110 shockie issue

[LOW135]

I recently replaced shocks springs in my 95 110 defender tray back with a raised set.

i used king springs and Oztec shocks made by GSA.

The fronts were fine lifted it about 40 mm and the shockies were about 40mm longer than standard ones,

The rears had springs that were about 40mm higher aswell. but the shockies were the same length as standard ones, i asked the supllier about this because the shockies have bugger all extension left before the are maxed out,
They have been very helpful trying to sort out the issue but have told me they are the right length and said the standard ones are the same length as the ones used with raised springs. This doesnt sound right to me.

How much extension should they have from sitting on a level surface to when they are fully extended? They only have about 30-40 mm of extension before they are max'd.

[uninformed]

Standard LR rear shocks on your tdi are almost fully extended at normal ride height. They are wrong IMO

[LOW135]

Yeah that's what my thoughts are too.

[flagg]

Other '4x4 expert' companies have done the same previously. Your shocks will die an early death because every bump you go over will violently find the limits of their travel. It also means your wheels will spend a surprising amount of time in the air.. making fast dirt driving 'interesting'.

I cant remember who, but a while ago someone with a 130 had the same problem. Search around..

[Allan]

I had the same problem with O.M.E. shocks on mine, this was why I went over to the Terra Firma +2 sports.

Allan

[Michael2]

I had the same problem with O.M.E. shocks on mine, this was why I went over to the Terra Firma +2 sports.

Allan

I had the same problem with O.M.E. on my 110 with 2" lift & HD springs. When I bought the car, everyone was telling me I was "getting air" under my rear wheels. The shocks didn't last long and I found that they were limiting suspension travel. In fact I had another 10cm of travel before the spring even looked like dislocating! I spoke to the ARB Suspension Engineer, and he said that was what they were supposed to do, and it was just time for me to buy another set. Instead I had a set of Bilsteins made up and tuned for the spring rate I had.

The only thing I'd do different is I'd get the aftermarket shock mounts that take a pin at the top instead of an eye (available on line ex-UK). That way the flex would be easier on the shocker bushes.

[LOW135]

Thanks fornyour input, I have argued my case with supplier to no avail, I guess I will wait till the shocks flog out and then take them back an say told ya so!
Interested to find out more about pin to pin rear mounts, also do you remember cost on getting the shocks made and tuned to your specs?
Thanks

[rick130]

[snip]

also do you remember cost on getting the shocks made and tuned to your specs?
Thanks

A few businesses can do this.

Proven Products and Toperformance (the two Koni importers) can do this, even using 88 and 90 series (truck shocks) valved to suit.

The Billie importers can do the same, but $$, then you can get the guys that supply Fox, Sway-a-Way, King, etc to do the same but even more $$.

[schuy1]

Install the -2" lower TerraFirma rear shock mounts. They r not real dear, $120? and will save your shocks. It appears to be a common prob with most 4wd's , not just landies .

Cheers Scott

[Rick Fischer]

quote Instead I had a set of Bilsteins made up and tuned for the spring rate I had. unquote

I killed OEMs, OMEs etc on my D2 on Centre and Across the Top corrugations, none lasted more than a couple of trips.

All would have the TC chirping away by lunch time (overcooked). Fitted Bilsteins, and I might have a TC chirp by 3.30 4pm if I was really giving it Welly..............and those were still installed when the D2 went. Probably around 150 000km on them with 30-40% on corrugations.

Will be Bilsteins for the SVX when the OEMs are clapped.

Cheers

RF

[Allan]

Yeah that's what my thoughts are too.

I"ve got 2 rear terra firma +2 inch shocks you can have free if you can arrange freight. They have done less than 6000km, and I now have no vehicle they will fit. (sorry mod its not an add, just trying to help)

Allan

[LOW135]

Allan, really appreciate the offer mate. My shockie mounts are looking a bit worse for wear so I think I might go for the -2 inch mounts.
Thanks for the advice., will be sure to post some pics up of the defy when it is gettin close to completed! It is starting to look pretty tuff!

[rick130]

I really don't like the idea of the lowered mounts.

IMO you are far better off raising the mounts and using a longer damper to get more droop travel.

[flagg]

Indeed.

It is less critical if you run a locker, however. It wont give you any trouble, it will just limit your ground contact in ruts etc.