LR3 - LR4 Resources

[Dave Legacy]

Tire choice may also have more of an affect than one would think. Aren't some MT tires somewhat pliable on the sidewall as compared to my bfg AT tires? I have been told that by a Rover off-roader tech.

In some ways, I really love the LR3 despite it's limitations.

I'm pretty sure that MTs are expected to be aired down quite a bit more that AT tires as they're designed to be used in mud. I'm pretty disappointed that I can't run BFG MTs on my LR3, I could run 275/65 Maxxis Bighorns with a full-time lift, but I'm rather happy with not stressing about suspension faults leaving my stranded; 285/60 still clears at the bumps (at least for street driving).

 

[Columbia Rovers]

details? cost? projected advantages/disadvantages?

The cost is the unfortunate aspect of it, around $2700. The conversion is expensive because it requires the purchase of the non-EAS struts. Stripping the bellow from the EAS strut and sliding a spring in its place is not possible. Therefore, each EAS strut has to be removed (could be resold to mitigate overall cost) and replaced with the rare NAS coil strut. Then the ARB/OME lift springs are swapped in.

Advantages: Steel won't leave you stranded

Disadvantages: Not adjustable which may or may not be an issue from one owner to the next. Not as cush of a ride.

It's a lot of money, but we are willing to work with someone to make it happen.

 

[Jwestpro]

I find this steel spring thing very interesting but I see some obvious problematic points.

Is this something you are just hoping you can figure out or are you working from an example of it having been done successfully on another LR3?

How do you deal with the computers issues? How does this affect the traction sensors?

How do you retain the same or greater articulation front and rear? Actually, the downward articulation will be considerably reduced as the ride height goes upwards.

In turn, as most people including me, would likely use a larger tire, you then also reduce the upward wheel travel.

 

[Columbia Rovers]

I find this steel spring thing very interesting but I see some obvious problematic points.

Is this something you are just hoping you can figure out or are you working from an example of it having been done successfully on another LR3?

How do you deal with the computers issues? How does this affect the traction sensors?

How do you retain the same or greater articulation front and rear? Actually, the downward articulation will be considerably reduced as the ride height goes upwards.

In turn, as most people including me, would likely use a larger tire, you then also reduce the upward wheel travel.

It's something we know we can do. Effectively similar to the SLS to coil conversions in DII's, it's a matter of reprogramming with IDS. Both EAS and coil suspensions were offered for the NA market so the software is all supported with domestic IDS.

The difference in articulation remains to be seen. I have yet to find anyone overseas that is already running these springs and actively posting their experience. OME has been selling them, but there is little publicity on them.

True, adding larger tires on the coil setup will decrease upward wheel travel, but no more than it will on an EAS equipped LR3 with the 2" lift. Maximum travel will be achieved with stock tires and the vehicle in high profile mode. But that's the crux, owners want their LR3's lifted and bigger tires, so this is just a good solution for those owners, especially the owner's concerned with EAS failures occurring at the most inopportune moments.

I have seen your LR3 listed in Seattle's craigslist. It's a tasteful build and you have it for a great price! I have turned a couple of my customers on to it hoping to keep it in the NW area.

 

[Jwestpro]

I may not be able to let the thing go!

Presumably OME has super HD springs that will reduce body roll on the highway? On trips mine weighs in at 8000 lbs. This would increase if I installed the extra fuel tank in the spare tire area.

I would welcome a 285/65x18 but also like to retain the ability to run snow chains on the current 265/65

 

[Columbia Rovers]

I may not be able to let the thing go!

Presumably OME has super HD springs that will reduce body roll on the highway? On trips mine weighs in at 8000 lbs. This would increase if I installed the extra fuel tank in the spare tire area.

I would welcome a 285/65x18 but also like to retain the ability to run snow chains on the current 265/65

You shouldn't sell it! They are only getting more versatile as the aftermarket steps up with new product offerings. I searched high and low, walked SEMA for 5 days straight, and after soul searching came right back to the LR3. Of course I may be a little biased based on my occupation.

It sounds like your needs particularly suited to the EAS until spring rate offerings are sorted out for this particular rig. 8k on the OME springs would sag. I am also interested in offering an emergency kit for the LR3 EAS owners. We will pioneer it on our own first of course.

 

[Jwestpro]

As for new mods, how about a TDI??

