Back in an LR3 again...
Hoping someone can shed some light on this subject... and yes, I know that I will lose cross articulation and auto leveling feature..
I've bought one that already has an "Economy"coil conversion that does not suit my goals for a semi-daily driver/Uwharrie trail rider/beach cruiser/boat tow rig in Coastal North Carolina.
The truck was converted a year ago with a basic kit from Strut Masters which DOES NOT use OE style coils and struts and DOES NOT have a secret sauce box to turn off the warnings... It would appear they are selling a basic coil/strut combo from a 2005 Ford Expedition based on my measurements and visual inspection. Driving it reflects that the spring rates are grossly inadequate for a vehicle of its weight. I called Strut Masters and they declined to confirm citing their technical information/spring rates were "proprietary information"
Moving forward... I have a set of LT275/65R18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers mounted to OEM V6 wheels (5 spoke) waiting to go on so I will need a lift of ~2.5" to accomodate the tire set up.
I spoke with AB today about their kits... My stress point is that I've read several posts on different forums about the bushings in the upper strut mount failing. I asked about replacement parts for future servicing (ie. replace a failed strut in the future) and they said individual parts are not available and the parts in their kit were also proprietary. Same answer received when I asked about the spring rates of their AB brand 2" lift kit and if the valving of the shocks provided with their kit is up to snuff for the spring rate of the OME HD. Only answer was "We've sold hundreds of kits so you should buy one too instead of attempting to band-aid your EAS"
Side note, Lucky8 does not offer a kit w/ lift... only option is to buy a standard Dunlop conversion w/ ECU and add OME springs after the fact, per their rep (I did not speak to Justin or Erik, and Stephen is no longer there.. I cant remember the name of the person I spoke with)
I understand that this is not rocket science but my technical mind wont let it go... I am not trying to debunk some trade secrets, re-invent the wheel, or impede capitalism, just want to make a good long term decision and be sure that I can service a spring conversion moving forward because I plan on keeping this one for a while. I also believe that you deserve to know what you're buying if you're spending $1300 on a kit. I am in no way trying to insult any of these companies, AB and Lucky8 do a lot to support the LR community and I am happy to support them!
I was a service advisor/manager for 2 different LR dealers for ~10 years and this is my 7th personal LR3... I just do not have a lot of experience with coil conversions and it doesn't seem prudent to refit EAS as the lines have been open to the elements for a year and was converted because due to 1 failed strut which was not addressed and ultimately burned up the compressor.
Thanks for your help!
Scott
Hoping someone can shed some light on this subject... and yes, I know that I will lose cross articulation and auto leveling feature..
I've bought one that already has an "Economy"coil conversion that does not suit my goals for a semi-daily driver/Uwharrie trail rider/beach cruiser/boat tow rig in Coastal North Carolina.
The truck was converted a year ago with a basic kit from Strut Masters which DOES NOT use OE style coils and struts and DOES NOT have a secret sauce box to turn off the warnings... It would appear they are selling a basic coil/strut combo from a 2005 Ford Expedition based on my measurements and visual inspection. Driving it reflects that the spring rates are grossly inadequate for a vehicle of its weight. I called Strut Masters and they declined to confirm citing their technical information/spring rates were "proprietary information"
Moving forward... I have a set of LT275/65R18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers mounted to OEM V6 wheels (5 spoke) waiting to go on so I will need a lift of ~2.5" to accomodate the tire set up.
I spoke with AB today about their kits... My stress point is that I've read several posts on different forums about the bushings in the upper strut mount failing. I asked about replacement parts for future servicing (ie. replace a failed strut in the future) and they said individual parts are not available and the parts in their kit were also proprietary. Same answer received when I asked about the spring rates of their AB brand 2" lift kit and if the valving of the shocks provided with their kit is up to snuff for the spring rate of the OME HD. Only answer was "We've sold hundreds of kits so you should buy one too instead of attempting to band-aid your EAS"
Side note, Lucky8 does not offer a kit w/ lift... only option is to buy a standard Dunlop conversion w/ ECU and add OME springs after the fact, per their rep (I did not speak to Justin or Erik, and Stephen is no longer there.. I cant remember the name of the person I spoke with)
I understand that this is not rocket science but my technical mind wont let it go... I am not trying to debunk some trade secrets, re-invent the wheel, or impede capitalism, just want to make a good long term decision and be sure that I can service a spring conversion moving forward because I plan on keeping this one for a while. I also believe that you deserve to know what you're buying if you're spending $1300 on a kit. I am in no way trying to insult any of these companies, AB and Lucky8 do a lot to support the LR community and I am happy to support them!
I was a service advisor/manager for 2 different LR dealers for ~10 years and this is my 7th personal LR3... I just do not have a lot of experience with coil conversions and it doesn't seem prudent to refit EAS as the lines have been open to the elements for a year and was converted because due to 1 failed strut which was not addressed and ultimately burned up the compressor.
Thanks for your help!
Scott
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