Episode 1: The Set up / Land Rover LR3 / Air Vs. Coil Shoot-Out / Military Mobility

[@bindal127]

Huge topic! I don’t think that someone on YT ever done such comparison. These are the reviews that the LR3/LR4 community was waiting for, for a long time. Great job! 💪

[@MilitaryMobility]

You just made our day!! 🙌 Despite all the opinions and discussions on the forums we have never seen a true side by side and unbiased comparison done. We figured it was time! Thanks for your participation and being a part of this 😎

[@angelo-212lb]

Wow, really looking forward to watch the whole series… Great job 👏

[@MilitaryMobility]

Thank you!! ❤️ Greatly appreciated! 🙌

[@pwmullen3]

Yoooooo. Can't wait for this series!

[@MilitaryMobility]

Episode 2: Overland has been released and is available for viewing; let us know what you think!! 🙌

[@Steve_MFr]

Hi Brian, Steve from GAP Diagnostic here. I just happened to stumble across this vid series. VFC! Very cool! The one thing I did want to mention: the IIDTool is actually a great backup for a air suspension failure as well. You put the air suspension in "build mode" (as in the factory during the build) and the EAS ECU will not do anything automatically anymore. You can then pump up each corner of the vehicle manually using the IIDTool and the vehicle will stay at exactly that height. Barring a catastrophic failure of the compressor or an air bag (both very rare) or other mechanical issue, you're good to go. Good on you for keeping the air suspension. It has a much worse rep than it actually is. And if you consider it a maintenance item and check it regularly, you'll likely never have an issue off road. If you have any questions or suggestions, give us a shout.

[@MilitaryMobility]

Steve, thank you for joining the conversation; and sharing these insights with the group! We’re so glad you are enjoying the series 🙌. I’ll tell you that the IIDTool has been invaluable for us in troubleshooting the EAS when the LR3 was donated to us on the bumpstops; don’t believe there was any feasible way we could of diagnosed or tracked what was going on without it. So cheers to you guys, and thanks for your incredible customer service; it’s really appreciated!

[@dukeyhowzer]

I love that you guys show the LR's some much needed offroading videos. These vehicles are amazing!

[@dukeyhowzer]

Also, I believe the iid gap tool can overide the height sensors which stops you from dropping to the bump stops.

[@MilitaryMobility]

Love your user name! Thank you very much, they are incredibly capable vehicles and we’re excited to share our experiences with the community 🙌

[@MilitaryMobility]

@@dukeyhowzer We have the Gap IID tool and rank it among “essential” equipment if owning an LR3/4. Partly true, the Gap tool allows you to set ride heights in a variety of ways and is extremely useful in troubleshooting, as well as some field repairs; however if there are failures to certain electrical or EAS components, the air suspension won’t function properly unless other measures are taken as well. 👍

[@dukeyhowzer]

@@MilitaryMobility I see then I was misinformed. Thank you for the response! I know see the importance of what you did to your LR3. Would you be willing to make a video on what you did, like a how too? I've never seen or heard of someone doing that to their air system. I would love to do this on mine!

[@MilitaryMobility]

@@dukeyhowzer Absolutely, we dive into it more later in the series and will be making a stand alone instructional as well 🙌

[@KangoV]

Cool video! I replaced the entire air suspension with all new components for £900. That's compressor, valves, reservoir, bags etc. It wasn't broken, but after 15 years i thought I'd give it a refresh. Not expensive at all.

[@MilitaryMobility]

SMART!!! 👍🙌

[@joeianniello]

Outstanding topic!!!

[@MilitaryMobility]

Appreciate you JOE! 🙌 Yeah we love it and we’re hoping others would too; beautiful rigs, scenery, wheeling, fun discussions; what’s not to love? 😂

[@trevorbonanno6260]

Dude the air suspension is amazing and with the GAP IID tool is amazing. I had a 2007 RRS HSE lifted on 33” Yokohama geolandars and those exact same black rhino wheels and arnott struts. Stuff did go wrong over the 80k miles I had it (stolen from my condo...on a flatbed !) with the rod lift lights all around snorkel bumpers winch etc etc and it was an amazing truck. However I grabbed a 2000 lx470 and have been customizing that and it’s a much more robust vehicle. That being said...KEEP THE AIR SUSPENSION ! You can adapt the valves independently to external compressor and regulate your lift at will. Lucky 8 off-road will be your new best friend.

[@hiroshimacustoms]

How do you adapt the bags?! Heard of this not sure how it's done.

[@MilitaryMobility]

We're so excited to bring this series to you. It was a lot of fun for us to make and we love sharing adventure and knowledge with our supporters. Thank you for your patriotism!

[@EnterTheRover]

How does this not have more views! Amazing video

[@paulphillipspaintwork]

Love it 4 mins in and looking forward to the rest of this series. 👌

[@MilitaryMobility]

Genuinely, thank you so much for that! 🙌🇺🇸 Let’s us know we’re heading in the right direction!

