Thread: Looking @ aftermarket Shocks for the D3

Talking to a chap at the LRO show at Peterborough at the weekend, he has a D3 G4 that he's planning on driving from the UK to Australia next year. He's currently had all the necessary kit attached to it (long range tank, wheel carrier, fridge, battery management systems etc) and he's had Koni dampers fitted, I believe on the advice of one of the overland companies over here (might have been APB as that's who's stand he was on all weekend). I assume they wouldn't have been recommended for the type of trip he's doing if they're not up to the task.

I would also assume (I haven't looked) that Koni dampers are the most expensive option, if my previous usage of them is anything to go by.

Still contemplating what to do with mine before it leaves, whether to stay with OEM dampers or 'upgrade' to Bilsteins or Koni. I've read a few negative reports of the Billies...

I seem to recall they had an overland prepared D4 on the stand, although predominantly it was D2's & 3's. Footloose 4x4 certainly had 2 or 3 D4's on their stand.

Are they significantly stiffer ? Perhaps the Koni's are aimed more for the additional weight than additional stiffness ? He did say he'd lost 100kgs by removing the very rear seats and the 2 seat section of the mid seats, albeit that 100kgs is more than replaced by the long range tank, wheel carrier, fridge, storage box, additional spare wheel etc.

All I can say is I had to really keep my wallet in my pocket at this show, otherwise I could've easily spent a fortune. Restricted myself to a couple of wolf storage boxes & cover from Nene & a spare wheel carrier for the roof rack from APB. That's the trouble when your house contents container left 2 days earlier than the show and the only space you have is in the car