Hi guys,
Wow. I saw this thread yesterday, but I was on my way out the door at the office and had no time to respond: now Don (zelatore) has done a wonderful job of explaining the differences. Thank you! And thanks to everyone else for the positive feedback!
I have been meaning to write something like this for a while, so here is a quick recap and some points to ponder. I have tried to keep it as objective as possible, but I am from GAP Diagnostic :coffeedrink::
Lifting with the IIDTool
Cons
- as has been mentioned, due to tolerances in the height sensors and pre-programmed limits within the EAS ECU, you may have as much as much as 60mm (approx. 2") of lift available or as little as 30mm (a little more than 1").
Pros
- There are 2 major advantages to the IIDTool on the trail:
1. if you have an intermittent issue that causes the EAS ECU to drop the suspension to the bump stops (hard fault) such as repeated "out of range" faults from a height sensor or a compressor overheat, etc., the fault can be cleared with the IIDTool and normal suspension operation resumed
2. if you have a permanent issue with the air suspension that causes the ECU to drop the suspension, you can control the compressor and valves manually using the Service/Test function and enter the EAS into build mode to stop the ECU from making further changes to the system until it is repaired. The procedure is outlined in our
FAQ under "can I manually control my air suspension?"
- The IIDTool has 3 memory slots for individual height settings (so that you can have a street setting, an offroad setting, and a 3rd setting of your choice) as well as a "restore original settings function". Not "on the fly" like Llams, but a height change only requires plugging the IIDTool in, navigating to "my settings 1,2,3", and hitting "enter". Takes less than 30 seconds.
- The IIDTool requires no installation.
Lifting with the Llams or its Italian counterpart Anitas
Cons
- Requires somewhat involved installation
- No EAS diagnostics (fault read/clear)
- Price (the Llams is slightly less expensive than an IIDTool BT, the Anitas slightly more (but it has a nicer set of switches, IMO...). And the IIDTool is a full diagnostic system for LR - see more info below)
Pros
- no height limits imposed by electronics
- "on the fly" adjustability (this is
the factor that makes the units an interesting option)
Lifting with Rods
Cons
- Requires installation
- No EAS diagnostics (fault read/clear)
- No adjustability without deinstallation
Pros
- no height limits imposed by electronics
- price (least expensive option to lift a LR with EAS)
Points to ponder...
- The single biggest factor that has put Land Rovers amongst the best 4x4s in modern times is articulation. Off-roading successfully is about keeping all 4 wheels on the ground. The stock suspension has an optimum amount of compression (upward suspension travel) and droop (downward suspension travel) designed in. The more you raise an EAS equipped LR, the less droop you have available. I've not experimented a great deal with the LR3/4 platform, but on my L322 Range Rover, at 50mm lift in off-road height I have next to
no droop left. Once you hang a wheel in the air, you are relying on the vehicles electronic aids for traction and the vehicle is inherently more unstable. 35" tires and a 4" EAS lift is only good for showing your cojones in a parking lot. For a larger lift, you need to make major alterations to the suspension.
- The combination of rods and an IIDTool gives you unlimited lift capability (adjustable rods - not Johnson) and full diagnostic capability in roughly the same price category as Anitas or Llams (and I still consider this to be an objective opinion
). Of course, in contrast to Anitas or Llams you do not have "on the fly" adjustability. Making height changes require stopping the vehicle and take about 30sec.