[@thinde88]

Awesome series. My coil overs come in the mail today for my 2013 LR4. I got tired of tracking down little problems with the air ride. Do you know if they are the terrafirma coils or OME ones from British Atlantic? Navy vet here.

[@MilitaryMobility]

Hi Travis, and welcome to the Team! We have the OME Atlantic British ones on our rig. They’re a great company and have been very helpful to us in the past, thank you AB! I don’t have any personal experience with the Terrafirma ones but they’re who are rims are from; another reputable brand. Which ones did you get? And I hear you on being over the seemingly constant quirks that the EAS can present. Looking forward to hearing how the install goes and how they work for you!

[@thinde88]

@@MilitaryMobility I got the Atlantic British ones so that’s good to hear! This is my second LR4, my last one had the HD package and rear locker on tuff ant 18” steelies. I’m in Colorado and frequent Moab often so maybe I’ll see you guys out there one day.

[@gordonyip8415]

Hey Travis, I have a 2011 LR4 , ordering the Terrafirma conversion kit with 2” lift. Cant wait to see how they do. Wonder how have they been treating you?

[@Reborn_Rover]

try fitting an X Lifter air suspension upgrade on the one with air suspension. Its a cool upgrade that %100 getting for mine. It even has a recovery feature that overrides the AIR SUSP INACTIVE fault so can air back up if the system deflates.

[@MilitaryMobility]

The X Lifter is a great tool that our affiliate sponsor Atlantic British offers. Depending on what may go wrong with the suspension it can override certain issues; however if you have other failures of the reservoir tank or compressor, etc it cannot.

[@peterbill7827]

Hi. Just come across this series .. about time we see some lr3 off road tests 👏 Do both of these have locking diffs ?

[@MilitaryMobility]

Hi Peter and thanks for checking the series out. Both of these rigs are identical and have the center locking diff but not the HD package which included the rear locking diff I believe you’re referencing. We’ve recently picked up a third LR3 that does have the HD package and will be doing a comparison wit it in the near future so be sure to subscribe for updates. Thanks again!

[@peterbill7827]

@Military Mobility ASAP please 🙏 🙏 I'm looking to get an off roader & would love the lr3 although does make off roading a little more vehicle than driver oriented from what I've seen. Haven't got to rock video yet but I'm very interested to see how they cope with only centre diff compared to rear as well , which are like 🎠💩 here 😪😪 I believe you can get the front & rear ARB lockers for lr3 now ... I'm hoping anyway 🙏🙏

[@MilitaryMobility]

I’ll share the short answer in the meanwhile, the rear diff is great but isn’t a night/ day difference if you know how to drive offroad properly. If you have the chance I’d definitely get it but would t pass on a great deal with the center locking only. Big investments to lock front and rear with ARB’s and that type of investment may be better suited for rigs with bigger tires and articulation for more aggressive terrain. That being said your stock LR3 can do AMAZING things!

[@bmiller9456]

So glad you’re doing this- and in my backyard, no less!! Thanks!!

[@MilitaryMobility]

You have a great backyard! Thank you for your support! 🙌🇺🇸

[@bmiller9456]

@@MilitaryMobility Utah is a great place for off-roading adventures. You can go mild-to-wild, or my favorite - go where you won't see any people for a few days! Thanks for the videos and the work!

[@MilitaryMobility]

@@bmiller9456 You sir are awesome!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

This is cool! Do both of them have the HD package with the rear locker?

[@MilitaryMobility]

Neither of them do, so equal in that regard. This would indeed be a nice capability to have however we’re a non-profit and can’t be too choosy when acquiring vehicles, or in the case of the Black LR3, receiving donations. We’ve taken these rigs over some pretty challenging terrain and have been pleased with their performance over the last few years. Would be nice if you could positively control the rear locker like in our other non-LR vehicles. I’ve driven HD versions and have only ever seen the locker come on sparingly, Thinking a side by side of HD vs non might be in order next!

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

@@MilitaryMobility Absolutely. My old 06 LR3 HSE did have the HD package and there was a noticeable difference in climbing and low-speed maneuvers. Other than that, the Terrain Response was insanely good, even without it.

[@MilitaryMobility]

@@BorellaFamilyAdventures Good to know! More downhill control is always a huge plus!! Helping climbing doesn’t hurt either 😂

[@RyanKennethWilson]

Do you have a video or write up on how your backup system for if the onboard system fails? You mentioned airing the shocks up manually, I’d love that option as safety. I have your exact same setup (2008 HSE on 32s with rods)

[@MilitaryMobility]

Hi Ryan, a bit later in the series we’ll be diving into it in detail. We’ve also already improved upon our initial product and will have the improved Rescue System for sale on our website. All proceed go towards funding our veteran courses as we have no paid salaries and are an all volunteer organization 👍🇺🇸

[@ZachBrimhall]

Nice to see a new video from you guys👍🏻 I have coils on my LR3, 275/65/18 Cooper STT Pro Mud Terrains. I've had several LR with and without air. While I like the no worry coils, I would prefer the air. Just more attention and upkeep. Use a set of lift rods and you are good to go. Also, I would like to have 35" tires but not going to happen on LR3/4 without heavy mods and just not worth it. Really should have 33" minimum that is the optimal size anyway. 32" with the 2" coil lift is what you can expect to fit. I had an airbag with a leak, put some green tire slime in it and it sealed up until I got back home.

