Heavy duty shocks

[Ranga]

With the heavy canopy and towing a van, I've come to the conclusion that heavy duty schocks might be a good idea for the 130. I've also had someone in the know point out that my shocks need replacing anyway.

Given this is an easy enough job to do on the road, I'm looking for options.

I was thinking perhaps dual Bilsteins :eek: if the funds can extend that far, or perhaps Terrafirma remote reservoir jobs Terrafirma Terrafirma Remote Reservoir rear shocks | Suspension - Shock Absorbers Accessories for Land Rover Vehicles (http://www.terrafirma4x4.com/products_php.php?cat=3&grp=74) might be ok.

Anyone got some info on what options, including costs?

[chook73]

I dont have a lot of feedback yet but I just got the Terrafirma Expedition Big Bore Shocks fitted on the rear $198 each. I have only been off road with them once so far and they were good but I didn't have much of a load so with the new HD progressive springs it was a bit bouncy.

I looked at getting the remote reservoir ones $298 each but I was steered towards the expedition shocks as being heavier duty.

Just note they do not fit on the front of the Puma's, they rub very slightly on the turret so I had to go back to their standard shocks on the front.

[Terrain Vehicles]

I went for Britpart Cellular Dynamic dampers on the back of my 130, but went for twin Terrafirma damper mounts too. That way, if a damper fails, the vehicle can still be safely driven. It's a heavy vehicle and carries a lot of kit, yet the ride is still firm.

I have seen a couple of Terrafirma dampers fail, but not the Britpart ones.

Clicky this for pictures on our Facebook page. (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=188551904536802&set=a.185808601477799.48021.109881655737161&type=3&theater)

[KarlB]

Might be worth having a look here: Beadell Tours - Shock Absorbers (http://www.beadelltours.com.au/shock_absorbers.html)

This tour group use a Defender 130.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[justinc]

With the heavy canopy and towing a van, I've come to the conclusion that heavy duty schocks might be a good idea for the 130. I've also had someone in the know point out that my shocks need replacing anyway.

Given this is an easy enough job to do on the road, I'm looking for options.

I was thinking perhaps dual Bilsteins :eek: if the funds can extend that far, or perhaps Terrafirma remote reservoir jobs Terrafirma Terrafirma Remote Reservoir rear shocks | Suspension - Shock Absorbers Accessories for Land Rover Vehicles (http://www.terrafirma4x4.com/products_php.php?cat=3&grp=74) might be ok.

Anyone got some info on what options, including costs?

I've made a few twin shock set ups for Defenders and Discos, even a D2 but looking at the Terrafirma twin mount kit I'll be buying them in preferrence to making them again. They are similar to mine but VERY neat, and way cheaper.
I agree twin are a good idea, even though single Koni90's are going to be more than adequate I like the idea of a backup unit.
I would also not discount DeCarbon dampers, I have extensively used them and very happy with their feel and quality. In all the sets I have fitted, (and they number quite a few, including my own vehicle!) I have had 1 shockabsorber require a warranty claim after a minor leak. It had been subjected to some pretty heavy use and they replaced it immediately. I have never had one give trouble since. ever.

JC

[Benny_IIA]

EFS extreme are a great shock, I looked at them for my 90 as a friend runs them on his patrol but them where to stiff for my little 90.

Would go well on a heavy 110 or 130.

[djam1]

Have a look at KONI Raids quite a bit dearer but probably a better thing.
Justin I always liked decarbon my self but I notice that most retailers in the UK say they shouldnt be used off road??

[justinc]

Well, I have used mine VERY offroad, and so have many , many others that i have fitted and they perform brilliantly. Not sure what they are going on about.:confused: I was asked this Q on Friday by someone else I recommended them to, may have to shoot them an email and ask them WHY???
EDIT: These are the ones I have used for many years, the fronts are Part number 'GAS100'; http://www.johncraddockltd.co.uk/products/gas101_delphi_decarbon_gas_shock_absorbers_rear_so ld_as_1_pair.php

JC

[Ranga]

I like the idea of twin shocks - good in the event that's one fails. At this stage I'm leaning toward the terrafirmas.

