Suspension Kits from the UK

[Ace]

Hi all, i have been doing some research on the web using some of the suppliers which advertise in LROI. I found one supplier that does 3in Lift kits for Disco/fenders the works. The kit comes with 4 springs, and 4 Pro Comp ES9000 shock absorbers. All up after the exchange rate the kits comes to a little over $500 after before tax. Add a little for postage and this is pretty cheap.

Here is the link, 5th item down the list click on the icon on the left of the column for a pic.

http://www.mm-4x4.com/Shop/index.htm

My question, has anyone had any experience with pro comp shocks? Are they any good. They do sell biltsteins, so i have asked if they can substitute the pro comps for the bilsteins and i will make up the extra cost. For 2in lift shocks and bilsteins here in aus will cost me $1200 plus so this price is looking good.

Also, will i need to modify anything to accomodate the lift and maintain what i can of the on road handling? ie castor bushes etc.

Thanks, Matt

[disco95]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>$500 after before tax[/b][/quote]
8O 8O 8O

You may have to have a good look at shiping. It costs us $22 per kilo to send things to Italy.

[Ace]

Originally posted by disco95
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>$500 after before tax
8O 8O 8O

You may have to have a good look at shiping. It costs us $22 per kilo to send things to Italy.[/b][/quote]

Sorry meant before tax. Have asked them for a full quote including shipping to sydney as an example. Even if i allowed $200 for postage thats still cheaper than here, and i cant find anyone in Aus who does 3in lifted srpings, all i get told is 2in's is as high as you can go. Matt

[Hobes]

Originally posted by Ace+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ace)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-disco95
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>$500 after before tax
8O 8O 8O

You may have to have a good look at shiping. It costs us $22 per kilo to send things to Italy.[/b][/quote]

Sorry meant before tax. Have asked them for a full quote including shipping to sydney as an example. Even if i allowed $200 for postage thats still cheaper than here, and i cant find anyone in Aus who does 3in lifted srpings, all i get told is 2in's is as high as you can go. Matt[/b][/quote]

Dobinsons springs here in Rockhampton will make whatever length springs you want

[Ralf_the_RR]

There's a guy on Outer Limits that does 3" springs.
He uses the name 4wd stuff, and can be contacted at shanetamie@bigpond.com.

Here's an example of his info:
http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/...ght=spring+lift (http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php't=45073&highlight=spring+lift)

[incisor]

i run the procomp shocks on my shorty with the parabolics, extended travel... they cost about $100 each locally.

been good so far, been on there for 18 months or more now and they have done a bit work on a few tracks around the place... :wink:

[one_iota]

Ace,

From what I have read castor angles will be challenged at 3" (My steering is a little vague at 2") so cranked radius arms will probably need to be added to the list. Vibrations might also occur so maybe double cardon jointed drive shafts should be added as well. Brake lines as well?

[Ace]

Might be wiser to stick with a 2in then. I have asked the suppliers the same questions sp i will see what they say. I am also pricing up the kit the Mark used on the A 4x4 Is Born 100in, it comes with radius arms, strenghtend shock towers the lot, will compare that. That might be a bit of overkill but i want to set the disco up so that it can easily handle the stuff i throw at it, and i want it to be a good of road as my budget will allow. Matt

[HSVRangie]

For info:

Frieght to Aust from UK Air. (Economy TNT)
0-30KG
Basic charge $92.00
pluss $/KG $9.02
Plus Import fee $50.00
plus paper handle fee $20.00
plus Duty of 5-10% on purchase price
Plus 10% GST on total of above.

If les than $250.00 customs usually allow through with no fees or duty.

Michael.

[Reads90]

Originally posted by Ace
Hi all, i have been doing some research on the web using some of the suppliers which advertise in LROI. I found one supplier that does 3in Lift kits for Disco/fenders the works. The kit comes with 4 springs, and 4 Pro Comp ES9000 shock absorbers. All up after the exchange rate the kits comes to a little over $500 after before tax. Add a little for postage and this is pretty cheap.