[@MilitaryMobility]

Thanks Zman, took much longer than we preferred to put these out (staffing running the non-profit where serving veterans in need is our priority) but we’re so excited to up and running again! This is great insight that you’re able to share from owning and driving both rigs long term. You’re right about running 35’s; the ones I’ve seen done like that will not last the way it’s set up, zero up-travel and taxes the cv’s. I’ve heard about the green slime trick however had concern about gooping up the entire system permanently. Did your EAS run well after the slime was introduced? And please keep the comments as the new episodes roll out!

[@ZachBrimhall]

@@MilitaryMobility I took the air-strut out and dumped the slime in through the top in the opening for the air line. Tilted it around to get it all around the inside. Reinstalled and it held with no issues to the air block or system. I did it as a test since my air strut had a leak. It lasted for a year until I sold that rig for a different one. It's prob not a long term solution but if you are in the back country it's a good trick to get home. Just keep a bottle of slime in your recovery kit. Not to be confused with fix-a-flat stuff.

[@Messiah114]

Love to see my daily be put to the test 😂👍

[@MilitaryMobility]

I bet! We drive the crap outta these rigs on the trail and out in town. Loads of fun and capability!

[@michaelromano4320]

I have a 2005 LR3 with 165k and a 2010 LR4 with 187k, both on their original EAS. I love the EAS, but with the age and mileage on these trucks I will probably switch over to coils if/when something does fail.

[@BigGrizzNYC]

Spent the ENTIRE first half of COVID researching, googling, and watching KZbin videos.. it’s “not that complicated”.😂

[@MilitaryMobility]

Our videos aren’t for you buddy

[@AColonelPanic]

Its a shame you guys couldn't do this comparison series in snow 😞

[@MilitaryMobility]

A shame, wow that’s a pretty heavy sentiment. We hope that you can find a way to go on.

[@kl3vr]

Great comparison idea. I would point out though that comparing 15 yr old air shocks to newer coil on shocks is not very fair if comparing the dampening. With pre-emptive replacement of the air shocks, solenoids and air compressor, you can get another 15 years of reliable use.

[@MilitaryMobility]

Thank you; we’re doing the best we can with what we have. The point of the series is really to drive awareness to our non-profit that’s is focused on suicide prevention and illustrating that we know what we’re doing to potential supporters. Side note: we now have brand new air shocks on the black LR3 and while it is a bit smoother here and there; would vote the same way.

[@LEEANFARM]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MilitaryMobility]

❤️🙌🙌🙌 Thank You!!!

[@ob9213]

I was looking forward to all of this. Until you said it’s a stock air suspension system but with lift rods. It runs higher pressure in the bags and will then give you less flex. So it’s not a fair test.

[@MilitaryMobility]

What would be fair for you OB92?

[@kiwibrett]

@@MilitaryMobility To me, this was a fair test of two LR3s both modified to run matching larger diameter tires for the improved ground clearance that better suits MM's off road operation. As the series continues, we will see the Air suspended truck out-flex the Coil equiped one despite the higher pressures in the struts. OB92 I'm guessing you might prefer to see a vehicle with standard height coils vs one with standard height air-struts, both running original 29" tyres. So while this series is not your ideal comparison scenario, I recommend it as an outstanding watch with many take-aways that would cross the standard/extended divide. Plus it's just great guys pushing outstanding vehicles in amazing scenery - what's not to enjoy with your feet up and a cold one in your hand?

[@MilitaryMobility]

@@kiwibrett We are BEYOND pleased with your observations!! Thank you for your understanding and support ❤️🙌

[@ob9213]

@@kiwibrett maybe me saying it is not a fair test was wrong. I would have like to have seen a fully stock air suspension car up against the coils. I have seen first hand the difference in capability between lift rods and no lift rods and when you run less pressure it’s is so much better.

[@kiwibrett]

@@MilitaryMobility I've watched a lot of Matts Off Road Recovery and wondered what my LR4 would make of steep smooth rock. Thanks to this series I have a much better idea. It would be huge fun I reckon. I run 33" General Grabber MTs via a 3" lift achieved by reprogramming the suspension computer.

[@barrytemple808]

Taking the air suspension out of these is nuts it’s the easiest system to maintain if you can’t get your head around it then sorry but Land Rover ownership is not for you air-suspension is superior in every way

[@MilitaryMobility]

No one’s changing your mind! 😂 We hope you enjoyed watching the series none the less for the information and scenery 👍

[@barrytemple808]

@@MilitaryMobility I sure did show was informative and great to watch gave exacting information on pros and cons great job guys

[@kennethgrant9926]

Air suspension is great until it fails leaving stuck in the woods