Disco 1 Going back to standard height, but what springs?

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J

Jalfrezi

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39
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Bristol
My Disco feels like the back end is loose, and vibrates over 55mph. I'm going through all the bushes, but feel that standard height is right for me.

She's used on-road mostly, with some off-road on farm tracks, and is mainly used for moving DIY supplies (currently breeze blocks), and also adventurous camping for a family of 4, with everything in the back, or on the roof.

What would you recommend?
 
Jalfrezi said:
My Disco feels like the back end is loose, and vibrates over 55mph. I'm going through all the bushes, but feel that standard height is right for me.

She's used on-road mostly, with some off-road on farm tracks, and is mainly used for moving DIY supplies (currently breeze blocks), and also adventurous camping for a family of 4, with everything in the back, or on the roof.

What would you recommend?
Click to expand...
....checking all the drive line is sound!
 
Jalfrezi said:
vibrates over 55mph.
Click to expand...

This is probably the rubber coupling in the rear propshaft - easy fix - the part is common to the D1 and P38... but the rest of the driveline can throw a few toys out of the pram on occasion - rear A frame bush being the prime example - with the panhard rod bushes a pretty close second....:rolleyes:

Springs wise I suggest br*tpart OEM springs - for ride they are good - for paint finish, not so good - but Bilt Hamber UC wax will sort that .... It you have deeper pockets, the Flat Dog powder coated are really nice - but nearly 3 times the price !!:eek:

For dampers - I fit the BP super gaz ones - cheap and good IMHO and IME.:)
 
Jalfrezi said:
My Disco feels like the back end is loose, and vibrates over 55mph. I'm going through all the bushes, but feel that standard height is right for me.

She's used on-road mostly, with some off-road on farm tracks, and is mainly used for moving DIY supplies (currently breeze blocks), and also adventurous camping for a family of 4, with everything in the back, or on the roof.

What would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Standard springs are a good all round compromise. However if you are heavily loaded often and with stuff on the roof, you may want to look a HD upgrade. Although when empty it likely won't ride as well.

Is the vehicle modded in any other way? I'd also look into the handling and vibration issues, I doubt it is just springs causing both.
 
Sorry don't know what that consists of. Does it use longer shocks? If so, a standard spring will likely dislocate under flex. So you'll either need to retain the spring, use dislocation cones or fit shorter shocks. Or use a longer softer spring. If the shocks are standard length, then it won't be an issue.
 
The specs for the shocks say standard height, but up to 2" lift.

Had a look at the rear prop shaft, no donut fitted. I'll get one on order now.
 
Last edited:
Disco1BFG said:
This is probably the rubber coupling in the rear propshaft - easy fix - the part is common to the D1 and P38... but the rest of the driveline can throw a few toys out of the pram on occasion - rear A frame bush being the prime example - with the panhard rod bushes a pretty close second....:rolleyes:

Springs wise I suggest br*tpart OEM springs - for ride they are good - for paint finish, not so good - but Bilt Hamber UC wax will sort that .... It you have deeper pockets, the Flat Dog powder coated are really nice - but nearly 3 times the price !!:eek:

For dampers - I fit the BP super gaz ones - cheap and good IMHO and IME.:)
Click to expand...
Really second all this especially the Gaz shocks which really cut the roll down.
I had the same vibration, turned out to be the pinion nut had come a bit loose.:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
Fecker to get to but easy fix once there!
 
Whether you stick with the non-rubber one, which normally comes from the V8 or you go back to the rubber one, original equipt on a 300tdi, be sure to give the diff pinion flange a good wiggle from side to side up and down etc. If it moves you need to dig deeper.
Also take the props off and look hard for balance plates, which may not be there but once were if you see what I mean.

However, 55mph may well be simply your wheels need balancing!
 
Jalfrezi said:
I don't think I can with a 4 bolt setup.
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You won't be able to without changing the prop and the diff flange, maybe even the rear axle, which maybe why you have got it.
don't even know if the splined end would fit the output from the tranny box.
the rubber coupling is there to protect either the transmission from shocks from the rear axle or vice versa, can't remember which.:rolleyes:
but if it is OK for a V8 don't know why it isn't for a 300tdi. Maybe its cos so many V8s are auto? Or maybe not.
So just drive it with respect, whcih i am sure you do anywaay
 
What age Disco is it?

Don't think my 200Tdi had the rubber coupling and Defenders don't.

V8's could be had with manual or auto.
 
300bhp/ton said:
What age Disco is it?

Don't think my 200Tdi had the rubber coupling and Defenders don't.

V8's could be had with manual or auto.
Click to expand...
My 300tdi Disco 1 1998 has one, I've changed it and had to take the diff out to sort out the pinion nut.
I am aware V8s could be had with both manual and auto.
As i said, although i was told once why they are fitted I cannot remember the exact reason
anyway, others have had fun with them and here are a load of threads which refer to it.
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/search/...r+coupling+on+propshaft&o=relevance&c[node]=8
 
Mine is 1998 according to the VIN, but was registered in '97. I think they pre-registered cars back then.

At this age, I expect many "improvements" were made during its life. I will disassemble my drive chain, and check everything over. Although as mentioned above, it could be wheel balancing.
 
Jalfrezi said:
Mine is 1998 according to the VIN, but was registered in '97. I think they pre-registered cars back then.

At this age, I expect many "improvements" were made during its life. I will disassemble my drive chain, and check everything over. Although as mentioned above, it could be wheel balancing.
Click to expand...
Did i mention mine was 1998?
Anyway, they exist on D2 TD5s as well, so yours looks like an anomaly. One of the previous owners will have had a reason for doing it. Don' think it is anything to worry about. If it was me, I wouldn't bother changing it.
Best of luck with it.
 
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