Thread: Defender Coils

Personally, I'd be inclined to go a DC shaft even if you're only bringing the front back to the max unsagged standard height.

It's no big deal about lifting Pumas though, just a bit painful for the guinea pigs...

Originally Posted by LowRanger

I don't know why people always want to guess what to fit or take a one size fits all package from retailers,when it comes to suspension?
And then they scream blue murder when it turns out to be something different to what they expected.
Do it right and do it once.

I would suggest that you wait until you have your winch and had it fitted,before doing anything further.Then work out what you would normally carry in the vehicle,and put it in the vehicle.Then either take it to a public weighbridge and get both ends and each corner weighed individually,or take it to someone like Ultimate Suspension (seeing that you are in Sydney) and they will weigh it for you and will then be able to recommend a correct spring to give you the requirements you are looking for,and can custom valve shocks if you so desire.
You might then have half a chance of getting something that will actually work.
And yes you will need to organise a double cardan front shaft,and I concur with the Tom Woods shaft,but I would recommend you get it direct from the U.S.A. as it will be a lot cheaper and you will get it just as quick
And as an aside,I would keep the ride height fairly close to standard,and fitting 265's should only require you to adjust the steering lock stops to maintain clearance.

Having been through the guessing process I cannot agree with Wayne more. I tried a few different springs and didn't get it right so I took it to ken at ultimate who assures me he will get it right and guarantees his work. It got weighed the other day and he is custom making me progressive springs for less than my terrafirmers cost. And the rest of the package is exceptionally well priced.

Having experienced the dc shafts there is a bit more to it as the dc will possibly foul on your sway bar on articulation so you will need to consider spacers.


Sent from my iPhone using Thumbs

Originally Posted by chook73

... he is custom making me progressive springs for less than my terrafirmers cost. And the rest of the package is exceptionally well priced.

Just remember that you will have to get the dampers to match the springs

Can't agree with wayne more. Also, suspension is often the first thing people want to change.. but it should really be the last.. you only really know what the weight and balance is after you have finished kitting it out.

Originally Posted by Naks

Just remember that you will have to get the dampers to match the springs

Yes it's a fully matched system so springs, dampers and sway bars. I had so many temporary fixes while I fitted portals etc it's finally a relief to know its being done top to bottom.


Sent from my iPhone using Thumbs

So today I went to have some new rubber fitted I went for some BF Goodrich 265/75R 16's they look nice and fill the guards well. I have noticed that the ride is smoother and the handling is more planted.

On the way to have the rubber fitted I dropped in to ARB St Peters to picked up a set of front coils, part number 2767 X which are for winch and bar fitted vehicles giving a up to 110kg capacity in the front plus between 30 and 40mm of lift .

The fitting took about 1 hour with a little help from Linde.

There was no need to remove the shocks just undo the bottom shock mount bolt, unbolt the sway bar push the shocks all the way up the tower get Linde to lift the front while the diff was on stands then I simply R/R the springs .

So now I have standard coils in the rear and Old Man Emu in the front, I’m happy with the result. Total lift at the front was aprox 35mm which leveled out the front and was what I was hoping to achieve.

Next I will install some Poly Air's to the rear.

I haven't noticed any strange noises from the drive train. I also checked the uni alignment and it looks good, the diff has rotated but not much, all looks nice not much angle change at all. I guess the diff has rotated back to its original position from the coils sagging in the beginning.

The ride seems nice and firm not harsh I’d say 10% firmer than standard, keeping in mind I have no winch fitted yet ,so this should soften it a little more.

I agree, I went for the same BFG muddies in 265/75 on the standard 16" alloys...I think this is a good defender tyre for all except beach driving where I find they dig holes easily and I have to air right down.

Plus i fitted LR heavy duty front springs to correct the sags from my steel bullbar and winch (loaded with good old fashioned wire rope). Nice and level; don't think it needs a lift; handles well now too.

You have a sharp looking vehicle there too!

Cheers

Chops

Originally Posted by chops110

I agree, I went for the same BFG muddies in 265/75 on the standard 16" alloys...I think this is a good defender tyre for all except beach driving where I find they dig holes easily and I have to air right down.

Plus i fitted LR heavy duty front springs to correct the sags from my steel bullbar and winch (loaded with good old fashioned wire rope). Nice and level; don't think it needs a lift; handles well now too.

You have a sharp looking vehicle there too!

Cheers

Chops

I’m glad I went for the All-Terrains, I have Mickey Thompson muddies on the f250 and it raws like a lion on the black stuff.

Did you need to fit a Double Cardinal Shaft to the front?

I would think that with such a small lift it would not be necessary, I did have a look at the angle of the diff in relation to the transfer case and there is not much difference in the relative angle maybe a few degrees.

I have noticed a faint intermittent tweet tweet tweet from the rear at around 60kph , but that maybe pre existing as the other tyres were much louder than the All-Terrains. I’m thinking Uni’s.