Offroading with Airsprings?

[Megalodon]

Does anyone actually offroad with airsprings? Are you using Gen 3s? Have you had one blow out on you? If so, please describe the type of blowout. Did the bag just come apart or did the rubber actually break? How common is it to blow a bag? I really don't want to convert to coils, but I can't change a bag every time I go offroad.

 

[Tugela]

Have you asked over at rangerovers.net? That forum will probably give you more detailed information than discoweb will. Here are some links for starters:

http://rangerovers.net/newrremedies.htm#suspension

http://rangerovers.net/repairdetails/airsuspension/fieldrecovery.html

http://rangerovers.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=3

 

[DougG]

When I had my 96 P38, I would off road with the airsprings. Never had an airspring fail. They were the Arnott Gen III's. I did have an air line pop out of the top of the air spring though. Popped the air line back in, and it filled itself up and off I went.

 

[RRCNicky]

At the National Land Rover Rally in Moab last Fall, one of the trail guides ran a P38 with the airbags. My RRC originally had airbags when I bought it, and in my experience, they show symptoms long before they fail. Deflating overnight, etc. Like anything else, keep an eye on them - they provide such a great on-road ride and if you aren't looking for a crazy lift, enjoy them while you can...

 

[jim-00-4.6]

Yes.
I don't do all the "expeditions" that everyone here does, you know, needing 5,000 gallons of fuel, and 37 firearms, and a walk-in fridge, and so forth.
Couple days out in the woods, camping in the Rockies is what I do.

Only airbag fail I've ever had was an Arnott Gen 2.
Bag came off the aluminum thing.
Had a spare OEM bag, took about 20 minutes to swap it out.

It then took Arnott 3+ weeks to replace the failed airbag.
The Gen 2s don't really fit correctly, at least my set didn't (manufactured about 6 months apart).
The top part where the air line goes in doesn't really fit into the mount, so the air line gets pushed downward, and it leaks.

So I took the Gen2s off, and put on a set of OEM airbags, which have been flawless.

Want to buy a set of slightly used Gen2 rear airsprings?

 

[Gordo]

I personally wouldnt. Its just one more thing to break. I guess it depends on what you consider offroading. If you push it they are more trouble than they are worth. Then again if you push it you will probably break a diff or axle first anyway!

 

[skippy3k]

Dude, if you have to ask, then I think that is your answer. I offroaded with EAS and I've offroaded with coils. The peace of mind with coils made me wish I had done it sooner.