Testbook

[AlanB]

I remember back in the old days when air springs were $400-$500 each and height sensors, valveblocks, compressors, etc. were out of this world pricing. It seems that the prices of these things have really come down recently and there are now a ton of sources for used parts. If I had a newer P38 and everything was running right I probably would keep the EAS and put a manual over-ride system for a backup and carry a spare air bag. But as soon as things start to really puke, I would convert.

 

[Pugsly]

Oh come on Alan, gotta give the guy a little shit Especially when EAS and "cool" are used in conjunction...please.

No, you don't. I meant cool from an engineer and technology perspective. I really don't give a crap whether you think it is cool to look at.

Actually, having your vehicle electrical system freak out so badly that the switches do different things than they are supposed to do is cool as well - demonstrates the 'fly by wire' nature of the P38. Nothing is connected directly, every control is just an input to one of the computers... so if you had the knowledge you could completely reprogram every button and switch in the P38 to do something different. Including the ignition. Pretty cool.

Using an air compressor and air bags to control the height of your vehicle is cool tech. If you don't like it, swap it out for coil springs - which everyone I've talked to agrees gives a better ride than the airbags.

 

[agro1]

Using an air compressor and air bags to control the height of your vehicle is cool tech. If you don't like it, swap it out for coil springs - which everyone I've talked to agrees gives a better ride than the airbags.

"Cool Tech" ??? It's technology that has been around since the 50's...nothing new or cool about that.

 

[ptschram]

None of the "computer monstrosity" problems you mention will leave you stranded on the trail - an EAS failure will. But oh how "cool" you'll look...

You've obviously never worked with the BeCM...

So many things about the BeCM will result in horrible problems that can and most likely will leave you stranded until the vehicle is airlifted out of the woods.

PT

 

[agro1]

You've obviously never worked with the BeCM...
PT

Paul - Had he mentioned the BeCM, my comment would have been different. I'm fully aware of the potential liabilities with the BeCM - that's why I carry a spare.

 

[andrewv]

You carry a spare BeCM that's already been burned to your VIN? Wow, that's prepared!

 

[Pugsly]

"Cool Tech" ??? It's technology that has been around since the 50's...nothing new or cool about that.

Great, I suppose you'll be slamming traction control next?

 

[agro1]

CRASH CONTROL ??? You mean car control made easy for dummies ? Now that you mention it, yeah. Traction control on the street in dry conditions is for idiots. It has obvious benefits for inclement weather on the street, but even then I wouldn't use it. Offroading trac control is a different story...unless you have lockers. But then again...traction control is never going to keep me from going anywhere or doing anything another driver in the identical truck/car can go/do. It's just not good enough, yet...
Some of the higher end sports cars these days have some pretty amazing trac control systems with hosts of mind boggling algorithms, algorithmic techniques and data structures including but not limited to; longitudinal slip angles, slip angle sensors, tire road friction coefficients, longitudinal and lateral grip vs. vertical load, rolling radius, friction eclipse, tire pressures, tire temps and last but not least, the instantaneous center of rotation of the chassis in relation to the ground; otherwise known as pitch center - to name a few.

But in the end the decision is decided by the fact that if/when you run out of talent before you run out of road, no traction control will save your ass.

Why, did you want to debate the merits of Traction Control ?

 

[Pugsly]

... I think automatic transmissions are really cool

 

[expectthebest]

Me Too

 

[t77911s]

expectthebest, I removed my EAS for coil springs and have regretted it everyday I drive the truck. Yes I am aware of the problems with EAS, but there are so many other things that can go wrong that can leave you stranded. Now, If it were primarily off road, I'd rethink, but, mine is 99% onroad, and I have had other issues that have resulted in the tow truck call since coils. I personally would have delt with the increased cost and downtime of the EAS in hindsight. My next RR will have air. As I have stated before, it is your truck, your money, and your time, if you like the EAS, leave it. It will fail at some point in time, as will many other parts, everyone on this board is aware of that, and you may reach a point where it is no longer worth it to keep the EAS, but while it is working, I'd enjoy it. And yes, I thought the technology was cool also, no matter how dated! I still love the carbs on my 911's, talk about dated technology!!! Good luck...

