Thread: Let's talk about Defender rear coil options

The 130 helpers will fit in the existing springs but by the time I buy all the brackets and the springs its also an expensive option. More importantly as the progressive coils have aged I would need to replace these anyway. Also I believe the helpers should go inside the HD coils, but I may be wrong as I know that they fit both.

Originally Posted by dm_td5

The 130 helpers will fit in the existing springs but by the time I buy all the brackets and the springs its also an expensive option. More importantly as the progressive coils have aged I would need to replace these anyway. Also I believe the helpers should go inside the HD coils, but I may be wrong as I know that they fit both.

I must say it is interesting that your coils have aged. Ours haven't aged notably, and is has done its share of dirt driving. It makes me wonder if something has changed in the specifications of them.

The rear coils in the Puma 110 4 door wagons are the same as in the equivalent Td5 wagon's. The front coils in the Puma are the same as the left side coil in previous Defenders. Prior to the Puma the front's were handed.

out of interest derek,
i had those same kings in my old disco for two cape trips... sure it held the rear end up but also im sre "helped" the 3 rear body mounts cracking out and one chassis mount, as in chassis cracked... i changed over to 300lb.in with polyairs and had the same lift under load but light years ahead in ride and handling.

also maybe a possibility for you... after this next cape trip next week Im pretty keen to change away from the 130 helpers and run either polys or firestone airsprings... id be happy to send the 130 bracketry and helper springs your way...for a steal!!!

S

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Derek,
Have you driven a coiler with polyairs in the rear?
Certainly dont write them off. For your situation they seem a perfect tool. Leave them at bugger all psi and your ride will be as it is now ("Unladen the defender is fine")
And then when you load up put in the 30psi and away you go.
Id throw polys into the current springs and drive them for a bit to see how you go.

No metal only spring will give the variablity of ride height / spring rate that you can get out of compressed air!!!

Steve

x 2 Almost.

I'd agree - reconsider these. They do the intended function extremely well. The mimimum is 5psi, don't run 0 as they will pinch & tear, and only put in what you need. 30 psi is the recommended maximum I think. I run 18 psi when loaded.

Regards
Max P

Of course, I can give you a report on Saturday When we go to Fraser we will be loaded (medium) so I should get some feel for how well or otherwise they work then.

Well lots of discussing with suppliers later I'm no closer. King Springs and Dobinsons are both 470 lbs/in if you want standard ride height. They do different weights in the 2" lift longer springs - why? You'd think the standard height springs would be at least similar to the standard HD springs from LR.

Knowing full well that I'm going to have to do something I think I'll first of replace the shocks and go from there. I think the best option is to keep the helpers/polyairs as a reserve option and simply put HD linear coils in. This will stiffen up the backend but shouldn't be too harsh and then I can always add the extra hardware as and if required.


I think I must be the only person around who doesn't want to lift his Defender

Captain_Rightfoot: Trip report is always welcome

Originally Posted by dm_td5

Well lots of discussing with suppliers later I'm no closer. King Springs and Dobinsons are both 470 lbs/in if you want standard ride height. They do different weights in the 2" lift longer springs - why? You'd think the standard height springs would be at least similar to the standard HD springs from LR.

Knowing full well that I'm going to have to do something I think I'll first of replace the shocks and go from there. I think the best option is to keep the helpers/polyairs as a reserve option and simply put HD linear coils in. This will stiffen up the backend but shouldn't be too harsh and then I can always add the extra hardware as and if required.


I think I must be the only person around who doesn't want to lift his Defender

Captain_Rightfoot: Trip report is always welcome

why not get custom springs for the rear from some where like dobinson.