Overland Rim/ Suspension Setup

[DamosDefender]

Hello

I have tried my hardest to do my own research into this topic, I am still learning about my vehicle and all the jargon that goes with them... so i am sorry if you have spent the time before answering these questions

I am setting up my 15my 110 vehicle to travel From Europe TO South Africa or Europe to Russia (Road Of Bones) ill be convoyed with a SIII and Perentie.

Just a basic outlook at terrain and situation.

Im looking for a vehicle built for a purpose not for show but will get me A to B in the most practical way.

Tyre/Rim

I currently run the stock Boost 235/85 R16 but want Steel rims, preferably Sunraysia style, do i need to go through the extreme of Wolf Rims?? I don't intend to be driving my vehicle that hard.

Do i go Wide tyre or Narrow?? i understand the arguments never ending but is there a preference for overland travel?


Suspension

I Obviously have the standard set up ATM but will need to change eventually..

the vehicle will be setup for 2 people with all the personal requirements that go with it ( Roof Top Tent, Fridge, Clothing, Spares, AirComp and so on)

must i wait to i have everything in my vehicle to see the weight i will be carrying or can i do a two stage process?? i would like to do a Lift 1.5-2" just for piece of mind is that excessive or not? and any recommended quality brands money is not an issue i want it done properly the first time

thank you very much guys and gals i appreciate any response

[Tombie]

I'd do as you say and load it up, then work out suspension.

For wheels the alloys are bloody near on indestructible- you could stick with them.
Or go the Wolf rims.
Sunraysias aren't the toughest of wheels.

[DamosDefender]

Tombie thanks for the reply

is the tyre size of what i have practical for long travels?

[Shoogs]

I drove around Africa for 3/4 years on wolf rims with 235/85R16's common enough in Southern and East Africa. Steel anyone can fix, bend, bash, weld, alloys throw them away...

[Tombie]

I drove around Africa for 3/4 years on wolf rims with 235/85R16's common enough in Southern and East Africa. Steel anyone can fix, bend, bash, weld, alloys throw them away...


Completely agree...

Except the alloys are stronger so less likely to break in the first place...

And even if they do - then go and buy the Wolf rims (available in SA)

[Shoogs]

True, I do prefer alloys, though for instance this is Lake Tanganyika from the Zambian side 4000kms from SA and 9 hours to do 350kms from the nearest bitumen ... which means AA is also 4000kms away... though there is always the local garage...

[n plus one]

Alloys will be tougher (and lighter) than most steelies so stick with them and the 235/85 tyre size with new good quality Light Truck tyres.

They also have better safety beads so you can run much lower pressures without risking popping a bead - something that can be very helpful to a loaded touring rig in mud and sand.

Get your vehicle fully loaded and weighed before you spend any money on your suspension. No need for lift for your application.

[DamosDefender]

thank you for all the replies guys

so the verdict for suspension is wait and see what is carrying fully loaded! can you recommended any try and tested brands?

is the wolf rim the only option? what is the likely hood of popping a bead?? or is the same as how longs a piece of string??

Damian

[DamosDefender]

I drove around Africa for 3/4 years on wolf rims with 235/85R16's common enough in Southern and East Africa. Steel anyone can fix, bend, bash, weld, alloys throw them away...
is there any information you can pass on about your travels anything would be greatly appreciated??

Thank you

[n plus one]

I'd strongly encourage you to look into your spares arrangements, diagnostic equipment/capabilities and fuel filtering arrangements - there a quite a few options to replace/augment/upgrade the existing fuel filter system - plenty of info on this forum.

Not trying to derail your thread but I think this will be more valuable than spending too much of your focus on wheels/tyres/suspension.

My (MY09) truck is set up for long distance remote touring (though not the extremes of cold you are likely to experience) and will hopefully do a lap of South America one day - PM if you'd like to chat about other mods.

[Didge]

There is a separate thread somewhere here just on spares etc for touring trips. I do know that blknight here had a comprehensive list based on the length of your trip
Ah, here it is, and to think I didn't even think about looking under trip preparation here - d'uoh!!!!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/trip-preparation-suggestions-ideas-advice/76957-180900apr09-ccc-trip-pre-inspection-minimum-reqs-all-cccrs-read-reply.html

anyway, worth a look under this section I reckon :)

[Shoogs]

is there any information you can pass on about your travels anything would be greatly appreciated??

Thank you

Sure no problem lived in both Tanzania and Zambia travelled extensively.

[DamosDefender]

I'd strongly encourage you to look into your spares arrangements, diagnostic equipment/capabilities and fuel filtering arrangements - there a quite a few options to replace/augment/upgrade the existing fuel filter system - plenty of info on this forum.

Not trying to derail your thread but I think this will be more valuable than spending too much of your focus on wheels/tyres/suspension.

