Thread: Suspension upgrade in Eastern Melbourne

Originally Posted by AndyG

My query was from the insurance / public liability angle, not is operability.

What I was getting was that it would be the same as if you went and had your suspension modified, they would not refit the sway bars if they raised the spring height. Lifting suspension isn't illegal, and insurance covers you with mods as long as they know about them.
I'm pretty sure even some of the post 2007 defenders came out with no sway bars when ordered with certain specs. So if it's an option from factory???
I'm no lawyer so don't take my info as gospel, but I'm happy to leave them off my defer.

Regarding puma lift and tyre size:

255/85/16 fitts on zero offset rims with no issues at all. No lift needed. Problem is you are limited to maxxis 762, bfg km2 and cooper st maxx. The first two are muddys and the latter is a 50/50 AT.

285/75/16 seems to be hit and miss. Some say it does not rub and others claim it does. These require a 8 inch wide rim and a zero offset as a minimum.

What im interested in and might sound a bit silly to some but id like to know; is it possible to run something that lifts the vehicle 15mm to 20mm allowing the 285/75/16 to fit easier? The reason i ask is that the bfg km2 although a very good tyre are really loud on a puma and are not the best toruing option. The idea if easily fitting a more common 285/75/16 tyre (33 inch tyre) with a lot more options is very appealing both financially and practically

I would have automatically chosen Bilsteins as a shock choice but now after looking at the Koni Raids in in two minds.

What are the standard shocks on the Defender Puma?

Frequenting my farm more often and have about 25 mins of dirt road, cattle grid and water crossings and have found the standards rattle the ****e out of the Defender, I put this down to highway pressure tyres (40 psi) but now I'm thinking a shock upgrade might be worthwhile.

No interest at all in raising it, even if it has sagged from the steel Bullbar, it still has more clearance than any other brand vehicle that has had a 2" lift

What are the thoughts on the standard shocks?

And are the Koni Raid the best solution for the Defenders???

I'm looking forward to read feedback✅

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I am very pleased i started this thread.... but it has not made my decision 'to lift or not to lift' any easier at all. Are we happy to say that if done well, sway bar removed, a 2'' lift might not be necessary for a landy but looks good and ride is not compromised. Also i found 3 of 4 dealers recommended king springs. Should I be asking for HD 130 springs instead?

1nando: one of the dealers I have dealt with recommended a 1'' lift as the vehicle can remain standard.

Originally Posted by Corris110

I am very pleased i started this thread.... but it has not made my decision 'to lift or not to lift' any easier at all. Are we happy to say that if done well, sway bar removed, a 2'' lift might not be necessary for a landy but looks good and ride is not compromised. Also i found 3 of 4 dealers recommended king springs. Should I be asking for HD 130 springs instead?

1nando: one of the dealers I have dealt with recommended a 1'' lift as the vehicle can remain standard.

Ive been told the same thing. People will probably think what im about to say is overkill.....but i would still use a double cardan front prop just in case. More than likely not necessary but considering how much ive spent on my car whats another 700 dollars...

As to your lift or not to lift:

my recommendation is why is it so important for you to lift? What do you want out of your truck?
My reason is I want to fit a common size tyre in a 33 inch diameter that gives me more options without potentially rubbing, 255s are good but noisy, only 3 tyres to choose from.
A one inch lift meets my criteria and should not have and adverse effects.
When you think abou it: going to a 33 inch tyre and a 1 inch suspension lift you've already lifted your car 37.5mm (12.5mm on the axel and 25mm on the car) which is almst 2 inches anyway. Considering the standard clearance this should be plenty.

Thats exactly on the money. I dont want mega clearance and try and look like a patrol with 37s and a 5'' lift. Just I would like a better quality set up from the start, reliability, and the flexibility to get 33's etc in the future without needing to change my set up again

Why bother with a 1" beesdick lift?!?! That wont impress your mates. Seriously?

Just get some Koni's or Bilies and be done with it.

Babs, I went Koni Raids over Bilies simply because of the OS size of the tubes, more stable, solid. But it was a tough decision because I think Bilies are a little more compliant on road. Having said that, as soon as I hit corrugations I know exactly why I chose Koni...awesome.

Originally Posted by MrLandy

Why bother with a 1" beesdick lift?!?! That wont impress your mates. Seriously?

Just get some Koni's or Bilies and be done with it.

Babs, I went Koni Raids over Bilies simply because of the OS size of the tubes, more stable, solid. But it was a tough decision because I think Bilies are a little more compliant on road. Having said that, as soon as I hit corrugations I know exactly why I chose Koni...awesome.

I understand your logic but the puma geometry requires a lot of money to do a 2 inch lift correctly.
I just want to fit 285/75/16 with no rubbing.
Im over 255 muddies. Wish there was more options in this size but there isnt