| Author | Message | ||
     Brian (Bthaxton) New Member Username: Bthaxton Post Number: 37 Registered: 02-2003 |
I have 102K miles on my '97 D1. I have owned it since it was new, and have decided to keep it for a few more years. I am able to do that primarily because of resources such as this board and all of the knowledgeable individuals who post here. Unfortunately, my Disco has never been offroad, has never been modified, and has primarily been my work transportation and dual Golden Retrievers carrier. My question is this: I am in the process of replacing the shocks all around. They will be factory/OEM (I know, I know). Performance issues aside, do the springs REALLY need to be changed? What are the true parameters for replacing the springs? I am aware that the shock/spring job is easier when done at one time, but if I do not have to purchase springs now I will not. It is just additional labor for me down the road, which I do not mind. I do have the typical Rover "sag" on the passenger side to the tune of a 1"/25MM difference (both front and rear wheel wells), but I have to check my stabilizer bars first before I can determine the TRUE differences in height. Again, do my springs NEED to be replaced with the shocks right now? Thanks in advance for replying to such a broad question. | ||
| Al (Discoal) New Member Username: Discoal Post Number: 31 Registered: 02-2002 |
Brian, At 102K miles you most likely need springs and shocks. Having replaced both myself, I wouldn't replace the shocks without the springs in your situation. The labor is cost effective doing both in the front. You can't imagine the difference on how you disco well preform around corners and bumps around town. Talk with John at EE or whoever, they'll most likely say the same. IMHO you'll be happy with the results. | ||
| Parrish R. Blackmon (Discoveryfl) Member Username: Discoveryfl Post Number: 91 Registered: 10-2002 |
I agree. Most cost effective to replace both. Go with aftermarket though. I used Old Man Emu, which was less expensive than OEM. The ride and handling difference was incredible. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 546 Registered: 04-2003 |
Like Al said, those 102k miles springs are probably pretty tired by now. If I were you, I'd do springs & shocks at the same time. If it's a purchase price issue, then I'd just hold out for another month or two and make one big purchase and then one big afternoon of work on the Disco. I'm curious - are your stock Woodhead, 102k mile shocks leaking, or are they still holding their pressure? | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 547 Registered: 04-2003 |
nothing wrong with stock components, especially if it's your daily commuter & not an offroader. But you can get as-good or higher quality aftermarket suspension componentry for the same or better price as stock. You could also improve ride quality, but by the same token you could end up with what you may consider degraded ride quality if you don't do your homework. And aftermarket suspension does not have to include a "lift". | ||
| Brian (Bthaxton) New Member Username: Bthaxton Post Number: 38 Registered: 02-2003 |
I guess I'll go ahead and replace the springs also. By the way, the shocks are not leaking nor have they ever leaked (unless they did it too quickly for me to notice). | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 550 Registered: 04-2003 |
if they blew their seals, you should be able to see oil all down the shock body. You'd also probably know it from behind the steering wheel. My front woodheads blew at around 30k miles, and the rears went in the 50k's. Another sign of bad shocks is odd tire wear. Good for you with your stock shocks! |
