Episode 6: Rocks / Land Rover LR3 / Air Vs. Coil Shoot-Out / Military Mobility
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มี.ค. 2022
- Episode SIX of this eight episode series compares two 2008 Land Rover LR3 HSE’s, one with the stock air suspension against an aftermarket coil conversion.
This is our most impactful episode yet! Watch as we test each vehicle's capability in the rocks and on Moab's infamous "Wipeout Hill."
Join Military Mobility founder, Brian Ribera (former Navy SEAL and Master Training Specialist that has conducted mobility operations in over 40 countries) and our lead instructor Webb (Camel Trophy participant, Land Rover driving instructor, and current military Special Forces trainer) as they push these vehicles to the limit!
Be sure to subscribe to our TH-cam channel and get notifications when a new episode drops each week!
Military Mobility is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in off-road expeditions and resiliency training for veterans and civilians.
Learn more or sponsor a veteran at: www.militarymobility.com
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Really appreciate you guys going through the trouble to do this. LR3 guys are going to use this series as a bible for their suspension shop talk for years to come
What a compliment! THANK YOU!! Much of our intent was to professionalize what was out there, and while we can’t hit every point, we’ve tried to hit the big ones… and keep it fun to watch as well!
I have a 2006 lR3, switched to heavy duty EMU coil springs with 2" lift. I added a 1 inch spacer to the coil springs so the vehicle has a 3' lift. I have towed 6000lbs no problems. The extra lift does great to overcome obstacles when off roading. I currently run 275-65--18 tires and I am now installing 35.4' tires which will provide even more clearance. My vehicle has the front heavy duty bumper, rear tire carrier, underbody protection, rock sliders, rear tow assembly, slimline roofrack etc. The best rig I have over owned.
Thanks Harry!! That’s great news, what spacers do you have? I have only seen the Lucky8’s spacers which result in much higher than 2” of lift and will tax the CV’s. Then there was the old forum production from Toddco (some guy named Todd) but no one had heard from him in years.
I really like this informative series. You tried it all, and now we know exactly what to expect in both case scenarios. Thanks for the amazing job.
This is the best Christmas present we could have ever received!! Making us feel like a million bucks, thank you. We really enjoy off-roading and love sharing adventure with others.
This is the best thing I’ve ever watched on TH-cam.
I have a 2006 LR3 that I was thinking about converting to coils but I think I’ll just keep what I have and change my compressor.
Thanks for this series.
🙌 that’s what we’re talking about!!! Thank you so much, we sincerely appreciate the compliment, you made us feel like a million bucks. Yup, a compressor replacement or retro-fit and you’ll be up and running 👍🇺🇸
Don't forget to keep an eye out for amber faults, ie: Height sensor faults can be just a conectivity problem . with a live value diagnostic tool it will be easier to determine the true cause of fault triggers . Best to fix presumed " liveable with" faults quick as it will cause your compressor to work overtime and lead to a bigger cost . One thing iv'e learned with these vehicles is the importance of maintenance and getting to know every aspect of the various systems and how they corelate and affect each other . I LOVE EM ! PS: I totally agree with your comment on this channel and the guy's knowledge base and good advice / instruction . Definately top notch !! Well done MM.
Beautiful scenery, beautiful vehicles 👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you so much!! 🙌
You’re so right: the desert is my Happy Place!!!
❤️it’s amazing
I know I'm a bit late to the party and haven't read through all the comments. I have a 05 lr3 with the air suspension but did install the SYA kit from Lucky8 Off Road. Keeps the truck from coming all the way down if the air suspension were to fail for those of us running 32"+ tire size. Some guys are using this kit with the coil conversion to gain another couple inches over just the coils alone. Keep up the good work and hope to see some more Lr3 content!
Thank you very much!! We have 2x LR3's with coils and 1x with air now. We also have the SYA sitting in a box and have been hesitant to install it on the coil LR3's as we've heard this will really tax the CV joints and cause premature failure. Are you able to ask any of the guys who have done this how it's lasting? Thank you
Love this series! My LR3 in silver with black rhino rims and BFG A/T's looks mean and performs amazingly well on the trails! Bring your tool kit, self booster and spare battery and fuses as it's the electrical that will get you in this vehicle! I LOVE my air suspension for the ability to have extended mode for deeper ruts and obstacles. I literally have no scrapes underneath. Limitations are electrical and keeping an eye on connections and NOT using aftermarket parts. Stick with LR parts and get yourself a good mechanic! The other thing I'm always worried about is puncturing the air canisters and compressor for the air suspension on the driver's side. Under armour around the air canisters and compressor is a good idea for a mod and the 3inch johnson rod lift and you're good to go! Slow and steady on the rocks and you're good! No full send with the lr3's.
Rachel, such great advice here! Love that you’re passionate about wheeling your LR3 🙌. Thank you so very much for the kind words about the series; we had lots of fun filming it and it was my first take at presenting something like this general public. Look forward to seeing you on the trail! 👍
Great job, trail and driving!!
