LR3 Suspension
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 942
Likes: 29
From: St. James, NY
Super Moderator
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 106
From: Arkansas
The system is pretty robust compared to older Land Rover systems. For the cost of that conversion kit, you could pretty much fix anything wrong with your system, maybe even twice. Even a new compressor doesn't cost as much as that kit. I've got 190,000 miles on my LR3 and as far as I can tell the springs are original (all though it could probably use new shocks now) and the compressor looks like it was replaced with a used one, and it works fine after I replaced the dryer.
Pro Wrench
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 153
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
have to agree with houm
I tend to agree with houm. The reason to own a 3 is because of the air suspension; otherwise you are better off with a Jeep.
The air suspension system is what makes the 3 different from all other 4x4 off road vehicles. As such, it requires different off road driving skills and style; also superior mechanical and electronic skills; otherwise you are beat.
The link below contains a number of files that explains the system about as good as anything you will find. It will also probably take a month of study to figure out the nuisances.
Regarding reliability, I regard my air system as more reliable than when it came out of the factory eight years ago - but it takes real work to get it to the level that LR was trying for. In my case, everything on the system is pretty much genuine; LR has over time fixed the problem areas - and yes, the compressor air dryer is a maintenance item, just like an engine oil filter.
DISCO3.CO.UK Photo Gallery - LR3 Air Suspension fuse 35P ECU Manual Shut Off Switch
The air suspension system is what makes the 3 different from all other 4x4 off road vehicles. As such, it requires different off road driving skills and style; also superior mechanical and electronic skills; otherwise you are beat.
The link below contains a number of files that explains the system about as good as anything you will find. It will also probably take a month of study to figure out the nuisances.
Regarding reliability, I regard my air system as more reliable than when it came out of the factory eight years ago - but it takes real work to get it to the level that LR was trying for. In my case, everything on the system is pretty much genuine; LR has over time fixed the problem areas - and yes, the compressor air dryer is a maintenance item, just like an engine oil filter.
DISCO3.CO.UK Photo Gallery - LR3 Air Suspension fuse 35P ECU Manual Shut Off Switch
Camel Trophy
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 482
From: North of Seattle
This photo shows the brilliance of the LR3's EAS. It's NOT the same "air suspension" that's in D2s and P38s. How many solid axle rigs have 13.5" of ground clearance down the middle? Heck how many of them have 13" of vertical wheel travel in the rear? How many IFS rigs emulate the dynamics of a solid axle suspension? (hint: the answer is "none" to all of those questions).
Pro Wrench
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 153
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
not a Jeep or a Land Cruiser
I actually think the problem some have with the 3 is that it is just different.
You drive it differently on the trail than probably even a G Wagon or Defender. The air suspension on each corner tends to push a wheel down whereas a coil spring or leaf tends to hold a wheel in the air; that difference alone is all the world of difference.
When I hear of replacing the air with coils, I tend to think one would be better off to go out and purchase a Jeep - a lot cheaper and easier to maintain.
Four wheel independent suspension on an off road vehicle is rare - only the HumVee and maybe the UniMogs, but I think they are solid axle at the rear as well.
You drive it differently on the trail than probably even a G Wagon or Defender. The air suspension on each corner tends to push a wheel down whereas a coil spring or leaf tends to hold a wheel in the air; that difference alone is all the world of difference.
When I hear of replacing the air with coils, I tend to think one would be better off to go out and purchase a Jeep - a lot cheaper and easier to maintain.
Four wheel independent suspension on an off road vehicle is rare - only the HumVee and maybe the UniMogs, but I think they are solid axle at the rear as well.
Camel Trophy
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 482
From: North of Seattle
I don't think that some have a problem with the LR3...in terms of suspension. I think they fear that the EAS will fail and that is why they seek to replace it with coils.
The point here is that the system has been fairly robust in 9 years of existence and it's worth the cost of maintenance versus the capability it affords the vehicle.
The point here is that the system has been fairly robust in 9 years of existence and it's worth the cost of maintenance versus the capability it affords the vehicle.
Pro Wrench
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 153
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
air system now is fairly reliable
Yes, I agree, the air system is now fairly reliable. Over the years, LR has improved it and as owners, we have learned how to keep it going.
By now, we have learned how to deal with the weak areas, be it the wiring harnesses that suffered from corrosion concerns, the weak relays, sick air dryers and plugged block valves.
We also know the limitations oversized tyres impose upon the overall workings of the system and the consequences of.
It helped when LR got smart and reduced the maximum operating pressure of the Hitachi compressors so that they did not kill themselves as a matter of routine.
As to the new AMK compressor, it may also be an improvement but I think if my Hitachi went out, I might just try to find another Hitachi and install same regardless.
If I do have a problem, it is with inner tie rods - putting another set on this month after only about 15,000 miles - cheezes me off, and I run stock size tyres and only on road, but our roads here are war zone quality.
By now, we have learned how to deal with the weak areas, be it the wiring harnesses that suffered from corrosion concerns, the weak relays, sick air dryers and plugged block valves.
We also know the limitations oversized tyres impose upon the overall workings of the system and the consequences of.
It helped when LR got smart and reduced the maximum operating pressure of the Hitachi compressors so that they did not kill themselves as a matter of routine.
As to the new AMK compressor, it may also be an improvement but I think if my Hitachi went out, I might just try to find another Hitachi and install same regardless.
If I do have a problem, it is with inner tie rods - putting another set on this month after only about 15,000 miles - cheezes me off, and I run stock size tyres and only on road, but our roads here are war zone quality.