[lokka]

Ive gone for the terrafirma long travel pin type top mounts and will be running 80 series dobbinsons shocks on all 4 corners i should have them in with the new dobbinsons coils in the next few weeks i see it this way the 80 is heavier than the rover and with the isuzu up front and the ability to load up the back i recon it will be an ok set up and also having the same shock all round makes carrying a spare easy :D

[Terrain Vehicles]

I have yet to see a Britpart Supergaz of Cellular Dynamic damper fail, but I have seen a couple of Terrafirma dampers fail (and we sell those in far fewer numbers than the Britpart ones - which we fit as standard in our workshop).

[justinc]

I have yet to see a Britpart Supergaz of Cellular Dynamic damper fail, but I have seen a couple of Terrafirma dampers fail (and we sell those in far fewer numbers than the Britpart ones - which we fit as standard in our workshop).

So, I guess the important Q is who makes the Britpart ones???

JC

[Terrain Vehicles]

I wish I knew! They keep that well hidden. But they are well made.

[Terrain Vehicles]

Oh yes, and they come with poly bushes.

[justinc]

I was asking because are they tested in high temps with heavy loads in a horrific duty cycle? Namely 100+km of high speed corrugated roads in a loaded 130 in 35+ degreeC ambient? This is way and above the ideal test for a shock absorber, I am quite sure that there are only a few major brands on the market that would cope with this. I believe koni, Bilstein, DeCarbon (I have done this with Decarbons on my Rangie, loaded and even towing at the same time and 5 years later I'd still ask them to do it again) and possibly KYB and Tokico etc could be in the running and I am not even taking into account the Fox and other high end remote reservoir types.

I am yet to personally test or see tested Terrafirma or Britpart cellular in these conditions, would be interested to see how they fair. As you can imagine any recommendations, especially when sending a customer out to the remote and harsh conditions found when touring remote areas, must be good recommendations:eek:

JC

[Terrain Vehicles]

I shall look into that for you. I know they advertise the Cellular Dynamic as being able to cope with higher temperatures without fading, but I will see if they can back that up with some proof.

I know Dave, who works here, has done a few trips to the Sahara without problems, but not at that sort of speed.

[djam1]

Not wanting to be rude but I wouldn't put anything made by Britpart near my suspension.
Do you guys know what corrugations are?
Have a look at the corrugations in the 3rd image of this slide show
A life on wheels (http://www.australiantraveller.com/imported-content/a-life-on-wheels)
Oh and you have 500 Miles of them to do and you are in a hurry, its a bit cooler today its only 42 degrees C
These are nice soft ones though so they are a bit easier on the vehicle.

[justinc]

I shall look into that for you. I know they advertise the Cellular Dynamic as being able to cope with higher temperatures without fading, but I will see if they can back that up with some proof.

I know Dave, who works here, has done a few trips to the Sahara without problems, but not at that sort of speed.

Thats still a good test though, full stroke through dunes with a load and high repetition in high temps will sort the wheat from the chaff thats for sure!

JC

[justinc]

Not wanting to be rude but I wouldn't put anything made by Britpart near my suspension.
Do you guys know what corrugations are?
Have a look at the corrugations in the 3rd image of this slide show
A life on wheels (http://www.australiantraveller.com/imported-content/a-life-on-wheels)
Oh and you have 500 Miles of them to do and you are in a hurry, its a bit cooler today its only 42 degrees C
These are nice soft ones though so they are a bit easier on the vehicle.

Now THAT guy is a character alright! And thanks for the link as that really tells/shows it like it is.:)

JC

[djam1]

Thats still a good test though, full stroke through dunes with a load and high repetition in high temps will sort the wheat from the chaff thats for sure!

