Hey guys, I’m planning ahead and budgeting to replace my shocks and springs within the next year or so. My ‘03 is on the original suspension and while the ride is still good, it’s sagging quite a lot and the ride quality has been deteriorating. I think 20 years is a reasonable service life for Dampers and springs!

I’m not really interested in going the standard 2 inch lift route, and I had Terra Firma shocks on a previous disco and didn’t really like them (although I’m sure they’re fine - something else might have contributed to the average ride quality).

Looking for opinions from folks who have tried these two options:

1) The budget option: OE replacement shocks and springs, about $500 + shipping. I know the ride quality will be decent, and it will bring the truck back up to factory ride height (mines sagging an 1.5 inches on the drivers side, and an inch on the passenger side). So even doing this will appear to be a lift from my current ride height, and it’s affordable. Any suggestions on where to look for the best price for OE shocks and springs? Couldn’t find them on lucky 8, got these prices from Rovers north.

2) OME makes a “factory replacement” shock and spring kit that claims to offer about 1.5 inches of lift over the factory ride height. It’s about $1k + shipping. Does anyone have experience with this kit? It seems like a good middle ground between the 2 inch option and the factory replacement option. Or, is it basically the same thing as the TF 2 inch, in which case Id be better off just sucking it up and doing that?

My truck is on the 18” hurricanes with 265/60/18’s. Any opinions on whether or not a two inch lift will look right with this setup?

To summarize, my goals are to get the truck to handle more like it would have originally, for an affordable price, and any lift over factory right height is a bonus but not required. Opinions?

 

i have 265/60/R18's on one of my '04s with stock suspension. i really like the look. it feels very proportional.

my wife was driving the '04 with a 2" lift, 275/65/R18's the other day and i had two thoughts when i saw it. the first one was, "Damn, that looks good." i'm still not sure if i was referring to my wife, the Discovery or her driving the Discovery.
my second thought was that the tires looked a little too small with the 2" lift.


with the size tires you have, i would stick with the stock suspension.

subjective opinions. so take them for what they cost you.

 

Great perspective, thanks. Exactly the type of input I’m looking for!

 

Doesn't anyone make an aftermarket stock height setup?

 

I went through the same scenario this spring and here is what I did since I didn't need a lifted suspension. I have 265/60-18 Wildpeak AT3W tires. I used the Bilstein HD shocks and the Atlantic British OE (BritPart?) height springs and new hardware. Works great for me and looks pretty good as well. I run 40/44 psi F/R.

 

I have 245/75-16 with a 2 inch lift, so about the same diameter. Just my opinion since it was asked, not disrespecting anybody else. But I think a 2" lift is the difference between being a really cool looking vehicle and just a funky one.

 

Do you have any pictures? Interested to see how it looks with the extra space in the wheel well. The look is why I’m debating sticking with the factory size.

 

Did you notice the truck to be any taller after getting rid of your old springs and going to the new OE size?

 

 

Plenty of shock options but it’s hard to find springs. I’ve got a factory brush guard and steel rear bumper and I know replacing shocks will just cause them to wear prematurely without doing springs too. OEM springs are kind pricey, not bad, but more than you’d think.