Here is the link, 5th item down the list click on the icon on the left of the column for a pic.

http://www.mm-4x4.com/Shop/index.htm

My question, has anyone had any experience with pro comp shocks? Are they any good. They do sell biltsteins, so i have asked if they can substitute the pro comps for the bilsteins and i will make up the extra cost. For 2in lift shocks and bilsteins here in aus will cost me $1200 plus so this price is looking good.

Also, will i need to modify anything to accomodate the lift and maintain what i can of the on road handling? ie castor bushes etc.

Thanks, Matt

My brother has them on his 4.2 V8 90. They are good but too soft so on corners it is a bit of a handful compaired to mine on the Old Man Emu.s . His sits higher but is no where near as good on the road.
As you can see by the pic below they are procomp blue. Ok off road and do tend to drop and give him good axel movement
http://www.reads4x4.com/ixi6.JPG

[discowhite]

ace, 2'' is a good start point! to go 3'' will meen high rate/hard
springs, most often this also equates to loss of articulation!
go 2'' spring and get some spacers made up if you want to go 3''
that way if you dont like it take the spacers out.
have a look at Les richmond automotivem, in the white tiger section.
dont worrie about his custom bilstiens, all you need is a 10'' stroke
shock. there are plenty around.
the long travel kit is from memory $550???
they also do slotted front knuckels, i think these would be better
to use than the trying to get some one to crank your arms.
they would also look more legal :?

as for the pro comps, dont know?? i will probably run them on DW
soon.

[discowhite]

heres the link
http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/215.html

heres the one for the swivel knuckels
http://www.lrautomotive.com.au/100.html

now according to Les richmond i have a lifted disco, because
my bump stop heights are 3 1/2front and 5 1/2rear. BUT
i have documentation from Land Rover Australia (nvd sheet)
stating that the height of my disco is Standard. LRA measure
heighest part of the wheel arch th the centre of the hub.
so in the case of a KA disco it's 460mm front and 490mm rear.
my front is spot on but the back is 7mm taller.

so from all that i have been told that things will vibrate and it
will be vague in the steering.
BU$&%HIT is what i have to say to that!

[LRHybrid100]

I had a look at some ProComp shockies - didn't like the quality of them, the so called Disco front shocks are threaded too long (need to cut of some thread on the bottom so it clears the axels) and the pins on the bottom of the rear shocky doesn't look too solid.

Bit the bullet - go either LRA Bilsteins or Koni's

LRH

[CraigE]

Just be aware of local state regs regarding 3" lift kits. In some (most) states I believe anything over 2" standard now requires an engineeres certificate and a lane change certificate and at about $2000 is not cheap. If you are pulled up and do not have these certificates they can red sticker your car. Just check with the relevant RTA authority before going down this path and the possible repercussionss. Having said that I would love to put a 3" lift kit on the Fender, only problem then would be I would not get it in the car port.
You are right though the pricing is pretty good. Maybe the 2" kit.

[one_iota]

Originally posted by CraigE
Just be aware of local state regs regarding 3" lift kits. In some (most) states I believe anything over 2" standard now requires an engineeres certificate and a lane change certificate and at about $2000 is not cheap. If you are pulled up and do not have these certificates they can red sticker your car. Just check with the relevant RTA authority before going down this path and the possible repercussionss. Having said that I would love to put a 3" lift kit on the Fender, only problem then would be I would not get it in the car port.

Good point again.

Not only RTA but also Insurance.

And then the cost of a step ladder for Stacey :wink:

I find the 2" adequate.

[landy_man]

Originally posted by CraigE
Just be aware of local state regs regarding 3" lift kits. In some (most) states I believe anything over 2" standard now requires an engineeres certificate and a lane change certificate and at about $2000 is not cheap. If you are pulled up and do not have these certificates they can red sticker your car. Just check with the relevant RTA authority before going down this path and the possible repercussionss. Having said that I would love to put a 3" lift kit on the Fender, only problem then would be I would not get it in the car port.
You are right though the pricing is pretty good. Maybe the 2" kit.