JC

Agreed I figure that most of the running there would be slower than what we do but I may just be ignorant.

Duane

[Terrain Vehicles]

Maybe I need an all expenses paid trip out there with my 130...for research purposes....

[justinc]

Agreed I figure that most of the running there would be slower than what we do but I may just be ignorant.

Duane

Ah, not so Duane, People who have never experienced the vastness and harshness of some outback 'roads' can't really be prepared for them if they don't take good advice. I have been insisting on good quality shocks etc since day 1 when I am trip preparing vehicles, those that choose to go with the lesser quality shocks are in my opinion not saving money, just creating a problem for later. Those that take advice and fit decent stuff can't rave enough about the vehicle and its handling after they get home, and more importantly they return home safely.

I haven't been to the Sahara but have spent time on central australian dune tracks and would have to compare in some way for sure due to the repetition and loads we have to carry etc.

Hows the trans coming along?

JC

[justinc]

Maybe I need an all expenses paid trip out there with my 130...for research purposes....

Most certainly!! Let me know when. It'd make a good trip.

PM sent...

JC

[djam1]

Ah, not so Duane, People who have never experienced the vastness and harshness of some outback 'roads' can't really be prepared for them if they don't take good advice. I have been insisting on good quality shocks etc since day 1 when I am trip preparing vehicles, those that choose to go with the lesser quality shocks are in my opinion not saving money, just creating a problem for later. Those that take advice and fit decent stuff can't rave enough about the vehicle and its handling after they get home, and more importantly they return home safely.

I haven't been to the Sahara but have spent time on central australian dune tracks and would have to compare in some way for sure due to the repetition and loads we have to carry etc.

Hows the trans coming along?

JC

Justin
The more I listen to the trans the more I think its not the trans but just a driveline vibration because of the lift, probably the front drive shaft I suspect.
I have all the parts to do the job just not sure if I want to do it unless I am sure thats what it is.

Duane

[PAT303]

Maybe I need an all expenses paid trip out there with my 130...for research purposes....

Send me some at cost price and I'll test them,I'm crossing central Oz at Xmas over and back and it'll be 40+ degree's. Pat

[PAT303]

Ah, not so Duane, People who have never experienced the vastness and harshness of some outback 'roads' can't really be prepared for them if they don't take good advice. I have been insisting on good quality shocks etc since day 1 when I am trip preparing vehicles, those that choose to go with the lesser quality shocks are in my opinion not saving money, just creating a problem for later. Those that take advice and fit decent stuff can't rave enough about the vehicle and its handling after they get home, and more importantly they return home safely.

I haven't been to the Sahara but have spent time on central australian dune tracks and would have to compare in some way for sure due to the repetition and loads we have to carry etc.

Hows the trans coming along?

JC

Like the way I insist on good cooling system servicing from day one but some people know more than me,they generally are the ones that complain the loudest when things go wrong.I put proper servicing,good suspension,tyres and safe storage above all else when travelling but they loose out to shiny bars,big spotties and lift kits. Pat

[justinc]

Like the way I insist on good cooling system servicing from day one but some people know more than me,they generally are the ones that complain the loudest when things go wrong.I put proper servicing,good suspension,tyres and safe storage above all else when travelling but they loose out to shiny bars,big spotties and lift kits. Pat

Right on Pat!:D


JC

[justinc]

Justin
The more I listen to the trans the more I think its not the trans but just a driveline vibration because of the lift, probably the front drive shaft I suspect.
I have all the parts to do the job just not sure if I want to do it unless I am sure thats what it is.

Duane

Well, it is FAR better to try it without a front shaft first, than pull it all to bits and find out the noise/vibe is still there after!:o

JC

[Barra1]

Not wanting to be rude but I wouldn't put anything made by Britpart near my suspension.
Do you guys know what corrugations are?
Have a look at the corrugations in the 3rd image of this slide show
A life on wheels (http://www.australiantraveller.com/imported-content/a-life-on-wheels)
Oh and you have 500 Miles of them to do and you are in a hurry, its a bit cooler today its only 42 degrees C
These are nice soft ones though so they are a bit easier on the vehicle.

