 

The EAS DOES self-level and adjust down (as the compressor is not running when it self-levels) even when the vehicle is switched off. As mentioned above, leaving a door open will block the suspension from making any changes, but don't rely on this. Someone else can walk by and close the door as a favor to you or you can simply forget and close the door yourself while something is under the car / on the tire / etc and wreak havoc. Ask me how I know (or actually, please don't).

Just put a jack stand under the jacking point while you are working. There is more than one story of people being injured or even killed by dropping Land Rovers (not EAS, as far as I am aware, tho, but still. You don't want to be the first).