Thread: Defender 130 Military Ambulance / Camper build in Canada

Hi, its the other Justin here

Pics look impressive, and you've certainly set a task for yourself but it will all be worth it!

I'm still looking for the relevant bits, and I'll keep in contact. Keep up the good work!

JC

I forgot to ask if anyone has any thoughts on the suspension for an ambulance/camper I seem to have alot of roll and sway the rear anti sway bar seems very thin and the front doesn't have one. As for the springs/coils I installed a set of 2 inch lift heavy duty front and rear from brit part in the U.K The truck had helper coils to start with should I go back to the original coils or is there another option. I have nothing built on the inside of the camper so it is lighter than when I got it but also 14 inches taller and when its built and loaded with family and gear towing our loaded 3/4 ton sankey behind it should be much heavier. what would you lot suggest is the best fix. Regards, Justin

Hi bigH again, just read your bit on body roll. I had the same problem,I took off the double springs on the rear and fitted Ausi 130 heavy duty ones,along with Koni Heavy Track Raid damper units, ( about the best we have in the UK) These gave me a 60mm body lift (with the camper body on) I also have the TD5 anti roll bar on the rear axle
(I had to use this one as the TD5 fuel tank would not allow me to fit a rear military one), I also have a heavy duty military front anti roll one fitted along with heavy duty front springs. it still rolls but feels a lot safer. the main problem we have is down to the land rovers legendary axle articulation, hence the roll, but you will get used to it, it is arrested as the spring compress.I hope this help, any questions? feel free. good luck. big H.

I spoke to a guy who had done a camper conversion on a 130 and said he had alot of roll but fit thicker uprated anti roll bars from scorpion racing, can't remember if it was front & back or just the back but he said it was alot better than before.
You could double damper it, possibly back first then front if you like it. A wider track would be a good idea considering the extra height, i put 8x16 performance TX alloys on mine they have 1.5" more offset than the military wolf wheels and are rated at 1400kg each so added 3" extra track (not too keen on spacers) Also you could try some of those Air Helper springs that fit inside your rear springs enstead of the original steel helper springs.

Gaza

Nice looking truck there mate.

Easo

Originally Posted by bigHMRMP

Hi bigH again, just read your bit on body roll. I had the same problem,I took off the double springs on the rear and fitted Ausi 130 heavy duty ones,along with Koni Heavy Track Raid damper units, ( about the best we have in the UK) These gave me a 60mm body lift (with the camper body on) I also have the TD5 anti roll bar on the rear axle
(I had to use this one as the TD5 fuel tank would not allow me to fit a rear military one), I also have a heavy duty military front anti roll one fitted along with heavy duty front springs. it still rolls but feels a lot safer. the main problem we have is down to the land rovers legendary axle articulation, hence the roll, but you will get used to it, it is arrested as the spring compress.I hope this help, any questions? feel free. good luck. big H.

Hi Big H, Thanks for the tip, I got your e mail too.. Thanks. Can I ask if you have a contact in England for the springs or did you get them from OZ? I hope you can sort the photo thing I would love to see your setup. I would have done a slide off camper but we need to keep an eye on the Kids while driving. Other wise they will go wild in the back if I can't shout at them . What year is your 130 Rapier and is your set up as tall as mine I'm 9'4or 2.85m from the ground to the top of the truck measured at the center of the rear hub. How is your front anti sway bar attached to the diff housing mine does not seen to have any brackets for fitting an anti sway bar. A friend said I could use a complete front diff from a 1998 or older disco 1 as they have the fitting holes from factory Then all I need to do is weld some mounting points on the chassis DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS. Kind regards, Justin

Originally Posted by 66gaza

I spoke to a guy who had done a camper conversion on a 130 and said he had alot of roll but fit thicker uprated anti roll bars from scorpion racing, can't remember if it was front & back or just the back but he said it was alot better than before.
You could double damper it, possibly back first then front if you like it. A wider track would be a good idea considering the extra height, i put 8x16 performance TX alloys on mine they have 1.5" more offset than the military wolf wheels and are rated at 1400kg each so added 3" extra track (not too keen on spacers) Also you could try some of those Air Helper springs that fit inside your rear springs enstead of the original steel helper springs.

Gaza

Hi Gaza, Thanks for the info. Just checked scorpion racing and looks like they have the heavy rear sway kit I need. I have just bought a kit to double up on all the dampers/shocks front and rear from QT I think I'll take big HMRMP'S advice and go with the Koni heavy track raid dampers 8 of them might break the bank though$$$ $$$ but won't get around to fitting it all untill I sort the engine swap $$$$ again. The winter is coming FAST and that is my main job right now! -35 TO -45 makes things a bit tough. can't get a grip on the nuts & bolts with bloody big gloves on. If you take them off the things freeze to your hand and you have to run inside for so warm water. I have a heated Garage but the truck is a few inches to tall now to get inside.... with the wheels off I might just sqweek it in, NOT!!!!!!! As for the wheels You have no idea what it cost to buy and ship 8 wolf wheels from England to Canada I might just have to get a set of steel wheel spacers made up not sure If the alloy ones are strong enough. Cheers, Justin

Originally Posted by easo

Nice looking truck there mate.

Easo

If you like it now you'll love it when it's finnished......... In about 10 years and $50K from now

Cheers, Justin