Exactly!!!

And there is a knowledgable bloke on this site who knows corrugations better than any of us.;)

Derek;)

He tows a camper trailer and does more corrugations in a year than most of us do in ten years.

If I am correct, he is a big fan of Koni Raids.

[PAT303]

Barra,I'm chasing his record,I also drive a puma and have even bought a camper.I want to give the originals a good testing,Armstrong brand?, and then go Terra firma as I've had billies,Koni's,Sachs,Boges as well as cheap crap,pedders,tough dog,iron man etc. Pat

[justinc]

Barra,I'm chasing his record,I also drive a puma and have even bought a camper.I want to give the originals a good testing,Armstrong brand?, and then go Terra firma as I've had billies,Koni's,Sachs,Boges as well as cheap crap,pedders,tough dog,iron man etc. Pat

Pat, the originals seem very good on the puma, they are gas at least instead of just oil like the previous models.

JC

[Barra1]

It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts Pat after a few thousand K's. I just can't help hearing Derek's comments re the Koni Raids.

Us blokes of the NEVLRC completed the Anne Beadell Track last year and we were lucky to have the NE Victoria Land Rover guru Ivan Clarke on the trip. He had one of those shocky-temp gizmos which he used extensively to check the shockie temkps - the 130s came up the best.

A new Puma 130 went well but interestingly the Commander & Chief has fitted the Terra Firma dual shockie brackets BUT with dual original shocks since the trip.

One bloke had Tough Dogs - he found these very disappointing.

Ivan had Terra Firmas and reckoned they were OK.

The rest were original or Bilsteins. My Bilsteins were great.

[Ranga]

Wow - plenty of info, but probably no closer to choosing than before :confused:

Quality is a priority, that's for sure. I won't be doing anything extraordinary until after I visit Tassie, so maybe Justin can help me sort something out. I'm curious about the Decarbon's, mostly because you don't hear much about them.

I'm very keen on dual shocks though, so would be interested to find out pricing and worklogs for going down that path.

[justinc]

Wow - plenty of info, but probably no closer to choosing than before :confused:

Quality is a priority, that's for sure. I won't be doing anything extraordinary until after I visit Tassie, so maybe Justin can help me sort something out. I'm curious about the Decarbon's, mostly because you don't hear much about them.

I'm very keen on dual shocks though, so would be interested to find out pricing and worklogs for going down that path.

Hey, when are you coming down here? I'd certainly be happy to talk shocks and twin mounts etc with you!:)

JC

[Ranga]

Hey, when are you coming down here? I'd certainly be happy to talk shocks and twin mounts etc with you!:)

JC
On my way now! I'm just outside Goulburn atm, and should be in Tassie late this year or early next year. I've already mentally booked in for a service anyway, so we can talk suspension then ;)

[PAT303]

Wow - plenty of info, but probably no closer to choosing than before :confused:

Quality is a priority, that's for sure. I won't be doing anything extraordinary until after I visit Tassie, so maybe Justin can help me sort something out. I'm curious about the Decarbon's, mostly because you don't hear much about them.

I'm very keen on dual shocks though, so would be interested to find out pricing and worklogs for going down that path.

Thats why I'm going Terrafirma next,try them all I say so the info is based on fact not ''my mate said''.For the price ex UK the britpart ones are worth a shot. Pat

[Yorkshire_Jon]

It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts Pat after a few thousand K's. I just can't help hearing Derek's comments re the Koni Raids.

Us blokes of the NEVLRC completed the Anne Beadell Track last year and we were lucky to have the NE Victoria Land Rover guru Ivan Clarke on the trip. He had one of those shocky-temp gizmos which he used extensively to check the shockie temkps - the 130s came up the best.

