shocks

300tdi 1998.disco sits lower on drivers side when parked on level ground.i think shocks are gone on drivers side and will change both sets as your suposed to.is it as simple as taking out a few bolts and replacing shocks or do i need special tools to hold springs down ?? first time changing shocks. thanks.

I think the problem is the springs and not shocks.
front springs are more difficult to replace.

This sounds more like a spring or spring mount problem. Shocks keep spring bounce under control, they don't do anything to keep the suspension raised. The only way I could see that they would effect ride height would be if they where sticking part way through there travel, this is something I've never come across though and you would exspect this to have some variance as you dive about and re-park each time. I think the first thing to check is the condition of the springs and there mounts to the chassis and axles, a duff spring would not raise the vehicle to the correct hight, where as a corroded mounting would move it's seat further away from the spring also making the vehicle sag on one side. To test shocks you simply push the vheicle down at each corner and it should rise once without any bounce, more than this and the shock has gone. Shocks are simple to remove at the back as they are separte to the springs, at the front they are coil (spring) over shocks which will need spring compressors

littlestwoo said:

at the front they are coil (spring) over shocks which will need spring compressors

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incorrect.

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/how-replace-200-tdi-defender-front-shock-absorber-57044.html

Whereabouts are you?

I have a set of standard springs sitting around if you want to swap them over and try them Don't need spring compressors at all, I replaced my standard springs for HD's and only needed a trolley jack and a bit of leverage .. I'd suggest putting atandards back on would be a doddle.

I'd also add that you might want to have a look at the rear anti-roll bar mounts. The little connecting bar can flip over from hanging down, to sitting up and gives exactly this effect ..

Treworgey 90, are you refering to the front shocks as incorrect only? If so I stand coerrectd

I think he meant incorrect that you need spring compressors, or that it's hard to do .. OK, it's marginally harder to do fronts than rears, but it is only marginally.

Main thing you need is some releasing agent (Plusgas etc) sprayed on for a few days regularly before starting, new spring retainers and collars and possibly new nuts .. depending on what breaks/is too rusty to re-use ...

littlestwoo said:

Treworgey 90, are you refering to the front shocks as incorrect only? If so I stand coerrectd

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Front or rear, no need for spring compressors.
Just support the vehicle under the chassis, lower the axle as far as the brake pipes will allow and the springs will come out, with a little persauasion from a pry-bar. Even +2" ONES.

Theoretically of course, there's no need to touch the springs at all, if just replacing the shocks. However, on the front, one or more of the turret ring studs will break, necessitating removal of the spring.

And if fitting HD 2" rear springs you may need to use a bottle jack on the back axle to push the axle down. The first spring goes in quite easy but the other side is a different matter as the axle wont drop far enough to get the spring in.

am in london but thanks for offer.all good advice as usual. thanks guys.

Mine did this, leaned to the drivers side, quite noticeable.

I've just changed my rear shocks and the problem is gone.

The top bushes were in bits on the right hand side and the lower was tightened more than the left, more thread protruding, so I think this was my problem.

I used the super gaz shocks, all 4 for just under a ton delivered from Island 4x4, they are very good quality and even with only the rears fitted so far, have made a major difference to the way my Disco drives.

I'll be tackling the fronts soon, that guide above is superb. Just need to order some turret rings!

Gareth