| Author | Message | ||
     chris sharpe (Bromhead) New Member Username: Bromhead Post Number: 4 Registered: 02-2003 |
Finally ready to pull the trigger and upgrade my suspension. (only 1 year late) I have a 97 discovery and except for slightly larger BFG AT’s (245/70/16), it’s completely stock. It’s my daily driver but I don’t have a commute. I’d like to think I will put a heavy bumper on some day, but that’s currently not in the cards. Probably will never buy a winch. I’d like to try to go wheeling several times a year. Concerned with driveline vibe. There, that’s my bio, now you would think, or at least an idiot like me would, that nailing down what type of OME shocks and springs you would need would be easy, no? Went to the excellent EE website and also talked to John over there. For my use, they recommended: N115/N44 HD Shocks and 751/781 HD springs. Being a noob, and with embarrassingly limited tech skills, I decided to also get recommendations from the other vendors (most of there websites were inferior to EE’s BTW, but for the most part were also helpful on the phone) to ensure I was looking at the right equipment. And before this email goes in the direction of knowledge rape and playing vendors off for price, that’s not what I was doing. Every one is fairly competitively priced, but they all had different solutions. I’m trying to figure out what’s the best solution and unless there is gouging, I will buy from that vendor. British Pacific: HD setup to harsh. Go with N45/46 shocks and 761/764 springs. Didn’t agree with the matched spring solution. Rovers North: Similar to BP, but substitute 762 in the back for the 764. ARB customer service: HD too extreme, go with N45/N46 and 761/762 or 764. They did manage to slightly agree that if I loaded by car up with all the goodies that you see in an expedition, then EE’s choices might make sense. Although they did not agree with the 781 springs in the back and said they were not designed for the D1. They were insistent that unloaded, around town, the HD shocks and springs would not be comfortable and also did not push the matched spring solution (although not pushing is different from saying “don’t”) Atlantic British agreed with BP, although they felt that Bilsteins would be a better choice for shocks! Thanks, give me another variable to fumble with!  So 5 resources, 5 different opinions (might have asked someone else, but I cant remember). So, who do I listen to? I know that EE is very respected on the board and my conversation and purview of their website certainly supports that opinion. But all the other vendors and to some extent, the manufacturer, seem to have a different take on it. I’ve searched the archives and most people’s feedback tended to support EE, which is were I am leaning to, I just have concerns. While I do some day have aspirations of having a moderately modified expedition vehicle, this is probably not even medium term realistic, if that!. Probably slightly larger tires, a bumper (no winch) and maybe a locker, but who knows when. Thanks for your help. | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 710 Registered: 09-2002 |
Chris, You have discovered the problem. Sometimes it is better to stay ignorant. The correct answere is all of the above. Do not worry to much because I doubt that you would know the difference between any of the setups if you tried them one at a time. Very subtle for what you are trying to do. I personally started with hd ome springs and shocks...I liked the ride, no vibes. Then I broke a rear shock and replaced the rears with blisten. I like that too. I would say...follow your gut and use EE. You will not be wrong with any of the scenerios that you described but you can be done with this turmoil you have put yourself in by just calling EE. You will be happy. | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 585 Registered: 03-2002 |
Chris: Not to be a smartass, but why are you upgrading your suspension? You certainly don't need lift for your tire choice and it sounds like any off-roading you'll be doing in the near term is moderate at worst (or best depending on your POV). I say hold off until you decide on tire size, use and other mods unless, of course, you're bouncing all over the place right now. FWIW, I spent some time w/John on the phone and went with his recommendations (N107/N108;779/762) as tires, lift and some protection were my first mods; bumpers, winch and other stuff was to come down the road. I've been very pleased since day one. My only complaint is that I'd like another inch or so of lift as I've added all this heavy stuff to the truck. Concensus seems to be that spacers in the rear and 751s up front will solve that. -Mike | ||
