Air Suspension head scratcher

I suspect the spring rate is unchanged, it's the dampers that are controlled. Cars with traditional coil springs have similar dynamic ride control and it's all done via the dampers as far as I understand. I thought there was an option for 'electronic' sway bars in the LR4, I remember a section in the workshop manual referencing it.

Well, I talked to the folks at GAP diagnostics, and they confirmed my fear. In order to load the appropriate software to ensure all the modules talk appropriately for the ADS, you'd need to load the RRS software onto the LR4....which I'm told is not possible. At least according to GAP. But, they've been doing this a while, so I trust their assessment. Plus, I do actually have kids, which means not a lot of free time, and even less $$ to bring a lot of my dreams to fruition.

Soooo....it looks like I may just order up a set of standard rear air struts and see how she does. (Cause I called on my supply line and it's still on backorder....eta unknown.)

Oh boy, you're a lucky guy then . I hear you on all fronts! Aren't the rear airsprings new already?

ftillier said:

I suspect the spring rate is unchanged, it's the dampers that are controlled. Cars with traditional coil springs have similar dynamic ride control and it's all done via the dampers as far as I understand. I thought there was an option for 'electronic' sway bars in the LR4, I remember a section in the workshop manual referencing it.

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I'll have to dig around in terms of way's to do it; I suspect it's more than just damping although that is an option for the transients.
Adjustable sway bars have been around for a while but need more energy/power, they get used for roll control...

Longtrail said:

I'll have to dig around in terms of way's to do it; I suspect it's more than just damping although that is an option for the transients.
Adjustable sway bars have been around for a while but need more energy/power, they get used for roll control...

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@ftillier is correct. All the ADS system does is modulates how much fluid is allowed to pass through the internal shock absorber in the air strut itself, thereby adjusting the amount of resistance in the air strut. That said, the difference between simple adjustable and adaptive dynamic is that the LR system is constantly adjusting it on the fly, as opposed to the "old school" method of just turning the adjustment screw on top of the shock before going for a spin.

I don't know that I've ever heard of the LR4 having the adjustable sway bar, but the 2010+ RRS SC certainly does. I also looked into transplanting that system as well, but there are A LOT of additional components to it, including another hydraulic pump and the electronically controlled rear differential, just to name a few. Basically, I ran into a physical limitation in that the sway bar mounts are different between the LR4 and RRS and I would have had to modify the sway bar ends to make it work. (Assuming all software was compatible). And I feel like that was just a recipe for disaster....so I abandoned those plans.

Longtrail said:

Oh boy, you're a lucky guy then . I hear you on all fronts! Aren't the rear airsprings new already?

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They were new in Sep 2018, and while they should last for a significant amount if time, it could be it just failed prematurely. Full disclosure though, I did buy these particular Arnott struts off eBay, and while they looked brand new it's not like I got them from a reputable dealer...so who knows exactly where they came from....

Ordered up a pair of rear struts from Rock Auto....cheapest Arnott struts I could find....that said, my wallet is still screaming! The valve block and air line combined didn't cost as much as one of the air struts. And because I always do things in pairs, I bought two. Did I really need to? No, probably not, but I just tend to apply the theory if they're both new they should have similar performance characteristics. Definitely necessary for brakes and what not....I was on the fence as to whether it really applies in this case.

I think shocks should be replaced in pairs so in my opinion that's a good call! Keep us posted!

Thanks for the good work, and please keep us all informed!

I agree, I would always change out in axle pairs.

Now, let me talk to you about your vehicles extended warranty.

txfromwi said:

Thanks for the good work, and please keep us all informed!

I agree, I would always change out in axle pairs.

Now, let me talk to you about your vehicles extended warranty.

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If I have a dollar for every time I got one of those calls....LOL!

I have the news shocks, they arrived Friday. I was gonna swap them yesterday, but by the time I got my other LR4 project over there they closed in less than 2 hours and that was a little tight to get the shocks swapped. So, I'm driving my wife to work tomorrow and then I'll swap them out here at the house.

I'll report back tomorrow with some pictures and a write up! (then Tuesday morning we'll know...she'll either be standing tall or it's the stupid tube going across the back!!!!!!)