Thread: Discovery 2 Suspension Advice

Update:

After doing some further research it appears my best option for the springs is the King Springs KRFR-06.

In terms of shock absorbers, I am now thinking of running genuine Landrover ones as they have been good and have given me no issues in the time I've owned the D2.

I will need to purchase new ones because the stock ones are on their way out but would there be any reason these would not be suitable given the new springs and accessories?

Cheers again

I used Dobinson springs and blisten shocks if you lift the car I'd doubt stock landrover shock will be up to the task .

Just had a peek and you don't really want to match raised springs with std shockers.
There's more likelihood of topping out the shocks and putting more strain on the eye's/bushes/shock internals .. etc.

So with raised springs, ideal you want matching longer travel shocks too.

Originally Posted by laney

I used Dobinson springs and blisten shocks if you lift the car I'd doubt stock landrover shock will be up to the task .

Originally Posted by AK83

Just had a peek and you don't really want to match raised springs with std shockers.
There's more likelihood of topping out the shocks and putting more strain on the eye's/bushes/shock internals .. etc.
So with raised springs, ideal you want matching longer travel shocks too.

Fine theoretical generic advice but in this case not relevant.

Nothing wrong with Dobinson springs or Bilstien shocks BUT the +20mm lift the King springs KRFR 06 give is still within spec for the standard Landrover shocks which will give a MUCH better ride than the Bilstiens (and a hell of a lot cheaper). Sure Bilstiens are a great shock and have better fading characteristics than the OE shocks but the trade off is a comparatively harsh and uncomfortable ride for everyday use.

IMO the King springs/OE shockers will give a better all round result for the OP. This is exactly the same setup I have on my D2. It gives a slightly firmer even 'sporty' ride than standard but still comfortable for day to day use as well as being good for extended touring and non extreme off road performance. A good and cost effective off road/touring/daily drive combination.

Stock standard out of the box your D2 is a very good on and off road performer. I took my (then new) stock standard D2a across the Simpson Desert (twice) and towed a 1 tonne camper trailer along the Gibb River Road and up to Mitchell Falls. It did many more thousands of both on and off road touring/daily driving before upgrading/replacing the shockers. It still had the original springs when I sold it 250K Km and 10 years later.

It's probably worth replacing the 'fifth shock absorber' ie. steering damper at the same time. You'll be amazed at how good the new D2 will drive especially if you fit a decent set of HT or AT tyres. Avoid MT's for general purpose use, too harsh, too noisy and quick wearing.

Deano

Originally Posted by AK83

Just had a peek and you don't really want to match raised springs with std shockers.
There's more likelihood of topping out the shocks and putting more strain on the eye's/bushes/shock internals .. etc.

So with raised springs, ideal you want matching longer travel shocks too.

This is key and I wholeheartedly support this comment. The OE rear shocks notably will not take a raised spring and they do top out. My experience of it are also with specifically the King Springs raised springs.

Ok thanks for the input AK83, DeanoH and Slunnie.

I have spoken to a good friend who is running Ultima Springs which have the following open/closed lengths 364/590 (front) and he hasn't been disappointed yet. Their warranty for 3 years or 100 000km is hard to pass up too!

The standard D2 ones are 370/580 front.

As for extended length shocks what sort of measurements should I be looking for open/closed?

Thanks

Have a look at the link I posted earlier.

I’m not sure what Bilsteins Deano refers to but the 994/995 are like riding on a cloud. Check Les Richmond website for price etc.

Hi all,

Just a follow up.

I ended up going with King Springs KRFR-06 springs and Ultima 400511 shock absorbers.

With the aforementioned installed, the height from the centre of the wheel to the bottom of the guard is 500mm. It will settle after a bit of driving and end up being a bit lower.

A much needed upgrade over the stock setup. Much nicer to drive now!

Thank you everyone for you assistance!