Thread: Suspension options

Some models of Defenders don't have swaybars. Maybe yours is one. If you go off bitumen regularly, and you're happy with it as is, you are better off without them. Much smoother. Besides the articulation, on rough roads the sway bars cause a lot of latteral movement of the cabin, without them the cabin stays much more level as the suspension soaks up the irregularities.

I've never had problems with a pink slip since of I took mine off.

Its a 2001 extreme model? Not sure if its supposed to have them or not. I can see mounts where they possibly could go. How could i find out if mine is supposed to have them on it, just for legal/insurance reasons? But like u said, im quite happy with how it handles now around corners and such,im used to lifted 4wds, just not the rough ride like the original post.

Originally Posted by nayto

I thought if its rough at the moment, like its too stiff it would be the springs? I dont know much though, im only comparing the ride to my old Gu coil sprung ute which was very comfortable.
I am looking at lifting it a couple inches, to make room for bigger tyres plus a little extra clearance, and i wont be skimping on quality. From what ive read it'll be Koni or Bilstein shocks for sure.

Standard springs are very good quality, just not up to the addition of a bar and winch, they will sag. I use NRC9448/9449 which are LR front heavy duty springs (Standard to 130 models) with steel bar and winch fitted. You MAY have to fit 20mm spacers under rear springs to retain a slight tail up stance, but not always.
Good quality Shocks are the main things here, Lovells are a good brand, but see Dullbirds write up on Terrafirma, they aren't too bad for the $$ either.
And DON'T lift it 4" you'll be in for a world of pain.

JC

Thanks for the reply Justin, yeh im only going 2" lift. Sounds like the 130 springs are the go, do u get them through Landrover? Can u recommend a Koni or Billstein shock, i talked to a local bloke and he had no idea what part number to go for.

If you are going Bilstein,talk to Andrew or John at LRA in melbourne, as they have 1" or 2" longer ones available IIRC I'm not sure of the part number. Ph them on 94644094.
The standard length ones are B460243 front, and B460253 rear.

Koni Raid are a fantastic unit, but costly, BUT again, you get what you pay for. Derek (dmTd5) has a set on his Puma and highly recommends them in the rough, and he'd know.

JC

Thanks again, ill get in touch with them about the Billsteins. Price might be the reason i cant find prices online for the Koni Raids Rough prices per shock anyone?

500 bux

each? or per end (2)