converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

Hi all, I'm thinking of converting the air suspension on my 01 disco to a coil spring. Any advice on what the disadvantages are? what effect will it have on the truck? will I still be able to maneuver it the way I used to. Any advice will be appreciated from the experienced people. Thanks.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

Why would you want to remove such a good and comfortable feature???????????????????????

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

Thanks Mike.
Part of what I really want to know is why you call it good and comfortable feature.
This thing is really frustrating, It goes down virtually every time I park the car, sometimes it goes up as soon as I start the truck, and sometime it doesn't. Is it normal for it to go down when I park?
I really need to understand the advantage of the air spring over the coil spring so that I will know what I stand to lose (if any) if I decide to convert to coil spring.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

Maybe a more important issue for you to look at is why is it acting up and how come you haven't asked for any help to fix it.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

I have before now, i guess i didn't ask correctly. Pls help. guide me how to trouble shoot it. Thanks in anticipation.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

Send me your tele number, I'll call you and we can work thru it.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

To answer your question the work involved is not difficult. Get rid of the air suspension. The coil conversion is a good setup. I have dealt with air suspensions from motorcycles to custom cars and in time note that they all fail due to cracks in the bladder(air bags) or faulty lines.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

Just for what it is worth, everything fails some more freuently then others. Yes air bags can crack with time, no big deal, springs and coils drop with age, shocks fail as do bushings.
The fact that your motor cycles and custom cars have had failures has absolutely nothing to do with a Disco's set up that will give you years of good servive and a great ride before needing some maintance.

RE: converting from Air suspension to coil spring, ple help
 

i just sent my '99 disco series two to the dealer to fix exactly that problem. i was also thinking of doing the coil spring conversion. on the other hand i like the comfort of the air. i wouldn't mind a more experienced opinion on that myself.

Hi there, Just to give more information and share what i recently discovered. The main advantages of air spring over the coil are:

1. Variable Load-carrying capability
2. adjustable spring rate
3. user-friendly height control
4. low friction action

Source:http://www.firestoneindustrial.com/p...ng%20works.pdf

My reason for replacing my air suspension was financial and I was looking for a trouble free operation. Simply wanted to forget about the air bags leaks and the cost associated with replace them + the issues that you are experiencing. Since changing it to Old Man Emu springs and shocks many years ago, I haven't experienced any issues at all. I did the job myself and it was fairly easy. After completing the job, I had better clearance and was able to install bigger/more aggressive tires.

This was for my RRC. I do realize that you own a Disco, but wanted to share my experience, from a RRC owner perspective. I hope this is helpful.

I would also want to compare the cost of each. And possibly even a more durable air suspension. Possibly upgrade the plumbing to a more durable material/construction like the aircraft style pneumatics.

All depends on your degree of disposable income compared to your overall desires.

Adjustability may be nice while a really good heavy duty coil spring/shock combo may better suit your specific needs.

I like the air SLS on my D2 because the ride is nice and after overloading the back of it with wood/building supplies and a trailer it comes back up to normal ride height. And it still rides comfy with a load in it!

Add to this I can raise the rear by a good 3 inches when off-road with the push of a button!

I just had the same issue the OP had with saging rear when parked. Used soapy water in a spray bottle and discovered a pinhole in the left spring. $230 for BOTH rear bags WITH a lifetime wty, now the truck rides like new - problem solved.

No trip to Land Rover to reset/disable the "system."
Easy repair in your own garage.

You can also add up to a 3" lift along with the SLS and have the best of both worlds.