P38A sacrilege - coil conversion

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300bhp/ton

300bhp/ton

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just looking for info on converting a p38 to coils.

- Do the conversion kits use springs of the same dimensions as a D1/RRC. Or are they a specific size. Not fussed about the spring rate, just the dimensions.

- The kits look like they have a spring plate. Is this the same plate as you’d find on a Defender/D1?

- Can you buy the conversion kit contents individually? There looks to be some custom aluminium discs. I assume the lower spring plate sits on these on the axle tube?

Do you need to fool the computer. Or can you just pull the relay under the passenger seat. Same as if you pump the air springs up individually not going through the valve block?
 
300bhp/ton said:
just looking for info on converting a p38 to coils.

- Do the conversion kits use springs of the same dimensions as a D1/RRC. Or are they a specific size. Not fussed about the spring rate, just the dimensions.

- The kits look like they have a spring plate. Is this the same plate as you’d find on a Defender/D1?

- Can you buy the conversion kit contents individually? There looks to be some custom aluminium discs. I assume the lower spring plate sits on these on the axle tube?

Do you need to fool the computer. Or can you just pull the relay under the passenger seat. Same as if you pump the air springs up individually not going through the valve block?
Click to expand...
its awhile since i fitted one but they all came with a wiring kit to fool the computer
 
You can get a connector for few £ or I can show you how to rewire under the seat. Need to put a fuse in wiring, fools becm putting it into constant EAS manual mode.

Spacer plates are more for increasing lift I don’t have them. I have 2”lift coils with extended shocks.
Are they the same as a Disco?
put me down as a don’t know.
Many parts are (wheel pcd par example). I had front/rear 2nd hand off different people and cobbled it together without much issue.

If only I’d understood EAS back then :oops:
 
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I’d really like to know about the springs. The conversion kits look to be fairly expensive for what they are.

Don’t really care about debating if it’s the thing to do or not.

Cheapest kits look to be around £280. And contain this:

pm627_1.jpg


“If” the springs are the same diameter as a D1 etc. The. The black spring seats are dirt cheap. As are the spring retainers and the rear isolators. The turret isolators look to be standard D2 items. Meaning the only ‘bespoke’ part is the aluminium plates that fit in the stock p38 lower spring mounts (the ones that clip in) to then allow you to place the black spring seat on top.

This all means. If my hunch is correct the bulk of the conversion kit costs about £30 in standard parts.
 
RangeRoller dt said:
You can get a connector for few £ or I can show you how to rewire under the seat. Need to put a fuse in wiring, fools becm putting it into constant EAS manual mode.

Spacer plates are more for increasing lift I don’t have them. I have 2”lift coils with extended shocks.
Are they the same as a Disco?
put me down as a don’t know.
Many parts are (wheel pcd par example). I had front/rear 2nd hand off different people and cobbled it together without much issue.

If only I’d understood EAS back then :oops:
Click to expand...

Got the dimensions of the spring? Compressed will do for now.

More likely to be D2 than D1 for P38?
 
Step 1. Try your best to ignore all the background noise you'll get here when any thread about coil springs starts up.;)
Step 2. Make sure you save all the EAS bits so that you can convert it back again later (ie. Like me, when everything else is sorted.:rolleyes:)
Step 3. Get in touch with Bearmach. They know their stuff and are reasonably priced. Different P38s have different requirements, for instance the diesel needs stronger springs. And what ride height do you want? They will help.(and won't judge you either!:))
 
plumbfisher said:
Step 1. Try your best to ignore all the background noise you'll get here when any thread about coil springs starts up.;)
Step 2. Make sure you save all the EAS bits so that you can convert it back again later (ie. Like me, when everything else is sorted.:rolleyes:)
Step 3. Get in touch with Bearmach. They know their stuff and are reasonably priced. Different P38s have different requirements, for instance the diesel needs stronger springs. And what ride height do you want? They will help.(and won't judge you either!:))
Click to expand...
Thanks.