| Blue (Blue) Member Username: Blue Post Number: 44 Registered: 04-2003 |
LISTEN TO ME... ...go with EE | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Senior Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 1474 Registered: 02-2002 |
Go Here: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/ome/indexsprings.htm | ||
| D. Chapman (1hank1) Member Username: 1hank1 Post Number: 138 Registered: 02-2003 |
Pick a company who is going to stand behind there product. I have heard real good things about EE and Rovertym's return policy. | ||
| Carter Simcoe (Carter) Senior Member Username: Carter Post Number: 2300 Registered: 04-2002 |
yeah I don't think it gets mentioned around here much but I am very happy with the way John (of RTE) has stood behind his products. I just mentioned that my rear springs had sagged out and new ones were imediatly headed my way (didn't even ask for the old ones back or anything). I'm sure EEs policy is just as good but I figured I'd plug RTEs just because it seems to get a little less press around here. | ||
| Joe M. (Little_joe) Member Username: Little_joe Post Number: 105 Registered: 11-2002 |
I would also question the need to upgrade your suspension. For around town driving, the higher spring rates are much harsher than stock, even the OME MD (which is what I have on my 96). Unless your stock springs are sagging, why change them w/ that tire size? Consider some quality shocks (Bilstein, OME) if you're looking for improved ride. They will be a benefit offroad as well. joe | ||
| chris sharpe (Bromhead) New Member Username: Bromhead Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2003 |
FYI: the springs are sagging. The truck has 80k miles and a very large load was left in it while I took off for vacation for 3 weeks several months ago (long story). Never been the same. Under moderate offroading, the slightly larger tire size does rub in the back. So, unless I dont want to off road anymore, I need to do something. This is the excuse I have needed to upgrade and hopefully it will lead me to using my car off road a bit more. thx | ||
| Blue (Blue) Member Username: Blue Post Number: 46 Registered: 04-2003 |
Upgrading suspension isn't just for off-road prowess. Your big, heavy, Discovery will experience less nose-dive upon breaking, less body-roll through the turns, and all-around better handling. You don't necessarily have to "lift" your Disco to improve the suspension. You're 1997 stock shocks and springs are probably worn out enough to warrant replacement anyway. How many miles on your '97? One more thing...anyone who disagrees with matching springs obviously supplies mis-matched springs. How can you argue that a leaning vehicle is an optimal setup? LOL Here's an idea: to minimize a lift that you don't need, perhaps you can purchase a new, matched set of the shorter OME springs (the springs that cause the lean). Suppliers who offer matched sets end up with "tall" matched sets in stock and "short" matched sets. Know what I mean? Talk to John or Ho at EE and they'll explain it all for you, I'm sure. I think that they're both Mensa geniuses, but they're still able to explain things so the rest of us can understand. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Member Username: Blue Post Number: 47 Registered: 04-2003 |
oh, ok...80k miles, sagging, and rubbing with 245/70...JUST DO IT! | ||
| Leo (Leo_hallak) New Member Username: Leo_hallak Post Number: 38 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hey Chris I have that setup from EE and love it. I am running 238/85/16 no problem Still need to work on the trim for a perfect fit, But I love the ride and I am about to throw on a TJM front and rear bumper. -leo just yell if you need pictures to get a idea of looks. Mine is a 99disco1 | ||
| Wes Legaspi (Wes) Member Username: Wes Post Number: 137 Registered: 02-2002 |
Leo, Do you have a guesstimate of the overall height of your disco with the OME's and 235/85's? thanks | ||
| Paul T. Schram (Paulschram) Senior Member Username: Paulschram Post Number: 1323 Registered: 02-2002 |
My turn! I don't like my Bilsteins. They did not have the mind-altering impact some had led me to believe I'd find with them. I may try the OMEs next time. Once upon a time, the CB method was favored, but apprently not anymore. I've done business with both EE and Rovertym, both give good service and both are active on various boards and are accessible. As for tire interference, my 235/85-16s have done quite a bit of body modification on full stuff-never expected it to be in front of the tire. I wonder if rolling it onto its side had anything to do with this. Either way, just do it (with apologies to Ho) and support the board and the folks who bring it to us, buy from EE. Or, don't and bear the brunt of the wrath which will certainly be rained down upon you for all of us to see and read. Peace, Paul | ||
