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View Full Version : Old Man Emu - On-Road Improvement


FatRascal
30th Sep 2003, 10:30
Hi all,

I need some help with upgrading the suspension on a 2002 Disco II/ES/TD5. The car has covered 33,000 miles and has SLS/ACE with 18” wheels and 255/55 tyres. I feel the on-road set up leaves much to be desired. Even small bumps cause a rattling of the interior (doors, dash, centre console – NOT the rear seats – Thanks to Gareth Roberts in this forum!). I have played with tyre pressures and tightened every interior screw I can see…

Ride also seems a little “uncontrolled” – cornering on smooth surfaces with ACE is great. Add any bump to the mix mid corner and it feels as if I’m at sea!

My LR main dealer says, “…with that mileage they all are like this” – I can’t believe it to be so…

Now then, my main use will be almost entirely on-road (OK, maybe the odd muddy field…), however I am really keen to make this car “feel” more like the money it cost me. Having read here about upgrading the suspension to improve the ride (and hopefully make the car more pleasant to be in!), I have found a company (Frogs Island 4X4 based near Oxford) who have suggested an upgrade as below:

New Old Man Emu front springs and shocks
New Old Man Emu rear shocks

This will increase ride height by 30-40mm and they have said that they will fit a bracket to the rear sensor to correct the air suspension self-levelling. The chap I spoke with from Frogs Island was very helpful and enthusiastic about the OME products, but I thought before progressing, I’d ask for opinions from those more experienced in this forum. I guess my main queries are:

1. How dramatically will the OME kit improve the on-road ride of the vehicle? – (Is it likely to stop some rattling!)
2. Should I be at all worried over the increased ride height as far as ACE and SLS are concerned?
3. How is this upgrade likely to affect my remaining Land Rover warranty (18 months)
4. Does anyone here have any feedback on Frogs Island 4X4?
5. Should I be putting more pressure on the LR main dealer to look at this?
6. Any other thoughts?

Many thanks to anyone reading this far, sorry it’s so long… Your views would be most welcome.

RegardsFR

YUG
1st Oct 2003, 06:36
Having fitted ome's to my 98 tdi some years back,one thing i can tell you is....just get used to living with the rattles.
On road handling is better,the vehicle doe'snt want to shake the rear end off going over bumpy roads at speed,but it still wallows when taking corners fast.
I am fairly certain your warranty will be invalidated if you fit non standard parts.

bazzle
15th Oct 2003, 22:18
Ive fitted OME suspension to 2 of my Discos and have a friend with the same as yours who did the same.

I can totally recommend the setup, turns the vehicle into what it should be.

Bazzle