 

[expectthebest]

Thank you very much. I think that's sound advice.

 

[agro1]

expectthebest, I removed my EAS for coil springs and have regretted it everyday I drive the truck. Yes I am aware of the problems with EAS, but there are so many other things that can go wrong that can leave you stranded. (SNIP) I have had other issues that have resulted in the tow truck call since coils.

Can you tell us why you regret not having EAS ? Also, what other things (besides BeCM failure) have gone wrong/failed that have resulted in needing to be towed ?

 

[t77911s]

agro1, not going to waste my time getting into an EAS debate with you, it really does not matter what you think of EAS or traction control (apparently crash control regarding your ability)

If you want to discuss constructive solutions for expectthebest I'm willing, otherwise, I'll pass on meaningless debates...

 

[agro1]

agro1, not going to waste my time getting into an EAS debate with you, it really does not matter what you think of EAS or traction control (apparently crash control regarding your ability)

If you want to discuss constructive solutions for expectthebest I'm willing, otherwise, I'll pass on meaningless debates...

First - I asked because I'm interested why someone would REGRET going to coils. I can understand if people refuse to do so, there are numerous reasons why people don't do it. But doing it and then regretting it just seems strange to me. Maybe you should have done a bit more research before doing the conversion ? Or, did you just drop it off and have someone else do it for you ?
Second - you have no idea about my driving abilities, on or offroad. So don't assume you do based on my "crash control" comment. You just prove what a moron you are by doing so. Had you read my post carefully, you would have realized that I do not like trac control and feel it is only so widly used becasue 99% of the population have no car control skills whatsoever.
Lastly - If you felt I was trying to bait you into another EAS vs Coil debate, you are wrong, just as you were wrong about my driving ability. I'd run circles around you, punk. Next time do some homework before you assume to know someone based on a comment you misinterpreted.

 

[t77911s]

I'd run circles around you, punk

you have no idea about my driving abilities, on or offroad.

Second - you have no idea about my driving abilities, on or offroad. So don't assume you do based on my "crash control" comment. You just prove what a moron you are by doing so.

And the same regarding my driving ability, of which you are attempting to judge, and by your reasoning, does that make you a moron also? So now you want a real childish debate over who is a better driver? Then you resort to name calling? Grow-up. The above statements speak for themselves. One can only assume that your driving abilities are limited due to the statements you make regarding traction-control. I have no idea who is a better driver between the two of us, and I don't really care either.

 

[agro1]

Unlike you, I base my conclusions regarding your driving ability on comments you have made, or in thise case, have not made... I don't make inaccurate conclusion and generalize comments you've made like you TRIED to do with my sarcastic remark likening trac control to crash control for dummies... Anyone will tell you coils handle better on AND offroad, give better articulation, better feel, are far more reliable, require no maintainence and last longer. So, I'll ask you again becasue you have yet to answer; why do you regret going to coils ? Becasue clearly, if you knew anything about racing, car control and vehicel dynamics, you wouldn't regret going to coils.

 

[JSQ]

Paul - Had he mentioned the BeCM, my comment would have been different. I'm fully aware of the potential liabilities with the BeCM - that's why I carry a spare.

*cough*
bullshit
*cough*



and i suppose the MiG21 will do a negative G push-over?

 

[agro1]

Keeping up public relations, Jack ?

 

[Pugsly]

Also, what other things (besides BeCM failure) have gone wrong/failed that have resulted in needing to be towed ?

Interestingly, my highly complex P38 has had to be towed once, and only because I didn't want to hook the battery back up and it was just easier to have the dealership drag it in under warranty.

My Defender, on the other hand, has been towed numerous times for mechanical failures (like the transmission giving out), electrical failures (ignition amplifier giving out), etc. It also consistently throws codes and has a persistent overheating problem, despite numerous radiator recores in differing configurations. I love my Defender, but it has cost me a frickin fortune compared to the P38. The Defender is sitting in the driveway right now because the power steering pump is leaking like a sieve, P38 drives daily. I carry a spare 14CUX but not a BeCM.

Go figure.