Thank you! 🙌🇺🇸
I absolutely love this LR3 series, great job guys. I own a 08 LR3 and live in the UK I was interested to see what they can do off road and found your channel now I'm hooked and these videos are eye opening to what they can really do. You guys rock 🤘
❤️Love it! And we’re so thrilled you’re digging the series! 🙌👊
Underrated vehicle, so well put together!
The vehicle or our videos? We'll assume both (lol!) Thanks for watching!
Brian, I absolutely love your intro monologue on vehicle capability limits and the mind set it takes to squeeze out all the potential any given vehicle has-and driver has as well; hurrah 👍🏼
I’m a retired New Mexico State Police Commissioned Officer, pursuit driving instructor and USMC veteran.
I would be honored to learn from you and hopefully work with you guys in the future on this project. I’ll be in touch.
Thank you Frank!🇺🇸🙌 Look forward to talking with you!
Got to say I am impressed either way. Thank you for the content. Love the LR3 stuff!! Keep it coming!
We will! Thanks for reaching out 🙌🇺🇸
Great series of videos!
Greatly appreciated Brent, this means the world to us! We really love being outdoors and all things Offroad; and love sharing that with others. We continue to look for fun and educational ways to put that in the videos.
I definitely haven't been pushing my LR3 hard enough as a solo rider. Thanks for showing what they can really do!
For sure, yes they’re super capable. Being on the trail, as with anything we do in life, is all about managing risk so it sounds like you’re on the right path. With experience comes capability and confidence. See you on the trail!
Thanks for these videos, I’ve been trying to decide with my LR4s suspension in the near future and these videos are helping me to decide
Oh awesome, so glad the content is useful for you! We love training and helping folks out 🙌🇺🇸
I love this whole challenge! As someone who is thinking about selling my big diesel for a smaller, better trail vehicle that can still carry a family, your LR3 reviews have caught my eye. I'll be honest - the tip-over challenge would probably make me wet my pants!
Thanks again for the great vids! Once again I'm prepping a lecture and dreaming of going where you are.
Thanks B, you’ve made our day! This is completely our goal; to share and inspire 🙌
@@MilitaryMobility If I'd already made up my mind and made the jump, I'd be coming down in my (new to me) LR4 for your Land Rover driving course.
@@bmiller9456 it’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss! We’re still getting the registration setup on the website (militarymobility.com) however the course is Fall 2022!
@@MilitaryMobility Well cool! If I get myself set up in time I'll be there. If not this time, hopefully you'll do it again!
Another excellent video👍🏻 I look forward each week to these installments and comparing my experience with coil vs air. Both are great. However, just like your videos, I have been through the exact same experiences off road and I prefer the air system. As for the LR3, LR4 platforms they are fantastic. I am 6'2" and can sleep in the back with the seats folded down and an air mattress. I can tow a pretty good size trailer, I can load up with gear and know that the rig will take me off-road and handle just about any terrain needed. It has nearly twice the payload and towing capacity of a Jeep or new Bronco or similar size SUV. For a 15 year old vehicle platform nothing else compares. With the center diff lock and a rear factory diff locker I am able to literally go anyplace within reason and safety.
Zman, agreed! You sound like a MM Team member for sure 🙌 Not to mention you can pick these up at 1/6th the cost of a new vehicle. Makes it easier to stomach scratches and such too!
Really amazing to see how both LR3s are climbing up Wipe-Out Hill so easily with "no diff lockers required". Wow, that's an absolutely outstanding job guys!
Amazingly capable vehicle and and even more amazing spotter! 🙌
@@MilitaryMobilitybig question please answer it I have a land rover lr4 with 2 inch coilovers do you think I can get a custom built upper control arm in total the car will have about 4 icnhes of ground clearence
Hi, not quite sure what exactly you’re asking. Understood you have an LR4 with 2” coils. Yes I’m sure you could get a custom a-arm made but I’m not understanding what this would accomplish and how it would results in an additional 2” of ground clearance for you.
@@MilitaryMobility upper control arms usually give more flex and lift Im not really that knowledgeable on this if you'd check on Google or chrome you will find your answer
@@MilitaryMobility and if you do still have the lr3 you do that you would probably fit 35s on it
I no longer run a gas tank skid due to weight, but just fyi... the factory 'skid' you mention is really just a tin can that holds up the plastic tank. I scrape it all the time but just try not to come down on it because it just dents and you could loose fuel capacity. haha.
Agreed, only good for small scrapes such as we had. How’s the wheeling in Iowa?
@@MilitaryMobility No wheeling in Iowa really. I just got back from Moab a couple days ago though. Ha!
@@IowaLR4 sweet! We’re wheeling at a spot outside Austin right now and odd as it may sound, is just like a mini Moab! And we’re heading to Moab next week for a couple courses!! #bestplaceonearth Awesome you got to go!
I think that coil conversion actually does affect the terrain management, It can no longer sense what the tires are doing as hence cannot redirect the power to the required wheel. In some cases when the articulation was not a factor, the coil converted LR3 was just slipping wheel even when it did not have traction. Even when all tires are touching the ground, the amount of friction they can attain would be different based on the force put on each individual tire, cannot sense that without understanding what the suspension level is. Generally the suspension that is least extended will have the most friction and the best traction. Without being able to sense that, the terrain management system becomes a little handicapped.
