Thread: Who runs 130 hpcu standard suspension ?? how do you find it.

Mine used to be loaded all the time, I'd tare anywhere from 2650-2950kg and I ran without the inner rear springs.
It was so much nicer in day to day running around.
I also went slightly taller front springs, LRA 'Purple'.
Almost the same rate but 40mm taller so the car was almost flat with a load.

And no anti roll bars but decent dampers. (Custom valved Koni's)

Initially on 235/85's, but when they wore out I went to 255/85's so it had a little more give in the tyre, too.

I run a 95 300tdi 130 single cab tray with factory standard springs and dampers. The dampers are aftermarket Terrafirma, but are OE equivalents. I have the inner helper springs out.
The tray carries a 200kg alloy box and rides very smoothly empty over rough ground.
I carried 1 ton of hardwood fence posts recently and the bump stop clearance dropped from ~120mm down to 60mm, so the helper springs are not needed for most usage.
Last week I drove a 75 series LC ute for a day loaded helping a friend move house and the difference in ride quality was amazing. The LC (stock standard) is awful.
Terry
ps 235/85x16 tyres.

Bazzle
My current tdci 130 and previous ‘95 TDI 130
I ran standard front springs steel bar with rails and 12ooolb winch and dyneema
Have never felt the need to change

Rear I run standard outer spring with a poly air bag inside
Not only gives a little more load carrying when needed but the bag really smooths the ride and helps with axle tramp on dirt.

I reckon you will find a much nicer ride tossing those HD king springs and heading back to a standard setup

I previously ran appropriately valved bilateins on the TDI
But am yet to kill these OEM dampers at 110oookm on the tdci
To be honest when they die I would consider buying OEM dampers to replace and that is something I have never considered in the past

S

I have stock td5 130 suspension, it didn’t sag too much with the inner springs removed but found that when fully loaded for camping (nowhere near max gvm for these cars) I would hit bump stops when driving on rough dirt. Ride quality was great though, I have bilsteins all round. Would consider air bags so it is adjustable.

My Puma 130 has stock suspension that I'm happy with but its a cab chassis with a fairly heavy steel tray which improves the ride when empty. The bloke I bought the tray from had swapped to an alloy tray and the ride was significantly harsher with the lighter tray.

Regards,
Tote

Originally Posted by Bazzle218

Currently confined to house after knee op so just pondering. I have 1998 defender 130 4 door , original tub. Currently its my every day driver with original tub, and home made canopy attached. Load wise it has two solar panels and about 120 kg of batteries in the rear. tyres 235 /85 r 16 muddies ( they drive me crazy with the roar) The person i bought it off apparently used it as a support vehicle in variety bashes. As such it has massive RGM shocks and Raised king springs all around. I have a standard type bull bar and side rails nothing excessive. ( not in the position to crawl under and get spring numbers) Now at this time I go to the cape /Laura once a year towing a camper. I find the ride pretty harsh. Does anyone still use standard suspension and standard tyres 750/16 what is the ride like for general driving on the road. I'm considering finding some standard springs and fitting them to see how it goes. I'm becoming a believer in why change things if you don't need to .

I believe I that I can go along with that sentiment "why change things if you don't need to". My RFSV Perentie, in common with all RFSVs and although a 110, has a 130 suspension from stock and works fine for me - I find that reducing the tyre pressures and using standard tyres helps the old back

Finally got off my bum and converted back to standard, The ride difference is chalk and cheese. I had a kings heavy duty springs all around and great thumping shocks ( i'wont mention brand pm for details) . I had a left hand rear and front drivers side shock both stuffed. Both collapsed when i undid the top mount. The rear lower shock mounts were elongated, fronts were slightly worn so i left them alone and rear were repaired by welding in a heavy duty washer. Replaced shocks with a set of EFS Only issue i found was that the lower shock pins were a bit shorter and on the fronts had to compress shocks before i could get the nut started. once on all went smooth. Fitted airbags in the rear springs instead of the helper spring. Running 5psi at this stage will up it when in towing camper. Now the ride. Bloody hell I cant believe i tortured myself and wife for 18 months Ride is smooth and comfortable and soaks up the Townsville potholes with ease. I would also say the truck is running quieter with less stress on the various bushes et. Would i recommend standard suspension ? Absolutely Baz