I believe the ruling is that you may not increase bumpstop clearance by more than 1/3

[disco95]

G'day Ace, Scorpion Racing have a supplier here in Oz. They're in Bayswater WA. The WA guys should be able to help you with the suppliers over there. They're a well known company, their name just escapes me at the moment.
There's also a guy in Qld who does a dislocation package for landies. His name is Mark Brown,
I think his Email address is mcgbrown@tpg.com.au
I think his package is very practicle. He does the rear only for $1750 complete. You'd have to pay shipping on that and fit them yourself.
I've got some pics on the other computer that I'll send you when I get a chance.

[LRHybrid100]

Scorpion dealer in Aus is Dave Rowland and his company is Rovacraft (08 9 377 0080)

Last time I spoke to Dave, the full Evo kit was about $1,800+ GST!!!

LRH

[matbor]

Check your insurance company as most will only cover a 2" lift !!

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">i have heard quite a few stories of people who have had a 2 inch lift... then wanted more and went higher.......

the next thing you hear is that they have gone back to a two inch cos it was dangerous and vague etc. on road..... and since we spend more time on the black stuff than we do off it......

and im not talking just land rover but different makes.....

stick to 2 inches........borrow someones dico with 2 or more inches for a test drive to compare the difference before you commit yourself....

well thats my advice.....</span>

[Michael2]

Re : Shock absorbers. I've got procomps on my parabolic sprung SIII (front). I would have preffered KONIs, but couldn't get them for the front. The Bilsteins, from what I've read on UK sites and mags have a thinner pin and are not a strong as other shocks for Land Rover applications. I'd suggest get KONIs and buy them locally, direct from the factory in Vermont (Melb).

If you can get anyone in the UK to use Royal Mail, instead of a courier (for some reason they don't like using their postal system), then anything less that $1,000 delivered to your door for non comercial purposes is exempt from taxes / customs clearance. If it lands at the airport / dock, then be prepared to spend several hours figuring out customs codes to clear them through customs, or paying a couple of hundred dollars for a customs agent.

[matbor]

Have also heard that your lights can't be over a certain height ? Is that true ?

[discowhite]

bumpstop height of 1/3rd
and headlight CENTER height of 1.5m(thats bloody high!)

[Ace]

I have gotten in contact with them, i rang them yesterday, i am going to go with the two inch lift, using lovells springs, $300 and bilstein shocks, $720 with free postage. All this is from shane from the outerlimits forum, thanks whoever that was i cant search back now i have started to find out who it was. I am going to shop around 1st but all the prices i have received on bilsteins were $200 and springs about $85 so this is cheaper. I will see what is at the 4x4 show this weekend i might get a bargain. Matt

[one_iota]

Ace,

When you install the rear Bilsteins check the guage on the rear bottom washers. Mine distorted on extension as they were just a bit thicker than alfoil. The bottom rubbers split and the shocks were consequently useless.

Much pitching and rolling.

If you have the original LR issue washers use those or get something sturdier.

[Ace]

Originally posted by one_iota
Ace,

When you install the rear Bilsteins check the guage on the rear bottom washers. Mine distorted on extension as they were just a bit thicker than alfoil. The bottom rubbers split and the shocks were consequently useless.

Much pitching and rolling.

If you have the original LR issue washers use those or get something sturdier.

No worries OI, thanks for the heads up. Matt

[landy_man]

i would also be asking what rate and free length these 2" springs are as many are just a heavier rate which will reduce your articualtion quite a lot... :cry:

In my opinion, the only people to buy springs from are Rangie Spares..
I think at last count he stocks over 12 different types of " 2" " lift springs... all depends on vehicle weight, intended use etc...

Just check with the bloke you are buying from before you regret it...
Cheaper is usually not better :wink:

[matbor]

coil spaces...
http://www.4wd1.biz/disc1%20coil%20spacers.htm

[DaveS3]

Again, buy springs locally at Rangie Spares / Les Richmond.
Ring him and tell him what you want and what is on your car and he will give you the best springs to suit as he knows his stuff.

For front use 80 series toyota shocks with spacers for the front turret and rear just use your longer disco shocks or possibly nissan / toyota with retained springs.

This makes for a very well BALANCED suspension system which will have good travel at both ends instsead of the $corpian racing stuff.

IMO its not worth it. All that travel can be useless, and if you start lifting wheels with this setup you will probably have lockers / tyres / axles already on the car or on your list as well.

