Would be good if you could figure out a way to fit your wheelchair somehow to lift you up a couple of inches when getting in and out. Like a remote control lift built into the wheelchair. Then you could leave the rover at a good height for clearance and a decent ride. I don't know much about wheelchairs or if anyone sells anything like that and also... I'm sure you've probably looked into that option already so...just a thought.

 

We were close to buying an LR3 for that very reason but given the fact we are both total gearheads and will be doing a full build on either car eventually anyway, it made more sense for me to get this car for less than half the price. I prefer the classic rover appearance, and while I like the LR3, it ventures more into generic-looking SUV land and is a great departure from the appeal of that classic British styling.

For the average car buyer who purchases a vehicle as a commodity, I can see the merit in buying for that reason but as someone who will eventually upgrade every component and system in the vehicle to my own specifications, even if that means fabricating what I want, I opted for the car with the styling I prefer. We may eventually get an LR3 but I couldn't justify the outlay of $7,000 difference. The LR3s in that price range had higher mileage than this Disco and were in far rougher shape. We got a great deal on this car and condition truly is everything.

 

I ride a manual ultra lightweight titanium wheelchair (weighs around 20 pounds) and while I do have a power chair, it's not what I use to get around. You'd be shocked to find out how expensive mobility equipment is. Because most car mobility equipment isn't covered by insurance, they charge an arm and a leg (LOL) such as for a rotating seat that lowers, I would be looking at $6000 new. Insanely expensive.

 

Does 2"make that much difference? If it comes down to it and an effective lowering strategy can not be obtained could the focus not shift to well placed grab bars and a modified fold down step at drivers door? It would be cheaper and the factory suspension could be maintained. Land rovers dont need any additional complexity or failure points, particularly if you off road it.

 

Considering I can't really lift my legs, yes.

 

If your hoping to get the vehicle low enough to stand, pivot and sit, I don't think with as high up as the seating position is that will be possible. Even if the rover is sitting on the frame it will probably require modifications to the seat.

 

I am going to have to say that a form of air suspension, is the way to go. you can have adjustability. I have put firestone kits in the rear of a few vehicles. I can make pretty drastic adjustments....especially on the ones that were worn out leaf springs. i usually get my kits from etrailer.com.
several places will get you custom coil springs...Coil Spring Specialties
if i was doing it, I would get the custom coils at a lowered size and a supplemental/helper air kit. the air kit will get you a smoother ride and let you have adjustability. the lowered coils will work as a fail safe suspension and allow for the cheaper supplemental air kit and not the $2000+ full conversion.

 

That's a great moderate option worth considering. I'm going to price out all three avenues and go from there. Thanks Dusty

 

May I suggest dropping a letter to LRNA or LRUK and ask whether the D2 2003 can be modified easily to accommodate air springs all round. The 2003/4 HSE (ES) already utilises rear air springs so it's not beyond the wit of man or the manufacturers to come up with a solution. I have a remote 'plip' for raising and lowering the rear air springs which was originally designed for ease of trailer/caravan hooks ups.

In getting in touch with LR they may even come up with some tech assistance free gratis also another idea being to drop a line to LRO (Land Rover Owners) or LROI (Land Rover Owners International) they are both very good and just maybe take this on a a challenge for you, perhaps free gratis also.

 

Terrafirma makes lowered springs for Defender, but I don't see them for Disco.