A new Puma 130 went well but interestingly the Commander & Chief has fitted the Terra Firma dual shockie brackets BUT with dual original shocks since the trip.

One bloke had Tough Dogs - he found these very disappointing.

Ivan had Terra Firmas and reckoned they were OK.

The rest were original or Bilsteins. My Bilsteins were great.


This is all well and good but did all vehicles have the same springs and weight distribution? I doubt it! You cant compare different dampers accross different vehicles. The dampers are part of a system and cannot be considered independantly, the springs play a massive part in the damper' performance and reliability also.

I have recently returned from travelling the Anne Beadell so know exactly the sort of punishment you are talking about. I'll add to that that I have King Spring springs and Tough Dog (Foam Cell) dampers on a heavy 110. Those Tough Dogs are now a few years old and they all performed very well with no leaks or damages.

The flip side of that is if you put any damper onto a system with tired / badly matched springs the dampers could be over-worked and show premature failure or an inability to damp the spring movements.

Jon

[Yorkshire_Jon]

It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts Pat after a few thousand K's. I just can't help hearing Derek's comments re the Koni Raids.
...

I recall reading Dereks review when the Raids where pretty new, from memory they were the dog's danglies.

Is this still the case many km's later?? I presume so.

Jon

[Allan]

I'v got Terra Firma on both our 90 and Puma 110. I originaly had +2inch sport on the Puma but due to the extreem load we carry and tow going north, have had to return to standard length Big Bore Terra Firmas standard stroke and air bags. The sport model did a great job the springs not. Thus far very happy with the big bore/air bag set up. On the 90 almost nothing in the suspension is standard and I am more than happy with the T.F sports shocks.

Allan

[Barra1]

This is all well and good but did all vehicles have the same springs and weight distribution? I doubt it! You cant compare different dampers accross different vehicles. The dampers are part of a system and cannot be considered independantly, the springs play a massive part in the damper' performance and reliability also.

I have recently returned from travelling the Anne Beadell so know exactly the sort of punishment you are talking about. I'll add to that that I have King Spring springs and Tough Dog (Foam Cell) dampers on a heavy 110. Those Tough Dogs are now a few years old and they all performed very well with no leaks or damages.

The flip side of that is if you put any damper onto a system with tired / badly matched springs the dampers could be over-worked and show premature failure or an inability to damp the spring movements.

Jon

Wasn't comparing. Simply relaying the opinion of the drivers of each respective vehicle.

[PAT303]

I'v got Terra Firma on both our 90 and Puma 110. I originaly had +2inch sport on the Puma but due to the extreem load we carry and tow going north, have had to return to standard length Big Bore Terra Firmas standard stroke and air bags. The sport model did a great job the springs not. Thus far very happy with the big bore/air bag set up. On the 90 almost nothing in the suspension is standard and I am more than happy with the T.F sports shocks.

Allan

Allan,do your big bores foul on the front?,you have standard springs with air bags?.I really like the standard springs,I'm getting the fronts reset 40mm longer to level the vehicle and then fitting bags on the rear.I was also going to see how she towed with the camper and then see about a stiffer sway bar,I want good turn as cattle on the road are common up here. Pat

[Allan]

Allan,do your big bores foul on the front?,you have standard springs with air bags?.I really like the standard springs,I'm getting the fronts reset 40mm longer to level the vehicle and then fitting bags on the rear.I was also going to see how she towed with the camper and then see about a stiffer sway bar,I want good turn as cattle on the road are common up here. Pat

I have'nt got big bore shocks on the front, but another member on here did fit them by turning them upside down if I remember correctly. Can't remember who it was though. You can get the Big Bore in Plus 2 inch also. I fitted the sport Terra Firma's to the 90 and these are fantastic in the front with the bar and winch, these also come +2 inch and because of their design don't have clearence issues. Yes standard rears and 130 fronts on the 110 , I have ARB bar and winch with wire. I took the sway bars of when I fitted the T.F. sport shocks on both vehicles without any instability dramas, and much improved ride. The air bags in the rear have made my 110 a far better vehicle when loaded.

