Disco 1 Suspension Perplexion

[LaOutbackTrail]

So I am starting this thread on Ryan's (SilvElise) behalf. He just picked up Viggen's Disco 1 and after driving it on the hwy and offroad I am concerned about a few things, especially with Ryan's plans for the truck. (please read the following, keeping in mind that I am serious, but using a bit of humor)

To start the truck feels overly top heavy, as if the suspension is too soft and the truck's going to fall over. :sombrero: On the plus side, the suspension flexes superbly. Suspension consists of 3" Rovertym springs and a 1" spacer. Also has fox shocks.

But on more than one occasion, the trucks soft suspension has made the truck feel that it is extremely possible to tip over and is VERY unsettling in off camber situations.

I feel the roof rack adds unnecessary weight, and even worse, Ryan intends to add a roof top tent soon. At 150lbs thats going to add even more leverage.

So in the grand scheme of things, Ryan does not intend to do the off roading like we did today. Instead, it will be his exploration toy, taking him to remote destinations near and far. Exploring in Big Bend, Colorado, Mexico, etc.

The truck is plenty capable how it is, but what suspension setup would be most appropriate for his uses? One that is possibly stiffer, and better capable of handling the roof loads while still maintaining a fair amount of stability and comfort on road and off hwy? Dumb question, but are sway bars available?

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Forgot to add this:

I'm thinking doing an OME or Iron Man suspension, heavies all around and going with different size tires (currently 255s), maybe a 265 75 R16?

Shorter suspension, shorter tires, overall lowering the center of gravity and widening the stance appropriately.

Not to mention the major pro of having a tire size which is far more common (265s)

 

[upcruiser]

I am running an RTT on my '95 and with a 2" OME, 235/85's, with the sway bars on and I find it works well. I don't find the flex to be all that great but the handling is fine. For what I use the vehicle for it seems to work well.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I'm 99% sure the sway bars are gone on this truck. Having sway bars would help tremendously...

 

[upcruiser]

I'm 99% sure the sway bars are gone on this truck. Having sway bars would help tremendously...

I have never removed mine but I would imagine it would be a game changer with an RTT, especially with the skinny tires.

 

[pattro]

If it is going to be an expedition truck and not hardcore off roader like the stuff you were doing, I would recommend at least medium if not heavy springs, because undoubtedly the rig will be loaded chock full of gear an the RTT. Also, i would put the swaybar back on (expedition exchange sells quick disconnect end links which are really nice if you want the option of not having it) but this is all what I would/have do/done.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Expedition truck.

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

HD OME springs and 235/85s - no sway bars - on my '94 for years now.

I still think the rears could be stiffer when it's all loaded up.

I think that your tall springs and a spacer are overkill for what you want the vehicle to do.

 

[Mike_rupp]

Ome 751 fronts / 763 rears would be a good no-nonsense spring setup.

Does the truck have cones on it?

 

[sven]

IIRC that truck has a SG 3 link setup...that would explain the tippyness.

 

[justaddmtns]

Are you sure the truck has RTE springs? In the photo the springs are yellow, like OME. I've never seen yellow RTE springs, unless he painted them.

 

[ersatzknarf]

2" of spring lift on a Disco 1 is plenty.
You could stay with the 255/85s or go down to 235/85s and be fine.
If the sway bars are gone, so be it. The original Rangies never had them. You'll be fine. 3" of lift and a 1" spacer is way too much for living with as anything other than a trail rig. Less is more. Believe me. We went all the way to 35x10.50R16 SSRs on NATO rims with only a 2" RTE lift and Bilstein 7100s and no sway bars (of course), but a whole lot of bodywork sacrifice and it drove fine on the road and highway, but it was a serious effort involving Sals axles front and rear and 4.56 gears and ARB lockers and more than a little dosh...

Get the set-up closer to "normal" and you will be much happier.

I'm 99% sure the sway bars are gone on this truck. Having sway bars would help tremendously...

 

[Antichrist]

2" of lift and a max for 32" tires is plenty for what you describe him doing with it. 7.50x16's work well.
If one drives thoughtfully sway bars aren't really needed.

 

[fishEH]

I have the 2" HD RTE springs. I pulled my sways and never looked back. Its actually surprising how stable it is, even taking corners.

You can put heavier/shorter springs on and reinstall the swaybars and that should help make it feel more stable. If you want quick disconnects for the sways shoot me a PM, I have some I'll let go for cheap.

 

[Viggen]

Hey, I sent Ryan a supply but the front of the truck is the SG 3 link which is why it feels tippy. Its designed to balance the front flex with the rear. It does run cones, front and rear, along with Fox shocks that were revalved by Fox for the suspension set up. It will flex and go over anything. I wouldnt bother switching springs. The ones on there can handle the weight easily without squatting. I have had more weight in that truck than most people will have and it never squatted down at all.