Defender 2.2 Suspension Lift, what's the best?

[inken_dave]

Hi All,
I'm wanting to do a 2" lift on my 2.2 2013 110 Defender. What is the best spring/shock combination? Kings seem to have a good rep, but what about shocks?

Also, does the front prop shaft need modifying to the double Cardan joint setup? Who is the best for this arrangement? Is it necessary?

I will be using the full suspension trave.....

Have people found the need to install dislocating cones and spring retainers as well?

Appreciate any feedback or experiences...

Thanks

David

[MLD]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/08/1111.jpg

[D90 orkney]

Lifting the car disrupts the chi of the centre of gravity in your defender. I would not lift it. I would lower it 3/4 of an inch. I would also not put big or wide tyres. I would put 185/90/16 Pirelli at's. That's your smartest bet. Listen to me because it's my opinion

[frantic]

This is an OPINION thread and like arseholes, everybody's got one.;)
A vast majority say the puma needs a DC prop, and I've read Tom woods or locally his props are sold through jeep connection, I think.
If you want FULL suspension travel go look at gwyn Lewis kit ( or the terrafirma copy)matched with matching shocks and springs that tickle your fancy.
I'm using a gwyn kit with dobinson springs and 6070L (I think that's the code it used to be N73L or 3+in patrol front shocks) OME shocks.Their about 11.7in of travel compared to standard 8
The front springs are good after 3 years, but the back are to soft, the shocks are still great.
The reason I went this way is it gives you same/ more travel or articulation with a 2in lift. If you retain the stock mounts and shocks but just lift you reduce downward travel, if you then just fit longer shocks you need larger bump stops so you don't destroy the shock and then lose up travel.
Others like to retain the springs, their choice but I think the extra bit of travel helps.

[BigBlueOne]

I've got King springs and Bilstein shocks along with a Devon 4x4 DC prop shaft. It's raised about 1 inch. I had it installed after adding a heap of gear, bull bar, winch, drawers, rear dual Jerry can bar, fridge etc etc.

Very happy with it, especially off road.

[Tombie]

Here's the questions that matter..

Why do you want to lift it?
What do you intend to do with it?
What else has been done to it?
What else is planned to be done to it?

[D90 orkney]

On my 90 I have heavy duty ome nitro charger 2 inch springs and shocks. I like everything except the down travel. Not long enough. I have been in situations where my back tyre lifts when it should be still articulating to the ground.

Gwyn Lewis sells long travel ome on their site that need some brackets to be fitted. When my shockers need replacing I shall get those;
http://www.gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/product/challenge-old-man-emu-5-5-inch-shocks-four/



I think if you tour with loads, plan on bigger tyres and go on tracks that can get hairy I think lifting is totally up your alley. Or if you want to do it for looks then that's fine too!

I've heard koni raids are great.

[PAT303]

Here's the questions that matter..

Why do you want to lift it?
What do you intend to do with it?
What else has been done to it?
What else is planned to be done to it?

This is a suspension thread Tombie,no common sense allowed.I'd take MLD's advice to the bank. Pat

[DazzaTD5]

Hi All,
I'm wanting to do a 2" lift on my 2.2 2013 110 Defender. What is the best spring/shock combination? Kings seem to have a good rep, but what about shocks?

Also, does the front prop shaft need modifying to the double Cardan joint setup? Who is the best for this arrangement? Is it necessary?

I will be using the full suspension trave.....

Have people found the need to install dislocating cones and spring retainers as well?

Appreciate any feedback or experiences...

Thanks

David

While I dont subscribe to the idea of "the best", I've done a lot of suspension setups for customers Defender TDCi 110 models and depending on what the customer wants is how I set it up. The TDCi (puma) is a bit more tricky than the previous model TD5 as the Ford engine is lighter and if fitted with a ARB deluxe bar, its a lighter bar than the standard ARB bar (if its even still available).

IMHO....... IMHO..... and thats all it is
*I've been using Terrafirma coils/shocks, for quite a long time, they seem to last and have the control I'm looking for, although not overly impressed with the lasting ability of the painted coating, but apart from that nicely made.
*Tried using Ironman for a few years, bloody useless and every kit I was ever supplied they got wrong.
*I use Bilstein from the U.S, Old Man Emu, dobinsons and coils made by and branded by King Springs extensively on all Jeep suspension, all good lasting and good quality.

While the standard 110 coils/shocks are ok, I've found once a Defender is fitted out the standard suspension starts to do a lot more of the old "tacking like a yacht" (re old rangie classic style), so upgrading the suspension can be a way to go.

The pics here Land Rover TD5 (http://www.aztech4x4.com.au/land_rover_td5_15.html) is a pretty full on fit out (the green one) I've done on quite a few Defender TDCi models.

So many variations on a Defender TDCi including airbags, or dis-location cones, or spacer plates, or even the big bore expedition shocks all dependent on what fit out you are doing, how much lift you want, how you want it to ride and how you want it to look....

Regards
Daz

[PAT303]

Daz,that camel trophy fender blows my hair back :cool:. Pat

[DazzaTD5]

Daz,that camel trophy fender blows my hair back :cool:. Pat

Yes I thought it was awesome, although unfortunately I've only done the one repair on it and not seen it back. Its one of them things, for no particular reason an owner may not return. I lot of older Defenders though owners may simply service it themselves etc etc....

When I test drove it I was stopped next to a brand new Nissan Patrol fully kitted out for hell and back, the only difference was I knew the Defender had already done it and still going :P

Regards
Daz

[jc109]

Hey Dazza, for what it's worth, the only reason you've not seen me recently is the fact that I've moved home to Qld. If I hadn't I'd keep coming back. I'm still recommending you though due to your thorough knowledge, awesome service, and friendly and generous advice. Thanks for everything.

[Shoogs]

Yes I thought it was awesome, although unfortunately I've only done the one repair on it and not seen it back. Its one of them things, for no particular reason an owner may not return. I lot of older Defenders though owners may simply service it themselves etc etc....

When I test drove it I was stopped next to a brand new Nissan Patrol fully kitted out for hell and back, the only difference was I knew the Defender had already done it and still going :P

Regards
Daz

Daz,

Camel sitting in storage... As I am not in Oz anymore... It shall return though, great service thank you.

By the way for suspension, I have OME springs and Koni Raids. Simply Unbreakable.

Cheers

Tim