BTW - I have heard many good things about procomp aswell, other than price :wink:

Dave style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[MacMan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Again, buy springs locally at Rangie Spares / Les Richmond.
Ring him and tell him what you want and what is on your car and he will give you the best springs to suit as he knows his stuff. [/b][/quote]

Admittedly I am VERY new to Rovers and 4B's in general, but Andrew at Les Richmond did spend a heap of time with me when I popped out there a couple of weeks back. He showed me the works they were doing at the time, and talked about building up vehicles to suit whatever the owners decided they wanted or needed, but that they have the experience to work out what needs to happen at which stage if it is a progressive build up. They dream big and play bigger judging by the trucks they had hanging about, but having done a heap of reading on suspension geometries and setups, everything he said made sense. I know they'll be getting some business from me somewhere along the line.

[LRHybrid100]

Originally posted by DaveS3
Again, buy springs locally at Rangie Spares / Les Richmond.
Ring him and tell him what you want and what is on your car and he will give you the best springs to suit as he knows his stuff.

For front use 80 series toyota shocks with spacers for the front turret and rear just use your longer disco shocks or possibly nissan / toyota with retained springs.

This makes for a very well BALANCED suspension system which will have good travel at both ends instsead of the $corpian racing stuff.

IMO its not worth it. All that travel can be useless, and if you start lifting wheels with this setup you will probably have lockers / tyres / axles already on the car or on your list as well.

BTW - I have heard many good things about procomp aswell, other than price :wink:

Dave style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

If you read the Rangie Spares / Les Richmond website they explain why not to use Cruiser front / Patrol rear.

For big travel go the LRA springs and longer Billy's.

LRH

[landy_man]

on that site he is refering to standard length cruiser/patrol shocks...
Not the long travel versions... which i have in my Rangie... and they are as long, if not longer than my mates LRA long travel Bilsteins

[rick130]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>If you read the Rangie Spares / Les Richmond website they explain why not to use Cruiser front / Patrol rear.
[/b][/quote]

what Landyman said is spot on.

The stuff on the Les Richmond site is a little misleading in that they are comparing standard length Bilsteins for the various makes. For a given extended length, a mono-tube damper has less effective travel than a remote can or twin tube shock as some of the travel is taken up by the floating piston and gas reservoir

If you use Koni or OME 80/100 series shocks on the front, you get vastly more travel than a (standard) LC 80 series Bilstein.
The N73 OME shock is a genuine 10" travel damper, with the 82-2385 Koni only a little behind at 9.7", and easily made to 10" with a little internal mod (although then not externally adjustable)

[HSVRangie]

Yes rick and landy man are correct

the toy nissan shocks are great on the RR.

Just buy konies or bils.

Michael.

[LRHybrid100]

cheers Guys - thought LRA was also talking about extended travel Cruiser and Patrol shocks in their comparions.

So would the best combination be either Billy's / Koni extended Cruiser for the front and extended Patrol for the rear?

If so, anyone running these? Part number?

Cheers Guys - informative as ever.

LRH

[rick130]

there's a stack of info on this Outerlimits thread (http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php't=27590&highlight=822385)

A little bit of light late night reading there :wink:

[Reads90]

Funny really
In the UK we are buying all Australian kit for Surpension , but you lot want to buy our gear which we think is not up to it. For the winch challenge events it is seen that the OME suff is the best and the Scrap Iron stuff is crap for the job
As they say the grass is always green on the other side

[Redback]

Matt i have OME springs and Bilsteins on mine, when i first put them on they topped out, so i had to go back to Bilsteins and get their modified ones with a 50mm extension of the shock for the rear and thats with only a so called 50mm lift which in real terms is only 40mm, so don't go Bilsteins and they are more expensive from Heasmans, i paid $105 each from 4WD service centre in Taren point they were $160 from Heasmans, and 200 a pair for the springs, the ARB lift kit for the Disco is OME springs and shocks for a 50mm lift, from memory it was around $900 fitted, do it yourself it only took me and Mick 3hrs.

Give Graeme Cooper a call his springs are $180 a pair and he will make them to any length you want for a 1", 2", 3" whatever, and go the Pro Comp long travel shocks, good and reasonably priced.

