Thread: Defender rear shock question

My 2005 TD5 Defender has 2" lift Terrafirma big bore shocks on the rear. Along with 2" lift springs (about 15 years old) I fitted them about 4 years ago, and have been OK, if not a bit firm.
I had the Defender up in the air on a 2 post lift to change the front brake pads, and noticed the right rear tyre hanging about 60mm lower than the left. I know the dif is on that side of the axle, but the front did not hang lower. Up Cape York last November, I did dislocate the rear springs several times, as the travel was too much for the springs. Is there a way to check the shock whilst on the vehicle? The top shock mount nut seems a bit stripped, and would not remove. Have put an other nut on, so will not come off. Worth removing and checking? or just upgrade to Koni Raids, and a new shock mount?
I ultimately want the Koni's, but finding it hard to justify the cost.
Cheers,
Ken

Originally Posted by PhilipA

As the shock absorber limits downward travel, my guess is that the right shock is different to the left.

You can check by undoing the bottom mount, extending both shocks and measuring if they are the same length..
If you are dislocating springs without spring guides the the shock is too long.
Regards PhilipA

Shocks are the same, as I put them in. I dislocated the springs, as I have 130 helper springs inside the main springs, so can't use location cones. Springs are 17 years old, and might be sagged also.

I think the Right Rear is stuffed, and allows the further fall when load is off the axle.

Looks like new springs, and shocks for the rear coming up this year!