Adjust ride hide to improve handling?

I have a 2004 TD5 with 18 inch alloys on air suspension. The ride has always been choppy with the back end jolting around.

Shock absorbers have been replaced but no improvement. Airbags have not been replaced but they look in good condition and don't appear to have any leaks.

The car is due for a service and I wondered whether it was possible to improve the ride quality by adjusting the ride height up or down. The ride height is currently as per rave 475mm wheel centre to wheel arch. Does anyone have any views on this?

Failing that I also need some new tyres should I get some smaller wheels and tyres off ebay or are there any other suggestions?

As always, thanks in advance for any suggestions.

the lower the center of gravity, the better the handling. I seen a lowered defender once i think the set up it had was called " -2" springs " this was done by the owner to promote his business and was not intended to ever go off road. Maybe an option although not too sure how it would work on yours with the air suspension, maybe replace the rear bags with springs if at all possible?

i too have a td5 with 18" wheels and when the tyres wear out will be replacing with 16".
apparently the 16" wheels should give a better ride and i think there is a wider choice of tyres.
mine does tend to tramline and from reading other peoples opinions with 18" wheels, this is not uncommon.

ive found ride/handling is better with the right coils and shockers ,air ive allways found poor on rough roads ,

It is a 7 seater, would I be allowed to replace the airbags with coils?

ffs! :doh:

yes

youd have to ask your insurance co ,ive done quite a few whether people did or not i dont know ,but have had to send a letter of work done parts used etc for some people when modifying vehicles and have had phone calls from insurance cos and clarified vehicle had been modified with approved parts etc

The 18" wheels are the problem...i saw this many times...put the 16" wheels before u do other mods...it might be enough

Sierrafery you just answered my next question which was "on a tight budget I can do one or the other so which would be best, changing to coils or changing the wheels?"

I have a great respect for mr. jamesmartin but in this case i have a different oppinion : The SLS is a nice enhancement which i better fix than convert...albeit it could be annoying sometimes i know. The only thing which IMO makes no big difference and u can get rid of it without remorse is the ACE. It's a matter of choice though

it is a difference of prefferred ride i dont particular favour air as i like firm ride,but my friends the opposite ,i would allways recommend trying good examples of both ,i wouldnt talk someone from air to coils just offer options