And don’t get me wrong. I’m an EAS advocate as a rule. But it’s got to the stage were I’d rather use it on coils. Than leave it parked undrivable on EAS.

I know the springs I’d like to run. Flatdog offer some “standard” rate +2” springs. This means it should ride quite nice. And sit slightly higher than the stock Normal mode. Which will suit me, as I’m running slightly larger MT tyres anyway.

It’s a V8 not a diesel. And I’m wanting to avoid the HD spring setup just to get some lift and a worse ride.

I’d like to retain the ability to reinstate the EAS down the road. But tbh the vehicle has been sitting for about a year unused due to EAS problems. And I’m at the stage we’re I no longer trust it. And don’t even want to be out in it should it completely fail. As driving on the bump stops is not really an option. And is more of an issue with bigger tyres.

I’m also trying to find a way to avoid having to buy a whole kit when I don’t really want all the bits in the conversion kit.
 
Grrrrrr said:
Got the dimensions of the spring? Compressed will do for now.

More likely to be D2 than D1 for P38?
Click to expand...
D2 yes
I’ve got a tape measure, any good?

plumbfisher said:
Make sure you save all the EAS bits so that you can convert it back again later (ie. Like me, when everything else is sorted.:rolleyes:)
Click to expand...

:D knew there was something about you :D

^^^ is right about the doozles have increased spring. The front shocks are longer so rather than buy a set to lift, you can put the fronts on the rear so need 2 fronts only. Diesel ones can be had cheap 2nd hand and will give you more lift.

If you intend to put EAS back at some point (keep your options open), get a connector for under the seat. They are expensive but I got a nice v.short HD 2nd hand one from P38 spares for fair price just incase. It also protects the BECM better for water ingress as I know you like your off-roading.
 
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RangeRoller dt said:
D2 yes
I’ve got a tape measure, any good?



:D knew there was something about you :D

^^^ is right about the doozles have increased spring. The rear shocks on back are longer so rather than buy a set to lift, you can put the rears on the front so need 2rears only. Diesel ones can be had cheap 2nd hand and will give you more lift.

If you intend to put EAS back at some point (keep your options open), get a connector for under the seat. They are expensive but I got a nice v.short HD 2nd hand one from P38 spares for fair price just incase. It also protects the BECM better for water ingress as I know you like your off-roading.
Click to expand...

On the diesel the front shockers are longer than the rears. Put front shocks on the rear with EAS and the rear bags may blow off on max articulation..
 
wammers said:
On the diesel the front shockers are longer than the rears. Put front shocks on the rear with EAS and the rear bags may blow off on max articulation..
Click to expand...

^^^this is correct - il edit earlier post.

To be clear do not swap them when using EAS. This is something that can work if you get the right coil setup only. You will need to adjust parameters as to your requirements/parts available/intended height/wheel & tyre setup etc

FIT COILS AT YOUR OWN RISK

always consult a specialist if in doubt

The P38A was not intended for their use and will drive differently - I’ve already gone over hence my username - meaning you must also drive according to your setup.

Again,
FIT COILS AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION and ALWAYS consult with a qualified professional before driving or taking it out on a public road
 
Insurance no problem. I own vastly more modified vehicles than a simple coil conversion.

I can see no way the EAS will be cheaper to fix. As I still can’t fully diagnose the problem(s). But I’m thinking maybe 4 new air springs and 2 new height sensors. And that won’t be everything.
 
I asked insurance before doing anything. I thought it would cost but they were fine about it.

I knew I didn’t understand EAS but I could get it roadworthy with 2nd Hand coils, and also take advantage of big rubber boots going cheap same time.
was a no brainier, temporary at first but actually a lot better than I’d hoped. I could happily keep my coils permanently, EAS would be a nice toy and handy for motorway journeys but lot of work/money for little if any practical gain for my use. The +2” height is main advantage and less maintenance overall.

I did it cheaper than fixing EAS before I found LZ so it’s an option for you definitely
 
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