Allan

[rick130]

I have'nt got big bore shocks on the front, but another member on here did fit them by turning them upside down if I remember correctly.
[snip]
Allan

Can't do that successfully with twin tube dampers unless you have a remote reservoir and floating piston, ie. OME LTR's.

It used to be claimed that Rancho RS9000's could be inverted as they were 'cellular gas' but it was twaddle.

[PAT303]

The Tdi has the ARB bar,warn 8274 with wire on the front and I had to go up in spring rate,with the TDCi I'm fitting a tube bumper with a low mount and dyneema so will keep the original front springs but maybe go TF sport +2 inch and big bore standard rear with bags. Pat

[Allan]

The Tdi has the ARB bar,warn 8274 with wire on the front and I had to go up in spring rate,with the TDCi I'm fitting a tube bumper with a low mount and dyneema so will keep the original front springs but maybe go TF sport +2 inch and big bore standard rear with bags.
Pat

I have found them very good Pat and at the price hard to beat. We had ours so loaded last trip the lights were almost in the tree tops. The tracks North of Broome were hell, just at the end of the wet and I was more than happy with the sport shocks performance. I only went to Big Bore rears as I wanted to fit air bags and not lift the Puma above around standard and carry/tow a lot of gear.

Allan

[86mud]

Ranga

Photos of dual rear shock set up as discussed via PM...

For everyone else, rear suspension set up consists of:

Dobinson's HD coils 2" lift
Poly air bags
Terrafirma dual rear shock mounts
Twin Bilstein dampers

The ride....awesome....even when the tub is empty

Cheers
Andrew

[dullbird]

our big bores do not foul the front but I have heard that chooks do. ours are the +2 as well

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Ranga

Photos of dual rear shock set up as discussed via PM...

For everyone else, rear suspension set up consists of:

Dobinson's HD coils 2" lift
Poly air bags
Terrafirma dual rear shock mounts
Twin Bilstein dampers

The ride....awesome....even when the tub is empty

Cheers
Andrew

Does the lower dual shock mount simply need 3 holes drilling in the existing bracket and grinding the existing underside bush cup off to accomodate the bracket? Does the bottom bolt then use the existing damper mount hole?

Thx
Jon

[Allan]

Ranga

Photos of dual rear shock set up as discussed via PM...

For everyone else, rear suspension set up consists of:

Dobinson's HD coils 2" lift
Poly air bags
Terrafirma dual rear shock mounts
Twin Bilstein dampers

The ride....awesome....even when the tub is empty

Cheers
Andrew

What price area is the Terra Firma dual shock kit worth, I've got a couple of T.F sport shocks spare and would like to do this with the wifes ninety.

Allan

[Ranga]

Ranga

Photos of dual rear shock set up as discussed via PM...

For everyone else, rear suspension set up consists of:

Dobinson's HD coils 2" lift
Poly air bags
Terrafirma dual rear shock mounts
Twin Bilstein dampers

The ride....awesome....even when the tub is empty

Cheers
Andrew

Last question - what model number shocks, and where did you source them?

Thanks mate ;)

[PAT303]

I've been buying all my puma stuff from MM Land Rover,good prices and very good service.I deal with Becci,she's switched on. Pat

[86mud]

Okay, some answers:

Terrafirma dual shock kit (TF513) was $275 landed here in Aus from Lucky8 in the US. This was when the dollar was $1.06 (earlier this year).

I had to drill 4 x 11mm holes on the bottom shock mount (each side) - 1 on the bottom side, then the group of 3 in the diff side. The other bolt on the disc side uses an existing hole when you remove the tin disc protector. There is no need to grind anything. The terrafirma bracket fits over the existing shock rubber.

