Suspension options

[nayto]

So Ive just bought a 2001 110 extreme. Its got just under 140 thousands k's on it and is still running the standard suspension. This is my first landrover so i want to hear from others about what suspension to put in it. Took it for its first offroad run lastnite, and was impressed with the gearing and traction control system:) Feels nice and stable
At the moment, it is very stiff and a rough ride, much more than any other coiled 4wd ive had. I will very rarely carry a big load (ie usually <100kg) in the back, so id imagine i could go a fair bit softer spring rate.... Ive saw the White Tiger long travel kit for sale, anyone run this setup with comments?
Im open to all suggestions, thanks

[ugu80]

Not really legal but removing the swaybars gives you better performance and ride off road (and smoother on road ride too). You will have to balance this with, at least, firmer shockies and slower cornering on bitumen. Its not difficult (half hour max) so its easy to trial and replace if not satisfied, but be careful if you do this with standard shocks as it will lurch something fierce. I've done it with the standard springs and replaced the standard shocks with firmer ones and its quite good on road and brilliant off.

[justinc]

So Ive just bought a 2001 110 extreme. Its got just under 140 thousands k's on it and is still running the standard suspension. This is my first landrover so i want to hear from others about what suspension to put in it. Took it for its first offroad run lastnite, and was impressed with the gearing and traction control system:) Feels nice and stable
At the moment, it is very stiff and a rough ride, much more than any other coiled 4wd ive had. I will very rarely carry a big load (ie usually <100kg) in the back, so id imagine i could go a fair bit softer spring rate.... Ive saw the White Tiger long travel kit for sale, anyone run this setup with comments?
Im open to all suggestions, thanks

The problem without doubt is your shock absorbers. The original springs are very good quality, If you are running a steel bar and winch I would fit new genuine springs to the front to suit a 130, part numbers NRC9448 and NRC9449. These will raise the front back up again if sagged with the bar and winch fitted. If just a standard bumper, I would retain the standard springs and fit either Bilstein, Koni or DeCarbon shocks. The ride quality will be excellent , you won't loose your comfort and the control will be totally transformed!

DON"T skimp on shocks. Spend the $$.

JC

[nayto]

I thought if its rough at the moment, like its too stiff it would be the springs? I dont know much though, im only comparing the ride to my old Gu coil sprung ute which was very comfortable.
I am looking at lifting it a couple inches, to make room for bigger tyres plus a little extra clearance, and i wont be skimping on quality. From what ive read it'll be Koni or Bilstein shocks for sure.

[stig0000]

well i must say i did kinda skimp on shocks as i just cant afford the big $$ for the good shocks and i got sus stuff shocks, witch i think are Lovell's, and im very very happy with them,, the ride is even better then standard, and the offroad ride is lot more planted and controlled,,

and i got the 630mm extend allround and the flex is very impressive:D

[ugu80]

I thought if its rough at the moment, like its too stiff it would be the springs? I dont know much though, im only comparing the ride to my old Gu coil sprung ute which was very comfortable.
I am looking at lifting it a couple inches, to make room for bigger tyres plus a little extra clearance, and i wont be skimping on quality. From what ive read it'll be Koni or Bilstein shocks for sure.

If you're going to spend $ (if only I could), you'll get the result. 140K on the standard shocks is about double their life expectancy, poor ride suspect No. 1.

[nayto]

Yeh iv budgeted about 2k (parts only), of course any less than that is a good thing. Thats what its costed me to do a 4" lift on my last ute, but this i only want about 2" lift because they have approach/departure as is. Coil, shocks, steer dampener, plus whatever else is needed.

[frantic]

Welcome, you will find if you search this forum that you can fit (33in.)255/85 R16 with standard suspension , legally ( I know i followed their advice and it fits perfectly!) and if you go the 2in lift you could go larger depending upon the state regulations, have a look at readers rides and fo an example a certain 85 county which has 37 in and a little "trimming" around the wheel arches. This is shaping up to a very nice rig, I just wish I had the time/$$$/space/mechanical skill to do this:D

[Chucaro]

I agree with Justin comments, I like very much the original springs and the combo with the Delphi DeCarbon shocks it is excellent.

[nayto]

My car is already running 285/75/16, and there isnt much room at all left under the front guards now, probly cos theyve sagged a bit. 2'' lift is what ill be doing. Ive tried googling but cant find much in Australia on the Delphi shocks, do u have to order them in from overseas somewhere? What kind of price are they compared to konis?

[nayto]

Bit off topic but ive just noticed my car isnt even running swaybars! Ive never driven one before so i didnt know what to expect in regards to handling.To be honest it handles pretty good without them on, but I spose i should try chase some up for it for legal reasons, does anyone know how much they are roughly?

[ugu80]

Some models of Defenders don't have swaybars. Maybe yours is one. If you go off bitumen regularly, and you're happy with it as is, you are better off without them. Much smoother. Besides the articulation, on rough roads the sway bars cause a lot of latteral movement of the cabin, without them the cabin stays much more level as the suspension soaks up the irregularities.

I've never had problems with a pink slip since of I took mine off.

[nayto]

Its a 2001 extreme model? Not sure if its supposed to have them or not. I can see mounts where they possibly could go. How could i find out if mine is supposed to have them on it, just for legal/insurance reasons? But like u said, im quite happy with how it handles now around corners and such,im used to lifted 4wds, just not the rough ride like the original post.

[justinc]

I thought if its rough at the moment, like its too stiff it would be the springs? I dont know much though, im only comparing the ride to my old Gu coil sprung ute which was very comfortable.
I am looking at lifting it a couple inches, to make room for bigger tyres plus a little extra clearance, and i wont be skimping on quality. From what ive read it'll be Koni or Bilstein shocks for sure.

Standard springs are very good quality, just not up to the addition of a bar and winch, they will sag. I use NRC9448/9449 which are LR front heavy duty springs (Standard to 130 models) with steel bar and winch fitted. You MAY have to fit 20mm spacers under rear springs to retain a slight tail up stance, but not always.
Good quality Shocks are the main things here, Lovells are a good brand, but see Dullbirds write up on Terrafirma, they aren't too bad for the $$ either.
And DON'T lift it 4":( you'll be in for a world of pain.

JC

[nayto]

Thanks for the reply Justin, yeh im only going 2" lift. Sounds like the 130 springs are the go, do u get them through Landrover? Can u recommend a Koni or Billstein shock, i talked to a local bloke and he had no idea what part number to go for.

[justinc]

If you are going Bilstein,talk to Andrew or John at LRA in melbourne, as they have 1" or 2" longer ones available IIRC I'm not sure of the part number. Ph them on 94644094.
The standard length ones are B460243 front, and B460253 rear.

Koni Raid are a fantastic unit, but costly:eek:, BUT again, you get what you pay for. Derek (dmTd5) has a set on his Puma and highly recommends them in the rough, and he'd know.

JC

[nayto]

Thanks again, ill get in touch with them about the Billsteins. Price might be the reason i cant find prices online for the Koni Raids:o Rough prices per shock anyone?

[dullbird]

500 bux

[nayto]

:eek: each? or per end (2)

[justinc]

That'd be each young man:o

Worth it if you can pay it:twisted:

JC

[nayto]

I'll have a chat to a bloke i know who deals in them and see if he can do any better than that! Thats my whole budget gone just on shocks haha