Land Rover Repair: Disco Suspension, monroe sensa trac, old man emu


Question
My 96 V8i ES Auto is due to have its suspension serviced/changed, I moved to Kenya 12 months ago and the disco came with us from 8 years on the school run.  The roads here are hellish and the suspension gets a severe battering.  What shocks / springs would you reccommend I can buy stuff online and get it shipped here at a good rate so UK stockists are fine.

Also how would you suggest I re-stick the rear high level brake lamp to the window as the heat keeps making the various ways I have tried fail!

Answer
Hi Sean,

how lucky you are to live in a beautiful country like Kenya.  From what I have seen and hear from others, you must be having some fun with your Disco on those roads!

As for your suspension, you have a choice:  you can buy inexpensive shocks like Monroe (about $35US each) or you can step up to Old Man EMU or Bilstein shocks (starts at $300US for set of 4).  

I am quite satisfied with my Monroe Sensa-Trac Truck  shocks.  I can order them from almost anywhere and they are easy to install.

Front shock #37197 ~$35US x 2 (some sites charge even less)
Rear shock #37198  ~$35US x 2

I've spoken to other owners and those who have Old Man Emu (OME'S) shocks are convinced they are the best. BUT...you pay at least 3 times the price of my Monroe's.  

Bilstein shocks are rated high but some owners feel the product is living on its reputation.  I spoke with another owner just the other day and he found that his Bilstein became too soft after just one year.

IF the roads are as bad as you say (bad to some ... loads of fun for others) buy the OME's (made by ARB products inc) and they'll last you much longer than any other.

Check this website out for details: http://www.landroverparts.us/landroverparts/OldManEmu.html

As for the rear high brake light, you'll have to make sure the window is absolutely clean before attempting any glueing.  Talk to your local LR dealer and they can supply you with the correct adhesive.  I'd use alcohol to clean the glass; allow to dry; apply adhesive to both window and light; allow a few moments to setup then apply them together and hold in place for several minutes.

Best of luck,

JohnMc