Ranga I'll have to check under the truck tonight. I can't seem to find the invoice at work. I got them from Shane at www.suspensionstuff.com.au (http://www.suspensionstuff.com.au) at $400 a pair - just ordered Bilsteins' to suit a 2" lift. There not the longest shock in the world, but suit my touring needs perfectly.

Only trick with the shock mounts - you can not use normal Defender wheels. Must have Wolf rims or aftermarket steelies with negative offset. Bottom shock mount will hit tyre if you have standard defender rims.

Cheers
Andrew

[Allan]

Perfect, I've got performance 8inch rims with neg offset on the ninety, this looks the way to go. Thanks for all the help.

Allan

[isuzu110]

Read here to see the *fun* some poms are having with Terrafirma fitting

Terrafirma Big Bore Shocks - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php'showtopic=61646)

You'll need to join up to that forum to see the pictures

[Allan]

Read here to see the *fun* some poms are having with Terrafirma fitting

Terrafirma Big Bore Shocks - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php'showtopic=61646)

You'll need to join up to that forum to see the pictures

I've read about these problems fitting them on the front of a Defenders before, ok on some not on others, dullbirds has repoted no problems Its definatly a Defender thing. I fitted the sport T.F. to the bus just in case.

Allan

[Ranga]

Only trick with the shock mounts - you can not use normal Defender wheels. Must have Wolf rims or aftermarket steelies with negative offset. Bottom shock mount will hit tyre if you have standard defender rims.

Cheers
Andrew

Bugger. Changing wheels now I'm on the road would been a bit of a hassle.

[86mud]

Hey Ranga, what wheels do you have on the truck at the moment? I thought you had steelies?

[86mud]

Ranga

Part number on rear Bilsteins is B46-0253-HO....that is on the sticker (what's left of it).

Talk to Shane at Suspension Stuff and he will fix you up with the right Bilsteins.

Cheers
Andrew

[justinc]

Ranga

Part number on rear Bilsteins is B46-0253-HO....that is on the sticker (what's left of it).

Talk to Shane at Suspension Stuff and he will fix you up with the right Bilsteins.

Cheers
Andrew

B46 0253 are correct, but I have found them to top out on an unladen 130 that still has its extra inner coils fiitted, loaded up they are fine.

JC

[dullbird]

Ok so I know why ours dont rub and a lot of others do!!

We had some of the first terra big bores hence the write up I did on them..being the first ours did not come with boots or gaurds..which was one of my comments to the person that supplied them..as they said apparently because the shafts are so big they dont need them..

My answer will be interesting to see because I think bull dust will kill em...

So I believe thats the difference you guys have got gaurds on your shocks???

and I dont hence mine dont rub :)

[Ranga]

Hey Ranga, what wheels do you have on the truck at the moment? I thought you had steelies?

Yeh, I've got Kings steelies, with 0 offset. Would these rub?

[86mud]

I think they should be ok. With the Wolf rims on my truck, I have 20mm gap between the terrafirma bottom bracket and tyre.

It is only the old style solid defender rims that have a positive offset that cause problems.

Cheers
Andrew

[Terrain Vehicles]

I've had a reply from our rep at Britpart, who does a bit of Comp Safari racing. He sent me this...



Some pics of our 20 year old racer, which we used Cellular Dynamics on last year, twins all round and steering damper. NORC Compsafari Frickley oct 2010 part 2 by compsafari.co.uk - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKOISKjTw9s) about 3 mins in on this clip you can see car 148 bouncing around an old slag heap, rest of the motors on that clip are running coilovers or remote reservoir fox, we were the only one running twin std and came 2nd in class. Managed a year with no breakages!

Skip to 3:10 to see their vehicle.

He also sent a few pictures, a couple of how the twin Cellular set-up looks on a Disco, and some of their trialer in action.

Looks like a pretty good test to me..