| chris sharpe (Bromhead) New Member Username: Bromhead Post Number: 6 Registered: 02-2003 |
Thanks all. Leo, I'd like to see the pictures. Tell me about the daily about town ride with your D1 with OME v. stock. Just to confirm, so you went OME HD all around? (N115/N44 & 751/781). | ||
| Leo (Leo_hallak) New Member Username: Leo_hallak Post Number: 39 Registered: 02-2003 |
I went out with a tape and did a rough because its hard with the curv, I would say 82 inches. -leo | ||
| Leo (Leo_hallak) New Member Username: Leo_hallak Post Number: 40 Registered: 02-2003 |
SD11, 751, 781, n115, n44.. When I switched out all my shocks besides stearing damp were dead. The main thing I notice is that it took a little getting used, because the sway in high winds was a little more. Getting the tire pressures right on my Yokohoma Geo +II helped alot. When I had the tires installed I asked them for 44 rear and 42 front and for some reason they filled the damn tires to like 65 all the way around. So lets just say the ride home didnt feel right. I drive it as a daily driver, about 35 miles a day minimum. -leo When my buddy gets here ill have him snap a few shots of it. I loaned out my digial. | ||
| Leo (Leo_hallak) Member Username: Leo_hallak Post Number: 41 Registered: 02-2003 |
Here. http://www.clan-m4.com/troll/d1.jpg http://www.clan-m4.com/troll/d2a.jpg Thats a 3/4 Ton Chevy 8 behind it. 2 Wheel drive. If that helps on height. -leo | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 55 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Chris I went with 762 in the rear with N44 HD shocks and 751 in the front with N115 shocks. This seems very compliant and is an improvement over stock. Does sit taller though and will no longer go into multi storey car parks I am running 235/85r16 MTR`s and I still needed to chop fender and front air dam. Best of luck Pete S. | ||
| Brent Bevil (Brbevil) New Member Username: Brbevil Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2003 |
Just install Bilsteins front and rear a few weekends ago on my 97 Disco - Daily driver only about 15 miles day use and occasional off roading. I love the bilsteins and the way it transformed the ride of the truck much more civilized and alot less body roll. Got them from Atlantic British - easy install | ||
| Jeremy Katka (Jkatka) Member Username: Jkatka Post Number: 241 Registered: 02-2002 |
Chris, I think that the guys at EE gave you some good advice. Matched springs will be really nice. IMHO the other vendors will not split spring sets to match them so that is why they are trying to get you to buy a non-matched set. It sounds like you have done your homework and started with EE for a reason. Most of these other vendors gave you similar recommendations so you would lift your disco a bit and fit your tires. All your above mentioned variables get you a set up that is what you want, the difference being stiffness of the ride. A lot of people run the OME setup maybe someone on this board lives close to you and you can go for a ride. Then call the EE guys, tell them what you thought. They carry alot of product and recommended what they thought was the best solution. The more input you give a vendor the better solution they can find for you. JK | ||
| Blue (Blue) Member Username: Blue Post Number: 52 Registered: 04-2003 |
I liked the OME ride on my Disco so much, I put OME shocks on my wife's Ford Explorer. EE Shock Club For Men...I'm not just the President, I'm a member! | ||
| traveltoad (Traveltoad) New Member Username: Traveltoad Post Number: 34 Registered: 11-2002 |
Chris, I did a lot of the same research that you have. I had a lot of the same concerns. For those who do not install matched springs you should ask how many shim the short side. Also, don't forget that you are talking about only a few mm difference between "long" and "short". After all that... talking/seeing a few different trucks, then talking to John again... I'm getting my stuff at EE early next month for my '03 DII. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Member Username: Blue Post Number: 54 Registered: 04-2003 |
Yes, you're talking only a few mm difference, but you can see the lean when you're parked on a level surface. When it comes to spring length & hair replacement, a few mm really makes a difference. | ||
| chris sharpe (Bromhead) New Member Username: Bromhead Post Number: 7 Registered: 02-2003 |
Ok, thanks for all the advice. I took all the info and ordered from my local discount wholeseller ...not. Just talked John at EE's ear off and ordered OME HD's all around. Thanks again! |
