"Lowering" a defender... temporarily

[cleelo44]

Gday folks,

I've been part way through changing the firewall on my defender and as progress has been super slow (due to the vehicle being in dads shed some 2 hours away) I thought I might shift it a bit closer... problem is the door to my car port is a bit low.

So I'm wondering if it is feasible to compress the suspension and or let some air out of the tyres in order to push it under the door way... once it is in it will be fine but it will need to be about 150mm lower to get under the door...

Is it possible to compress the suspension that much and is this a totally stupid idea?

Cheers
Tom

[rijidij]

I often let the air out of the tyres on my old Series 2 to get it in and out of my parents garage.
Start with that rather than compressing the springs, unless you have to, a combinatrion of both might be needed.

Cheers, Murray

[JDNSW]

Depending how low you need to go, the simplest might be to borrow (or even buy) four bare wheels and push it in on them without tyres. Any model Defender, 110, D1, RR Classic or Series rims would do. (Some alloy wheels can't go on 110/early Defender because the hubs stick out too far)

While compressing springs is possible, it is not easy. Perhaps easier to remove springs completely and have it resting on the bump stops. If necessary you could put it on bare rims and remove springs (front shocks have to be removed to remove springs)

John

[Slunnie]

Gday folks,

I've been part way through changing the firewall on my defender and as progress has been super slow (due to the vehicle being in dads shed some 2 hours away) I thought I might shift it a bit closer... problem is the door to my car port is a bit low.

So I'm wondering if it is feasible to compress the suspension and or let some air out of the tyres in order to push it under the door way... once it is in it will be fine but it will need to be about 150mm lower to get under the door...

Is it possible to compress the suspension that much and is this a totally stupid idea?

Cheers
Tom

I dont think you will get that much, even with airbags. The bumpstop clearance isnt even close to that on the front.

[Grumbles]

Depending how low you need to go, the simplest might be to borrow (or even buy) four bare wheels and push it in on them without tyres.
John

I would never have thought of that. Brilliant idea!:cool:

[cleelo44]

Thanks everyone... plenty to consider! I better have a practice run before I get too committed :)

Cheers
Tom

[manic]

With the roof slant and position, I doubt you need to do much up front, just deflate front tyres and drop the rear 150mm.

Rear springs pull out easy and bump stops can be removed for extra mm

Failing all that if the ground is smooth and level enough you could consider rear wheels off (center diff locked), drop rear axle right down with trolly jack(s) so brake discs are close to ground. Push it in on the jack(s) with a couple of assistants, one on the hand brake. Just an idea!