[Allan]

Got my Terra Firma +2 springs and dual shock mount kit today, will fit the in the a.m. to the ninety. Should be fun, I hope:D.

[mudcrab]

I have recently aquired a 2001 td5 130 that has heavy duty suspension upgrade,gets really bouncy between 90 kmh and 100 kmh what can I do to correct it? I had the wheels balanced but hardly any change,any suggestions

[coolblues_au]

I have made many mods to the 110 and I would rate the instalation of Dobinson shocks as one of the best. In a previous thred i stated that I had Terrafirma shocks that failed. I never realised how crap they were. The vehicle is fitted with 50mm over stock King springs and with Terra firma it was all over the road. With the Dobinson's its firm and straight yet soft off road.

[uninformed]

has anyone contacted Koni or Bilstein in Oz and see if the have a truck shock that will fit (ie lengths mounts etc) their needed application and then get them to re-valve them to LR specs????

[Red90]

has anyone contacted Koni or Bilstein in Oz and see if the have a truck shock that will fit (ie lengths mounts etc) their needed application and then get them to re-valve them to LR specs????
??? They both make heavy duty shocks valved for Rovers..

I've run a few shocks. I recently switched to Koni Heavy Track, 8240SPX series shocks. They are seriously night and day compared to anything else that has been on the Defender. On rough tracks, at speed, they just absorb every bump. You just want to keep driving faster. I have not driven with anyone that can keep up to me since I've fitted them.

[rick130]

??? They both make heavy duty shocks valved for Rovers..

I've run a few shocks. I recently switched to Koni Heavy Track, 8240SPX series shocks. They are seriously night and day compared to anything else that has been on the Defender. On rough tracks, at speed, they just absorb every bump. You just want to keep driving faster. I have not driven with anyone that can keep up to me since I've fitted them.

Serg is talking about extended lengths, not stock opened/closed. ;)

[uninformed]

??? They both make heavy duty shocks valved for Rovers..

I've run a few shocks. I recently switched to Koni Heavy Track, 8240SPX series shocks. They are seriously night and day compared to anything else that has been on the Defender. On rough tracks, at speed, they just absorb every bump. You just want to keep driving faster. I have not driven with anyone that can keep up to me since I've fitted them.


????? and what are their heavy duty versions, both for Bilstein and for Koni please.

If you say 7100/9100/9300 or blackhawks, then they are not sold in this country. If you say Raids or Heavy Track for Koni's, then these come at a premium price.....So, if a person was to do a little research, they may find out that the premium HD shocks may actually be based on said companies Truck and Bus range, they may be able to find a suitable shock at a better price.

For example, Koni Raid 90 series are 70mm body, 18mm shaft and 42mm piston...their Heavy Track 88 Series is 55mm body, 16mm Shaft and 36mm Piston. Your 8240's as with all 82 series are smaller again.

If you look at the Truch Bus range, you will see they have the 88, 90 and 92 series shocks........

FWIW, my Defender rears are 88 series from a Merc truck, front application and are 12 inch travel.

[Red90]

Your original post said nothing about longer travel. That is a different story. You are best getting shock that can be revalved by the owner. There are lots around. Yes they cost more. Life sucks...

You are now going to sit and argue about the definition of "Heavy Duty"... If they don't ever break, then who cares. The Konis have a lifetime warranty.

Complaining something is not sold there is another crappy excuse. Nothing for Defenders is sold in the country I live... Konis for Rovers are not stocked in North America. It did not stop me from buying some. $150 a corner for a shock that performs well does not seem expensive to me.

[uninformed]

Good to see nothing has changed......

I actually ment for stock length fitment, but the same applies for extra travel. Not everyone can revalve themselves. Nore likes to buy overseas.

I was just offering up another alternative, but glad you made it a right vs wrong argument.

[Red90]

... but glad you made it a right vs wrong argument.All in fun. What is the purpose of the internet if not to argue?