Baz.

[Ace]

Thanks Baz, i am off sick today, my entire body is acheig, some of the kids have been off all week with it. We have to go into the doctors so i might stop at the 4wd centre and talk to steve. I have asked Zook if he will help fit them and he has kindly obliged so i will be fitting them myself, i have never done suspension, i could work it out, but if tony helps me i will learn a bit more and it wont take as long. I have been seriously thinking about the pro-comp shocks simply because they are half the price of the billy's. Matt

[landy_man]

Originally posted by Reads90
Funny really
In the UK we are buying all Australian kit for Surpension , but you lot want to buy our gear which we think is not up to it. For the winch challenge events it is seen that the OME suff is the best and the Scrap Iron stuff is crap for the job
As they say the grass is always green on the other side

usually in Oz, the OME stuff that is supplied is too stiff for the job... they usually just give the punter a heavier rate spring to increase ride height...
Scorpion stuff seems to be okay, it is just their pricing which is rediculous in my opinion...

As for the shocks, Bilsteins and Koni's are valved for the soft Rover suspension while as most of the others just fit to the vehicle what ever will fit in the gap... and is usually valved for leaf sprung vehicles...
I would spend the extra money on Bilstein or Koni as they are rebuildable so "should" last you a long time, Koni's can also be adjusted if too soft... and in most peoples opinion are a superior shock to the rest.

[Ace]

I went into the 4wd centre today, he is looking into a few things for me. I havent discounted the option of the OME Kit, with 2in shocks and Nitrocharger shocks. Am going to the 4x4 show on saturday will do some research then. Matt

[rangie5litre]

G'day All,
Matt, I'm watching what you do with interest, I'm looking at doing the springs and dampers in my Rangie after tax comes back. The last 4WD I had, the Vitara Estate I'd spent $1450 on 4 coils[Lovells], 2 rear dampers[Tough Dog] and a pair of tough dog 2 inch extended struts, all this for a gain of about 40mm in height over stock inc fitting. The Zook handled brilliantly on-road after the front coils were replaced by a lower rate set[V6 ones were installed in error!]it went round bends like it was on rails.

Offroad it was horrible. Rough, bouncy and far too stiff

With all the reading I've done I'm fairly convinced to take Graeme Coopers advice and take the Rangie down there after the rack & storage units are fitted and get them to fit a set of supple longer coils with dampers to match. They said to turn up with the Rangie set up weight wise the way it will be every day, and they'll take some measurements and make sure the right coils are fitted. I quized them on that and they said that ARB ect allow for about a 40mm lift without any extra weight included, so after all the extra bits[100+ kg in my case]are installed the lift is much less than '50mm' the ads say. As a much cheaper alternative I could probably use 30mm poly spacers all round, with polyairs in the rear for load carrying, at least then I'd know exactly how much 'lift iI would be getting. I've priced the spacers at $22 ea and the polyairs around $400, plus fitting. It really going to depend very much on value for money.
I'll watch how yours pans out and see what you think of it when it's done.

Cheers Scott. :?

[matbor]

found this for you...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...4557823080&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=102341&item=4557823080&rd=1)

Picking up a set of king springs this weekend from repco, they have 20% off at the moment.... so $144 a pair for the raised disco ones.

Matt.

[HSVRangie]

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/...pic.php't=13961 (http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php't=13961)

The above tread on outerlimits has spring specs and what the result was when fitted to my RR.

Michael.

[matbor]

quick question for someone, do the King springs have a right way and wrong way up to mount them ?

Matt.

[discowhite]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>do the King springs have a right way and wrong way up to mount them ?

Matt.[/b][/quote]

fromwhat i can rember, yes they do. the box will tell you how
to install them. i think its the closer coils are to the top.
they are also LH and RH. the tag on them says LH and RH.
i bought mine from Repco 1yr ago and paid $113/PR.

tell them you can get a better price, see if they match it??

i fitted the KRFR01's(250lb) and the KRRR04(330-350lb)
in the rear, in my opinion they are WAY to stiff for offroad!

if i was to do it again, i would spend the extra money and get the
right springs and install the polyairs!

phil.

[matbor]

just to make sure R/H = drivers side ?