My (MY09) truck is set up for long distance remote touring (though not the extremes of cold you are likely to experience) and will hopefully do a lap of South America one day - PM if you'd like to chat about other mods.
n plus one thank you for the awesome reply!

thank you for making me aware about the fuel filter situation i was made slightly aware of it a couple of months ago but couldn't get my head fully around it.. i will definitely be in contact with you in the future.

i cant find any diagnostic tools (over ride) to connect to the ECU 2.2 15MY am i right in saying there isn't one yet?

[jabber]

so the verdict for suspension is wait and see what is carrying fully loaded! can you recommended any try and tested brands?

is the wolf rim the only option? what is the likely hood of popping a bead?? or is the same as how longs a piece of string??

As others have said, weight and see.... Don't discount a heavier duty stock LR spring, with new shocks. The stock spring does really well under load.

The wolf can be had tubed or tubeless. The tubeless has the bead area for better sealing. I think the most common size tire is the best choice... Something like a 235 or 265. Anything bigger may be harder to get remotely.

As to the likelihood.... Just think it may happen at the most inopportune time. Have the tools and know-how to deal with it. Don't be afraid. ;)

[Chops]

Damo, your link in the other thread you have going has some really good info in it too. All relevant to you of course.
You should get yourself a "build thread" going so we can follow your proceedings :D
Our car , 110 Crew Cab, is slowly being set up as a tourer, which theoretically shouldn't really be doing the "bush bashing" type stuff, so we have left everything pretty much standard. Defenders are a very capable vehicle to start with, straight out of the box. So with the thoughts of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", the only part I struggle with is what size/tread pattern tyre to get. I do have a set of off-set rims I can use too, but I'm just not sure.

Fortunately, we have so many really good minds, and lots and lots of experience here on this forum, so I'm sure you'll get all the answers you want/need.

[numpty]

thank you for all the replies guys

so the verdict for suspension is wait and see what is carrying fully loaded! can you recommended any try and tested brands?

is the wolf rim the only option? what is the likely hood of popping a bead?? or is the same as how longs a piece of string??

Damian

Discovery 1 steel rims are quite strong and relatively easy to find.

[Shoogs]

is there any information you can pass on about your travels anything would be greatly appreciated??

Thank you

The best piece of advice I can offer is to just go... Sure you can have triple fuel filters and such but in reality you really don't need them, most people the world over are happy to help and unless you are incredibly remote most is just a nice to have, know your vehicle and just enjoy the journey, we travelled all over East and Southern Africa no sat phone, and quite the standard Camel 110, a smile and a few kind words go a long way. The money you spend on all the essentials would be better spent spending longer on the road.... You will be amazed at what you will see people traversing the world in, bikes, VW,s 50 year old jeeps you name it, all cobbled together and loving every minute.

Plenty of trips catalogued on Africa Overland Network...

[The Cone of Silence]

Hi Damo

The guys here are bang on as usual - wait until you've got your vehicle pretty much sorted and then do your suspension as the last thing.

Rather than try to select the bits I researched, I went with Daniel's advice and took Monty to the The Australian Ultimate Suspension and sat down with Brendan to go through the weight, what I'd be using the car for, terrain and so on.

Then they came up with a solution. Australian made products too (King Springs, Custom shocks and airbags).

If you're feeling like there's too much choice and parting with all that cash for a gamble on some shocks you've heard are good is not your cup of tea, give them a call.

As for your wheels, I sold my alloys and got steelies for hammer-based bush repairs....which I've had to do more than once! I went for King Wheels Terra.

When are you guys heading off on this adventure?

[Tombie]

As for your wheels, I sold my alloys and got steelies for hammer-based bush repairs....which I've had to do more than once! I went for King Wheels Terra.

Thats likely the very reason you needed the Hammer... ;)

[jabber]

Discovery 1 steel rims are quite strong and relatively easy to find.

And cheap!!!

[DiscoMick]

Been thinking about this myself.
For wheels, I have a Disco steel wheel for a second spare, so I'm just going to stick with the standard Boost alloys and fit some stronger LT235/85/16 tyres when the originals wear out. The standard tyres have plenty of give in them for offroad to protect the wheels and alloys are stronger and lighter than steels anyway.


Standard Defender suspension seems pretty capable, which is one of the reasons to buy a Defender in the first place. I also think the standard suspension has good clearance for touring, so I'm not convinced of the need to raise it unless I want to go rock-climbing (which I don't). So far the standard suspension doesn't drop at all when towing our camper trailer, with drawers and some gear in the back, so I can't see why adding extra weight such as a rooftop tent and some gear and not towing would be any different. If it does become an issue I might just add some rear airbags to support the rear springs.


If it can cope with Australian outback roads it should cope with Africa, I figure.


So, as others have said, I suggest you add all the weight you plan to carry first and then check if your suspension is coping before spending any money which might be unnecessary. Spend the money you save on fuel instead and have a great time!