My next plan was in fact to be able to manually link my 2nd air compressor and tank to the stock system in times of need.

I don't know how the computer system reads the air or if it even does. I suppose it may simply use the height sensors to decide how much air to pump in. I.e, ad weight, springs compress and sensor arms shift, thus causing computer to ask for more air.

Regardless, it seems you should be able to at least replug another compressor into the stock system. The problem would be with auto run and shut off. I suppose it could just run as needed to fill either air tank.

 

[Jwestpro]

It sounds like your needs particularly suited to the EAS until spring rate offerings are sorted out for this particular rig. 8k on the OME springs would sag. I am also interested in offering an emergency kit for the LR3 EAS owners. We will pioneer it on our own first of course.

Are the OME springs not the HD version that you could get for the Discovery II? I have medium duty on my 05 Discovery and they feel great but it isn't built up with steel, it just gets loaded like a normal suv with lots of heavy gear, 800 lbs or so plus the SD safari rack and an 8' ladder.

I imagine the Discoveries that have all steel sliders, plates underneath, replaced bumpers and a winch must weigh about the same or close to mine.

They are on OME HD or similar Rovertym springs though right?

I am wondering something about this spring conversion idea. Is there any way to lengthen the appropriate suspension arms and links such that when lifted higher, they put the wheel and it's joint back out where they belong, rather than sort of tucked in from lift?

The new Toyota LC apparently still has a solid rear axle and independent front suspension.

My biggest concern is how the off road uneven track situations will work with springs. Currently the air allows the suspension to push out on one end if the opposite side is stuffed up high. This helps keep the whole vehicle more level and also keeps more tires reaching for traction. If the springs are too stiff, they won't compress up in when that would be beneficial.

I've seen lots of photos of the "4x4" suvs that go off road to play and there are always these stupid photos of a "wheel in the air" as if it's really off roading when you only have 3 tires touching. What seems ironic to me is that on such easy trails, lifting a wheel means you are out there in something not so much designed to be there for long. All tires touching is generally the goal, not lifting and teetering about for photos.

So, will this spring idea render the LR3 too stiff on it's feet?

 

[Rhinob]

New to the LR3 platform here, I just purchased a 2008 LR3 4.4 HSE. Bone stock with 19's and Pirelli ice and snow tires currently installed. I have another set of 19's coming for summer tires (18's won't fit over the brake calipers?) and am having a real pickle trying to find a nice set of A/T tires for them. I'm running up the white flag and asking for additional input for my dilemma. I like Cooper, BFG, and Michelins. Thoughts out there?

 

[Dave Legacy]

New to the LR3 platform here, I just purchased a 2008 LR3 4.4 HSE. Bone stock with 19's and Pirelli ice and snow tires currently installed. I have another set of 19's coming for summer tires (18's won't fit over the brake calipers?) and am having a real pickle trying to find a nice set of A/T tires for them. I'm running up the white flag and asking for additional input for my dilemma. I like Cooper, BFG, and Michelins. Thoughts out there?

18s will clear, 17s will not. Go with 18s and you'll have a lot more tire sizes to choose from. 31.5" is about as big as you can go without a full-time lift.

 

[Jwestpro]

the only current rovers not allowing 18" are the supercharged models.

 

[Rhinob]

18s will clear, 17s will not. Go with 18s and you'll have a lot more tire sizes to choose from. 31.5" is about as big as you can go without a full-time lift.

Thanks very much for the information. I will locate a set of 18's and go from there. Nitto's were on my '02 P38 RR HSE and I really did like them. I think I'll go with them this summer on the LR3.

 

[jrose609]

Thanks very much for the information. I will locate a set of 18's and go from there. Nitto's were on my '02 P38 RR HSE and I really did like them. I think I'll go with them this summer on the LR3.

Will d2 or p38 18"s work on the LR3?

 

[Dave Legacy]

Will d2 or p38 18"s work on the LR3?

Center-bore is too small, but can be bored out... Not worth the hassle in my opinion.

 

[nwoods]

Thanks very much for the information. I will locate a set of 18's and go from there. Nitto's were on my '02 P38 RR HSE and I really did like them. I think I'll go with them this summer on the LR3.

The Nitto Terra Grapplers are okay. I ran them for over 30k miles in my LR3, but the Coopers are MUCH better, and less expensive. They are better in ride, durability, traction, and wear...and cost.