Matt.

[landy_man]

i'm pretty sure they will be labelled DS and PS... as in drivers/passenger side :wink:

[alexcd]

i just installed some King Springs on my Rangie yesterday. 2" lift. I carnt believe the difference. Before it used to roll heaps now it is stiffer, which i wanted and has much better on road manners. Offroad is yet to be seen. I ended up with a 3" lift in the rear because my old springs were sagging so much.

[landy_man]

Originally posted by alexcd
i just installed some King Springs on my Rangie yesterday. 2" lift. I carnt believe the difference. Before it used to roll heaps now it is stiffer, which i wanted and has much better on road manners. Offroad is yet to be seen. I ended up with a 3" lift in the rear because my old springs were sagging so much.

I would say that if they are stiffer on road your atriculation is going to be worse offroad as the rate of the spring will be too high to allow the wheel to stuff up into the arches

[Ace]

I have all but decided on the OME kit. The best value, proven quality. Matt

[disco95]

I'm pretty sure this is with KRRR04's, definately kings.

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album197/suspension_test.sized.jpg

Plenty of spring compression, with sway bars attached.
The tags didn't state left or right when I got them, second hand, but still could read the tags. Perhaps aquarangie could shed more light, they were his.

[matbor]

Just got the back's on, nearly 80mm lift, backs where sagging just a bit style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Also the King springs only have R/H and L/H on them !!!

Matt.

[disco95]

When this rain clears I'll go look at mine and read the tags. Can't remember what they say exactly, but pretty sure it isn't RH or LH.

[shaunp]

Kings used to have a tape tag that had the side on it, but the last few setts I've had, have had it screen printed on the coils them selves, if the tag is lost put the high one on the drivers side. As for progressive rate springs such as Disco rears they progressive end goes to the top.

[alexcd]

the kings that i just installed had R/H and L/H marked on them. The right ones are also slightly longer.

[disco95]

Originally posted by shaunp
Kings used to have a tape tag that had the side on it, but the last few setts I've had, have had it screen printed on the coils them selves, if the tag is lost put the high one on the drivers side. As for progressive rate springs such as Disco rears they progressive end goes to the top.

Both mine looked identicle before I put them in.
Even the standard springs I took out look identicle. In fact the only difference between front and back is the that the rears are obviously heavier. I could see no difference between left and right in the stockies either.

[Ace]

Who stocks the king springs in Sydney? Matt

[LRHybrid100]

http://www.wholesalesuspension.com.au/

[matbor]

Repco, Bursons or just ring King Springs directly and they will tell you...

http://www.kingsprings.com/

Matt.

[shaunp]

Originally posted by disco95+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(disco95)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-shaunp
Kings used to have a tape tag that had the side on it, but the last few setts I've had, have had it screen printed on the coils them selves, if the tag is lost put the high one on the drivers side. As for progressive rate springs such as Disco rears they progressive end goes to the top.

Both mine looked identicle before I put them in.
Even the standard springs I took out look identicle. In fact the only difference between front and back is the that the rears are obviously heavier. I could see no difference between left and right in the stockies either.[/b][/quote]

Disco rears are progressive rate, so the coils at one end are closer together this goes to the top. If you compare the free length on a flat surface you will also find the rears are a few mm different in lenght. If your rears are not progressive you have rangie springs not Disco. Rangies did not have progresive springs due to haveing a load leveler on the A frame.

Expect to pay around $120- $130 for Kings, I buy them through Coventry spare group, they are the distibutor. Super cheap also sell them.

[matbor]

these are pics of the rear suspension, just after it was completed on Saturday !!!

did the front yesterday, so the car sits 60mm higher all round (because original springs had sagged badly), just gets in the basement at work.... 10-20mm of space between the roof of the car and the basement roof.

will put a better pic up tomorrow, forgot to take my camera to work today.

http://www.bordignons.net/disco/images/rearsus1.jpg
http://www.bordignons.net/disco/images/rearsus2.jpg

[disco95]

Originally posted by shaunp+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(shaunp)</div><div class='quotemain'>
Originally posted by disco95@
<!--QuoteBegin-shaunp
Kings used to have a tape tag that had the side on it, but the last few setts I've had, have had it screen printed on the coils them selves, if the tag is lost put the high one on the drivers side. As for progressive rate springs such as Disco rears they progressive end goes to the top.

