Discovery 2 Suspension Lift Kits
Discovery 2 Suspension Lift Kits
A practical guide to choosing the right suspension lift kit for your Land Rover Discovery 2, including lift height, spring load ratings, shock absorbers and rear air suspension considerations.
Why lift a Discovery 2?
The Discovery 2 is already a very capable off-road vehicle in standard form. A suspension lift is commonly fitted by owners who want additional clearance, increased suspension travel or space for larger off-road tyres.
A correctly selected lift kit can improve clearance beneath the vehicle and help reduce the risk of grounding on rutted tracks and uneven terrain. However, the kit must be appropriate for the vehicle’s weight, equipment and intended use.
What does a suspension lift kit normally include?
Lift springs
Taller coil springs increase the vehicle’s ride height. Springs are available with different load ratings to suit vehicles carrying different amounts of permanent additional weight.
Longer shock absorbers
Longer shock absorbers are normally matched to the taller springs so that they can accommodate the increased suspension travel and help keep the wheels in contact with the ground.
Matched components
Buying a complete kit helps ensure that the springs and shock absorbers are designed to work together for the specified lift height and load rating.
Choosing the correct spring load rating
The most important consideration is not simply how high you want the vehicle to sit. You must also consider how much permanent additional weight the Discovery carries.
Light load
Best suited to a relatively standard vehicle without substantial permanently fitted accessories or heavy equipment.
Medium load
A suitable choice for many everyday vehicles, including those used for towing or carrying moderate equipment without being permanently heavily loaded.
Heavy load
Intended for heavily modified vehicles carrying substantial permanent weight, such as heavy-duty bumpers, a winch, roof equipment, tools or expedition equipment.
Do not select heavy-load springs simply because they sound stronger or more durable. Springs designed for more weight may produce an unnecessarily firm ride or excessive ride height when fitted to a lightly loaded vehicle.
Typical lift height
Many Discovery 2 lift kits are described as approximately 40 mm or 2-inch lifts. The final measured height can vary because of the vehicle’s existing suspension condition, additional equipment, fuel load and the spring specification selected.
A lift kit should therefore be chosen according to the complete vehicle specification rather than the advertised lift height alone.
Larger tyres
Additional suspension height may provide more room for larger tyres, but a lift does not automatically guarantee that every larger tyre size will fit without contact.
Wheel offset, tyre width, suspension movement, steering lock and body clearance must all be considered before choosing a wheel and tyre combination.
Discovery 2 rear air suspension
Some Discovery 2 models have self-levelling rear air suspension rather than rear coil springs. Check which suspension system is fitted before ordering a kit, as kits for coil-sprung and air-sprung vehicles are not necessarily the same.
When converting a vehicle from rear air suspension to coil springs, the vehicle may also need to be correctly programmed for coil suspension using a suitable diagnostic tool. The conversion should be completed using the correct parts and procedure.
Before fitting a lift kit
Check the existing suspension
Worn bushes, mounts, ball joints and other suspension components should be inspected before fitting new springs and shock absorbers.
Consider the complete vehicle
Take account of bumpers, winches, roof racks, roof tents, storage systems, tools and other equipment that is permanently fitted.
Use competent fitting
Suspension springs store considerable energy and specialist equipment may be required. Have the kit fitted by a suitably qualified mechanic if you are uncertain about the work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need longer shock absorbers with lift springs?
A properly specified lift kit will normally use shock absorbers designed to work with the taller springs and increased suspension travel. Follow the specification of the individual kit.
Are heavy-duty and heavy-load springs the same thing?
Not always. Suspension products may be broadly described as heavy duty, while the springs within the range can still have light, medium or heavy load ratings. Always check the actual load specification.
Is a medium-load kit suitable for towing?
A medium-load kit is suitable for many vehicles that tow, provided the vehicle does not carry substantial permanent additional weight. The correct choice depends on the vehicle and the individual kit specification.
Can I convert rear air suspension to coil springs?
Conversion kits are available, but the correct mechanical components must be fitted and the vehicle may need to be programmed for coil suspension with suitable diagnostic equipment.
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Browse our range of suspension lift kits, springs, shock absorbers, air suspension components and related parts for the Land Rover Discovery 2.
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