Thread: 2003 TD5 Suspension: What to get?

FWIW,

IVe installed several kits from Suspension Stuff in deefer but mainly raingie and disco1 guise (assisted on one D2)

Ive had exactly one first hand complaint about it and that was from a guy who bought the kit but had to sell it prior to installing it.

There were some complaints (I didnt get any first hand) that the shockies were too stiff and Im not a fan of the bushes they supply for the front shocks but in terms of value for money they are very hard to beat.

Originally Posted by damo_s

Hi All.

Im a first time disco owner, and general car novice.

Id like to put some new suspension on my 2003 TD5 (no SLS), and id like to have it lifted, as I would benefit from a bit of extra clearance. When i go over a speed bump at a bit of an angle it feels like i am in a washing machine, bouncing around all over the place. When I was in coffin bay early this year, a friend sitting in the back was almost bashing their head against the ceiling ever time i went over a bump at speed. This makes me think that perhaps I could benefit from some new suspension. The car has done 125 000km and still has stock suspension.

I do the majority of my driving around the city, but i quite often carry heavy loads in the boot. As of yet, i do not tow anything. I go 4wd'ing when i can, and pack a decent amount of gear in the back, too.

So my questions is: Why shocks and springs should I get? Which ones are good? Which ones are not? Should i go for medium of heavy configurations?

A friend of mine is a 4wd enthusiast (non LR owner) and he has heard many a good thing about EFS suspension. Has anyone had experience with EFS? What other brands are worth going for?

Any help and information would be greatly appreciated.


Damo

I have had a complete OME setup and then went away from that and had my own spec springs made up (with the help of the numerous experts on the forum) and am happier with this setup.

Starting with the rears, I had custom springs made by Browns - 280 lbs linear and about 450 mm in length. This makes for a softish ride but the rear will drop under full load - so I factored in air springs which hold the rear up when I load up the vehicle. The variable rate springs from OME were not bad, just too strong and produced a harshish ride when unladen.

For the fronts, I had OME spec springs - 225 lbs and 380 - 390 free length and again, these hold the front up (bar, winch, lights, dual battery setup etc.) but are a little stiff for my liking. I replaced these with 180 lb springs that also had a freelength of around 450mm. What I have now is a comfortable, less harsh ride with optimum articulation - a good compromise for all situations - touring or rock climbing. I don't think there is an ideal setup and it really depends on what kind of off road work you mainly do.


Out of the box solutions are the easiest but too generalistic for my liking - they try to be all things to all people. Working out what you want is not that hard and the spring maker will do the difficult calculations for you.

Originally Posted by damo_s

Hi All.

Im a first time disco owner, and general car novice.

Id like to put some new suspension on my 2003 TD5 (no SLS), and id like to have it lifted, as I would benefit from a bit of extra clearance. When i go over a speed bump at a bit of an angle it feels like i am in a washing machine, bouncing around all over the place. When I was in coffin bay early this year, a friend sitting in the back was almost bashing their head against the ceiling ever time i went over a bump at speed. This makes me think that perhaps I could benefit from some new suspension. The car has done 125 000km and still has stock suspension.

I do the majority of my driving around the city, but i quite often carry heavy loads in the boot. As of yet, i do not tow anything. I go 4wd'ing when i can, and pack a decent amount of gear in the back, too.

So my questions is: Why shocks and springs should I get? Which ones are good? Which ones are not? Should i go for medium of heavy configurations?

A friend of mine is a 4wd enthusiast (non LR owner) and he has heard many a good thing about EFS suspension. Has anyone had experience with EFS? What other brands are worth going for?

Any help and information would be greatly appreciated.


Damo

I have had a complete OME setup and then went away from that and had my own spec springs made up (with the help of the numerous experts on the forum) and am happier with this setup.

Starting with the rears, I had custom springs made by Browns - 280 lbs linear and about 450 mm in length. This makes for a softish ride but the rear will drop under full load - so I factored in air springs which hold the rear up when I load up the vehicle. The variable rate springs from OME were not bad, just too strong and produced a harshish ride when unladen.

For the fronts, I had OME spec springs - 225 lbs and 380 - 390 free length and again, these hold the front up (bar, winch, lights, dual battery setup etc.) but are a little stiff for my liking. I replaced these with 180 lb springs that also had a freelength of around 450mm. What I have now is a comfortable, less harsh ride with optimum articulation - a good compromise for all situations - touring or rock climbing. I don't think there is an ideal setup and it really depends on what kind of off road work you mainly do.


Out of the box solutions are the easiest but too generalistic for my liking - they try to be all things to all people. Working out what you want is not that hard and the spring maker will do the difficult calculations for you.

Have installed Bilstiens 7100 to my disco with sls and 2" lift

The ride is amazing on and off road like I have never experienced... Have had the ome Bilstien shocks on and they are rubbish compared to the 7100 do not consider anything but the 7100!!!!

Will get more details of the size and valving requirements

I paid $1000 delivered from the US with steering shock...

used www.eshocks.com

10" Reservoir Shock - Short Body (8 Inch) 275/78 Yes $188.00 $178.60
Part #:
AK7110SB05
Shaft Diameter:
14mm
Extended Length:
24.29"
Collapsed
Length:
14.06"
Finish: Plated

THIS IS FOR THE FRONT

10" Reservoir Shock - Short Body (8 Inch) 360/80 Yes $188.00 $178.60
Part #:
AK7110SB06
Shaft Diameter:
14mm
Extended Length:
24.29"
Collapsed
Length:
14.06"
Finish: Plated


And this on for the rear

And it's up to you what springs to get

It's not at straight forward install as the diameter of the shock hole is larger so you have to tap and die the rear shock mounts and the two top front mounts then U have to purchase from the US a bottom shock mount, can't remember the website now....

Originally Posted by Franz

I have had a complete OME setup and then went away from that and had my own spec springs made up (with the help of the numerous experts on the forum) and am happier with this setup.

Starting with the rears, I had custom springs made by Browns - 280 lbs linear and about 450 mm in length. This makes for a softish ride but the rear will drop under full load - so I factored in air springs which hold the rear up when I load up the vehicle. The variable rate springs from OME were not bad, just too strong and produced a harshish ride when unladen.

For the fronts, I had OME spec springs - 225 lbs and 380 - 390 free length and again, these hold the front up (bar, winch, lights, dual battery setup etc.) but are a little stiff for my liking. I replaced these with 180 lb springs that also had a freelength of around 450mm. What I have now is a comfortable, less harsh ride with optimum articulation - a good compromise for all situations - touring or rock climbing. I don't think there is an ideal setup and it really depends on what kind of off road work you mainly do.


Out of the box solutions are the easiest but too generalistic for my liking - they try to be all things to all people. Working out what you want is not that hard and the spring maker will do the difficult calculations for you.

Franz, what sort of hub to guard measurements do you have now, did the Browns settle.

Regards Gordo