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EGCarp

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Hi,
I would like your opinion on what I should do.
I am 2nd owner of a LR3 with 211,000 miles. I’ve kept my truck going through all the usual LR issues but now I’m at a crossroads.
My air suspension is shot. I’ve replaced all 4 air struts, front & rear valve blocks and all 4 height sensors. I’m done throwing money at a system that should have quit a long time ago.
Last week after replacing the front valve block and now the back end won’t raise.
I’m done with fixing the air suspension BUT how many of you would consider changing to coil over shocks at 211,000 miles? Approximate cost would be $1,500 for coils, labor & alignment.
Engine & transmission are strong. It has some minor issues that I can live with.
Would y’all call it quits or switch to coil overs at this point? Timing chain seems good but has never been replaced.
So, coil overs or scrap yard? I actually love my LR3 and it’s been a good truck for the most part so this is a tough decision.
Thanks to all who answer!
 

douglastic

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Why are your 2 options "coil overs or scrap yard?"

so, $1500 for coils . . . or throw it in the trash?

How much $ to have a trusted shop inspect - replace/repair your compressor, air tank, lines, or whatever else is needed to get that system 100%? Seems you have already done 75% that effort and expense.

If you LOVE it, get the above quote for comparison before deciding.
 

EGCarp

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Yes. Coil overs or scrap yard.

The nearest LR dealership is 120 miles one way and I’d have to have it trailered.

No trusted shop in my area unfortunately.

Changing over to coils isn’t any harder than installing an air strut. It’s a 2 person job (at least for me) and the coils are configured to bolt up like the air strut. Pretty straightforward job.

With 211,000 miles on it I’m not going to pay to trailer it to Houston and pay dealership prices to troubleshoot and repair. The KBB value is $2,000 in fair condition and mileage.

I love my Rover but there comes a time when it’s time to walk away.

I am curious if see if anyone would say keep it and do the coil overs and rock on until the next issue pops up.

Thanks for your input.
 

Houm_WA

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I am going to be brutally honest here, it sounds like you threw parts at the EAS without really knowing what needed to be fixed. You installed new shocks and new sensors, did you calibrate it after? Is your compressor working properly? Did you check for leaks? The EAS doesn't just $hit the bed, and it's pretty easy to diagnose.

I'm not sure why you mention timing chains since that's an issue on the LR4...and maybe the V6. Do you have a MY2006 with the V6?

To answer your question I would neither switch to coils nor send it to the scrap heap. I'd actually fix it! Spend some time troubleshooting, figure out the real issue, and fix it once.
 

douglastic

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I value keeping my LR3 much more than any book would.
What would I replace it with? and for how much $?

Seems like you have already made your decision.
Are you really seeking opinions? Or just validation.
 

Houm_WA

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@douglastic that is exactly how I feel, too. What am I gonna go get, a 4Runner? Fine, but boring. There are so few body-on-frame 4x4s with V8s available out there. Maybe none, in fact....at least not new. So I'd rather have an old Rover than an old anything else.

I love the LR3 so much, I bought another one a few years back. I have an '05 and an '06 and I love them both.
 

EGCarp

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If I could get it to a shop that works on Land Rovers or a LR dealership I would.

I spent this afternoon pounding the pavement for a solution. I ended up at the tire shop where I trade and they said they could install the coil overs.

So a solutions was found. I live down 2 miles of dirt road that stays muddy in the winter. It’s a miracle the air system lasted this long with all the mud, dirt and washed out roads.

I’m exactly like y’all. What WOULD I drive after my Rover? It’s a sobering thought.
 

Houm_WA

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That isn't really a solution.

Do you have a GAP Tool?
 

remember5

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No a GAP tool or a Nanocom to read the codes and calibrate the EAS system. When you change parts you have to re-calibrate the system so the sensors know what height they are sitting on. Humor me, try jacking up the rear end so it's level with the front and start the truck and see what happens. If the sensor is out of calibration it might at least stay up once it's back in operating range. You have to understand that the computer, bags, compressor, and sensors work together to set the height. Attached is a section that may help you understand, but you have got to get some type of code reading tool that will let you calibrate the suspension.
 

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