Thread: Is it possible to make the ride smoother?

Originally Posted by justinc

I would first of all try some decent shocks. The standard 110 Defender springs are very smooth WITH GOOD SHOCKS. I have transformed many 110's and even 130's by fitting DeCarbon shocks and leaving the springs alone. This gives you good load carrying with excellent ride. (The County is smoother again due to softer rear springs.)

I have had these shocks on my RRC and now my 110 for 7 years and LOTS of bad roads and they still feel like they did when I fitted them.

Also, after fitting many sets over the years I have had only 1 warranty claim on 1 shock due to MINOR leakage. NONE due to failure or breakage.

They are worth a try for sure, you won't be disappointed.


JC

I'll be after some decent shocks shortly and would be keen to give them a try.
Is there a local supplier for the DeCarbon's, and a particular model/part no/length you use JC? (for an Isuzu 110).

Steve

iv just put new bushs allround on mine,,, made a bigg diff to the feel of it over bumps,,, feels all nice tight again wont flex aswell now tho,

so just another thing to check,, maby ya rubber bushs have all failed, make the ride feel harsh

Originally Posted by PhilipA

except for LR OEM 180 lb springs to suit a load leveller. If you have the holes in the back crossmember for the top mount for a load leveller then one could be fitted. This will be a revelation in ride.

I, and a few others I know have the 180lb rears and no load leveller (because it died and was removed). This option is fine if you don't carry heavy loads.

However fitting air springs made a huge improvement in ride over the soft springs.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

[snip]

However fitting air springs made a huge improvement in ride over the soft springs.

That has to be the ultimate setup for those of us that constantly carry a load.

I ripped the inner springs out of the 130 and with the soft long travel dampers I have it makes a world of difference to the ride. (and I tare at or close to 3000kg)

When you say air springs do you mean something like 'Poly Air ' assist bags inside rear coils?

My mate in Vic who is a RWC tester has advised that retrofitting just air bags and shock abs in lieu of coil springs and shock abs is not an option in Vic.

What have people heard about variable rate coils springs ?

Originally Posted by land864

When you say air springs do you mean something like 'Poly Air ' assist bags inside rear coils?

My mate in Vic who is a RWC tester has advised that retrofitting just air bags and shock abs in lieu of coil springs and shock abs is not an option in Vic.

What have people heard about variable rate coils springs ?

They sag..

But offer a soft rider until loaded up then they sit in the stiffer part of the coil.

Originally Posted by land864

When you say air springs do you mean something like 'Poly Air ' assist bags inside rear coils?

My mate in Vic who is a RWC tester has advised that retrofitting just air bags and shock abs in lieu of coil springs and shock abs is not an option in Vic.

What have people heard about variable rate coils springs ?

Yes, Ben is talking about retrofitting air bags.

Variable rate springs are just a coil with a closer wind at one end (or sometimes taper ground wire) that become coil bound as the spring compress locking out that section and giving a harder rate as it works on the remainder of the wider spaced coils, so it all comes back to what the rate of the spring is anyway.

Someone way back on the first page suggested the rear springs out of a late model Defender which are variable rate, IIRC something like 270/280lb/in going up to 420 or so.
The rear springs in the rear of yours should be 330lb/in constant rate, (Land Rovers 110 heavy duty option, that was standard spec for Australia) if it's original still.

Originally Posted by land864

When you say air springs do you mean something like 'Poly Air ' assist bags inside rear coils?

My mate in Vic who is a RWC tester has advised that retrofitting just air bags and shock abs in lieu of coil springs and shock abs is not an option in Vic.

What have people heard about variable rate coils springs ?

No - as Rick mentioned I don't mean polyair type assist bags. They do not improve ride.

I mean these:


I suspect your mate is misinformed. There are people on here from VIC who have converted to air bags. I have spoken to RWC inspectors in WA and QLD and neither have had issues with the mod - so I can't see VIC being any different. Companies like airbagman sell kits in all states (including VIC) AFAIK.