Yes, it absolutely does, and as you noticed at times takes just a little more effort to make things happen. It's never held us back and the coil has gone everywhere the air has however the most annoying thing is simple cornering on a flat gravel road; the coil will engage the stability control where you get the grinding sensation. A simple press of a button shuts the DSC off however this is a con for sure.
First off, great work guys. I've really enjoyed the series. I have to wonder if having the air system disabled somehow changes how the traction control system works. I get that the air system can cross link but it looks like the coil build is constantly looking for traction and the air just knows where it is. I wonder if the vehicle can tell what wheels have the suspension unloaded when the air system is complete.
Hi Anthony, thank you for the encouragement and joining the conversation. I don’t believe the terrain response system (traction control) functions any different from air to coil; other than the cross link that we mentioned. It has to do with the greater articulation of the air shock vs the coil spring. So sometimes even though both rigs look to be contacting the ground in a similar fashion; the air just has that much more weight on it (traction) compared to the coil. We compensate with the coil by using brake throttle modulation which transfers energy to the wheels that aren’t slipping to get us through the obstacle.
@@MilitaryMobilityyou guys are so detailed. Keep up the great work. 👍
@@driftology Thank you sir! 🙌🇺🇸
What tires are they?
Nice Vid. I plan on changing the control arms on my D3 before I do anymore off roading. Should I run the stock bushings or go for mild poly? I've heard the poly bushings will be a bad idea for going off road.
Poly can lead to a very harsh ride and such. There’s arguments either way, check the forums for more conversations. My vote is rubber, nice rude characteristics and although it won’t last “forever”, will most likely outlive me! We’ve got the 08’ with original bushings, they’re due but still riding fine, so one swap gets us another 14 years I’d call that good👍
I went poly and can't tell much difference on road. High speed desert feels slightly more stable/firm but that might just be because they are new and my OG had 90k on them. I think they may be a tiny bit less flexi in the rocks tho.
So we just did a rock comparison on my LR3 with AB 2” coil+ and my friends on air with 2” proud rhino, and the only difference is my rock sliders took the slack. I’d suggest anyone with coils get rock sliders.
Hi Alex and fun to hear you did a comparison as well. If you would help us out with some info; what’s your hub to fender measurement on your rig with the AB 2” coil? Just like we did in the cargo episode. We’re gathering averages of what the unweighted ride height is with this lift. Thanks!
I’m on my way home from SCARR, but I’ll measure when back. I did before I left and I want to say it was 20.5” but I could be wrong.
What rim and tire size are you using in the stock one?
Watch the whole series!!!
angles are correct. but its not all angles. the air suspension had an easier time, regardless of angle - whereas the coil/spring was all about angles (which he mentioned was the wrong angle most of the time). I think for rock episode AIR was superior.
I never understood why you would want to take out the key off road feature of the truck.
Hello PW and thanks for going the conversation. Assuming you’re referring to the EAS (air suspension), some people have found it very troublesome, and it can be especially if you don’t have any mechanic skills or desire/ time to learn them; which often leads to exorbitant costs at the dealer. Just an observation however I’d bet the folks that don’t like to work on their rigs probably dont go hardcore off-roading so they wouldn’t miss the edge that the air gives you in a place like the rocks anyway.
The others I’ve seen do the conversion are very skilled off-roaders who due long duration journeys and just wanted one thing less to worry about; whether or not they have the ability to fix it if something happens; as it can take time and parts.
This series intent was to give relevance (and some fun and education) to the air vs. coil debate and show that while the EAS is very capable (trust me we love it too!) you can still get as much done with the coils, just in a different manner at times. 👍
@@MilitaryMobility Understand but I think lr3 eas gets undeserved bad rap and some folks could be swayed to swap it for coils and miss out on the value of the eas. Old eas can be problematic, especially old models like early classic rr, p38. However, Lr3/4 typically reliable if checked, serviced. If you start to skip on maintenance because car getting old then you are going to have issues, period. Old LRs do require frequent and expensive maintenance. Also need to get in to refurbishment type work or it ends up as scrap. For typical North America travel - Moab, Colorado, overland routes on balance I would suggest eas is fine and benefits far out way potential problems. However, if you are in truly remote areas then probably lr3 wouldn't be your first choice anyway... plastic cooling parts etc.
@@pwatom22 all excellent points sir 👍
Having driven and owned many discoverys, I must say that I was quite unimpressed with the lack of control you had when decending the hills/steps. Having said that, I am aware that both of those were automatics, and mine have all been manuals, so tip no.1, buy a manual!
Or maybe a little excitement here and there makes for fun tv!
Haven’t ever seen a manual LR3, that would be cool!
@@MilitaryMobility I think they only came on the 2.7 TDV6, not the 4.4 V8 that you had in the video, but I'm not sure if the TDV6 was sold in the USA?
@@jackp-j1041 double luck for you! A diesel would be completely awesome! We plan to pick up another LR at some point and it will for sure be a diesel, and a manual if we can help it 😀