Member Since: 24 Oct 2006
Location: League City, Tx
Posts: 54
I wouldn't go that far. They're different, but their drivers aren't. Land Rover enthusiasts are a clever lot and will figure out in time how to make them work the way they want.
That said, it does look a bit more difficult to do on the D3 - reverse-engineering the suspension software will be quite a trick, but someone will do it. Once that happens, heavily customized D3s will appear. It's just a matter of time.
(if you want an example of what the old D1 could have done to it, look at the East Coast Rover web site and check out their "Disco-Tech" project - they swapped the Rover V8 for a TD5 diesel, lifted it, swapped the tyres and wheels, added fender flares, installed a serious winch bumper, and gave it a complete respray. They never sold them, but it looked like a pretty serious off-road machine.)
15th Dec 2006 5:32 am
LeighW D3 Decade
Member Since: 31 Jan 2006
Location: Brisbane, AUS
Posts: 918
You are right Simon, as long as the lift is kept to probably no more than 50 mm you won't notice a dramatic life reduction for the CVs. But they are under more stress and could fail prematurely as a result of the increased angles.
My experience with LR products was 60s-80s Land Rovers (4s and 6s) then nothing until I bought the D3/LR3 in January of 2006. The changes are dramatic but the robustness is still evident. After your comments, dlm3, about the DII having ACE as an option I thought I had better learn more about it and read a description of it (here.)
Whilst browsing, I discovered that Wabco indeed made components for earlier models so there could have been some info sharing.
But I believe you are right in saying that the D3 doesn't need much improvement in suspension except possibly for the tyres (Which are really just a compromise that the manufacturer was able to satisfy the majority of users with.)
LeighLeighW
The old girl is on her third engine...
* first ran a bearing (design failure in original engine)
* second had a failure of the water outlet on top of the engine (pls check yours)
15th Dec 2006 6:01 am
AndrewS Tarquin of the Desert
Member Since: 06 May 2005
Location: Y...... because I can
Posts: 10438
I'd like to know how the machine was being driven when it broke. What caused it? Was it aviodable in retrospect? is it likely to happen again in the same circumstances? etc...
I'd also like to see photos of the breakage.
On a special stage. Trying to climb a slight incline through very deep cross ruts. It failed the first attempt. The D3 had gone into 'super extended mode'. I reversed back about 2m checked all the settings were correct. At this point the O/S wheel was in a big hole and I had no choice but to turn hard left. So ready for the second try and applied a little power, BANG the CV joint failed. The car never actually moved.
So fully extended on full 'ish' lock the joint failed.
The Matzker D3 in super extended mode had to winch the last part of a special stage as it was unable to continue under its own steam due to lack of traction. I was the next vehicle through and completed the stage no problem. Oh and my 2 sons completed the stage in 110s just before the Matzker D3
The Matzker D3 did not drive the section where I broke my CV joint.
I am not trying to belittle the Matzker system I'm sure it has its merits I'm just not convinced that the D3 can handle running in super extended mode for long periods of time. Maybe up-rated CV joints are the way forward.
When the D3 realises it requires extra height to clear obstacles it automatically goes into Super Extended and will stay there until you lower it.
- reverse-engineering the suspension software will be quite a trick, but someone will do it.
Matzker already have
AndrewS wrote:
I'm just not convinced that the D3 can handle running in super extended mode for long periods of time
Which probably explains the 'reset height when clear of obstacle' messages. Extended mode and then the extra height you can get manually once in extended mode are designed to help get you out of trouble not for extended runningThe End
15th Dec 2006 10:35 am
nwoods
Member Since: 04 Apr 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 563
I spent a lot of time, effort and fair amount of energy into lift options for the LR3/Disco 3. I have a coil sprung LR3, so a lift was far more necessary, as the stock coil version is MUCH lower than than you air boys.
I agonized quite a bit about the CV angles, steering column, drive line backlash, etc...but ultimately, I figured that if I stayed below super extended mode angles, I would be fine. I currently have a 65mm lift from stock, which means I'm still about 30mm LOWER than Super Extended mode. (or thereabouts, math not my strong point, and I think in inches).
I'm going out tomorrow on a really difficult trail called Nightmare Gulch, should be interesting.
My excursions in Moab, Utah have indicated a couple of major points:
1. standard air suspension with it's cross linked ability is AMAZING, because it pushes the opposite wheel down waaayyy far. Over 14" based on my tape measure. That is a tremendous amount of articulation. Which as was pointed out, allows your wheels to stay in contact with the ground and provide highly useful motive power.
2. If you off road, the rear locking diff is worth it's weight in gold, and may just about costs that much to retrofit, and no one has figured out how to do it.
Here is an example of articulation:
And another:
Click image to enlarge
Compared to my coil sprung version with about 4" of articulation
(same spot on the same trail)
Click image to enlarge
16th Dec 2006 2:50 am
disco4x4au
Member Since: 19 Jan 2006
Location: Perth
Posts: 409
Quote:
When the D3 realises it requires extra height to clear obstacles it automatically goes into Super Extended and will stay there until you lower it.
This is interesting - I've been complaining that my D3 _won't_ stay in extended mode. Because it used to, prior tp the vehicle enhancement. Now LR (Aus) have told me it's not supposed to??
As to driving in extended mode - like I said, sometimes you really need to. Articulation is nothing, if you don't have the clearance. And the D3's long wheelbase means you need a fair amount of the latter to keep up with other 4WDs. I've been looking at ways to engineer a lift on mine.
Cheers,
Gordon[/quote]ex - 2006 D3 TDV6 SE, silver, with lots of stuff - R.I.P.
ex - 2009 D3 TDV6 SE, silver, had lots of stuff too!
Now - 2010 RRS 3.0 TDV6, rimini red, 18" rims + Cooper LTZ, rear eLocker, Spider tuning box, GOE protection plates and rock sliders, GOE 3way shortened rods.
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