Both mine looked identicle before I put them in.
Even the standard springs I took out look identicle. In fact the only difference between front and back is the that the rears are obviously heavier. I could see no difference between left and right in the stockies either.

Disco rears are progressive rate, so the coils at one end are closer together this goes to the top. If you compare the free length on a flat surface you will also find the rears are a few mm different in lenght. If your rears are not progressive you have rangie springs not Disco. Rangies did not have progresive springs due to haveing a load leveler on the A frame.

Expect to pay around $120- $130 for Kings, I buy them through Coventry spare group, they are the distibutor. Super cheap also sell them.[/b][/quote]

Then the springs from the rear of my Disco must not have been OE, even though the shocks were.
Now, if the springs were progressive at the top, wouldn't the upper spring seat be narrower than the bottom?
In which case the springs from a RR wouldn't fit. I was led to believe that this was the reason that Defender rear springs wouldn't fit a series1 Disco. Aren't Defender rear springs progressive?

EDIT: my springs are in the Sydney garage at the moment so I can't go compare, but from memory they were identical side to side.

[one_iota]

Three ways to make a spring progressive:

Decreasing diameter of the coil wire

Decreasing diameter of the coil

Decreasing distance between each of the coils.

And combinations of the above.

The Jury is out not only in 4wd circles but also for performance lowered vehicles and motorbikes.

I went for the non progressive Kings with the lightest reasonable load rating giving me the 2" lift with comfort unladen and polyairs for when there is a load.

It works for me and the stance is very similar to Matbor's Disco.

The bloke who chose the setup had a big smile on his face when I went to pick it up. He had had some failures/complaints with previous combinations.

[rick130]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Now, if the springs were progressive at the top, wouldn't the upper spring seat be narrower than the bottom?[/b][/quote]

no, the diameter is the same, just the pitch (how closely wound the wire is ) changes.

The other way to make a progressive rate spring is taper grind the wire, reducing its diameter (but not the total diameter of the spring :wink: )

Have a look at the King Spring (yellow) in the photo above and note that it is more closely wound at the bottom compared to the top of the spring. This closer winding gives you a softer initial rate, and as the spring is compressed, and these windings contact each other the spacing increases, increasing the rate.

Think of a coil spring as a torsion bar all wound up. For a given wire diameter, the longer the torsion bar, the softer the rate. ie, the easier it is to twist with a given force/mass.
a coil spring is the same, the more turns (longer if straightened out) the softer the rate. If you can get more winds in at one end of a given free length, that end will have a softer rate.

Up to @ '02, Land Rover springs were colour coded with various paint splashes to denote rate, free length, etc.
The best online place to check out spring specs is http://members.shaw.ca/jbarge/springinfo.html

[disco95]

Ok, that explains a lot.
My rear looks the same as Matbors also but the front sits much higher. I put Defender springs in the front. I actually think I need a little more lift in the back to match it up better. She sits pretty level, my observation is that Discos usually sit a bit higher in the rear. I think spring spacers will be on the cards.

[Ace]

Originally posted by matbor
these are pics of the rear suspension, just after it was completed on Saturday !!!

did the front yesterday, so the car sits 60mm higher all round (because original springs had sagged badly), just gets in the basement at work.... 10-20mm of space between the roof of the car and the basement roof.

will put a better pic up tomorrow, forgot to take my camera to work today.

http://www.bordignons.net/disco/images/rearsus1.jpg
http://www.bordignons.net/disco/images/rearsus2.jpg

How have you found the king springs Matbor? Matt

[shaunp]

I've put them at least 4 Disco's and a couple of Rangies and they seem fine( even used them in some Jags). At $130 I consider them a disposable item just like shocks

[Ace]

Thanks Shaun, much appreciated. I am considering either Lovells or King Springs (see my new post) and i also considered the springs from Rangie Spares in Vic, not sure yet i only want to do this once. Matt

[matbor]

Yeah they have been pretty good, feel alot higher now.... need to do the rear shockers next and the steering damper too.

Matt.