Thread: The New Defender

Originally Posted by 1nando

The other way is software, but you would have to raise bumpstops and you loose travel.

Thoughts on this specifically? and no, subframe spacers don't throw any suspension out.

I'd imagine sub frame spacers would throw out prop shaft angles, possibly affect airbag activation )as now the vehcile is higher), and possibly some other vehcile sensors?....I wouldn't have a clue[/QUOTE]

If the diffs are attached to the subframe(maybe not),then heaps of things are going to be thrown out,but then a diff drop kit may be the go,which would alleviate some issues,and maybe create more.

For me,i would just leave it how it is.
Molesting a $100K plus vehicle to get and inch or two or so of extra height,which may cause a cascade of issues,and cause the vehicle to be unreliable,is not my go.

And there goes any warranty,easy out for the manufacturer.

But whatever rocks your boat,each to their own,

OOPS! I didn't think my initial post could be the start of WW3. Some excellent points though & maybe I ain't the only one here that didn't understand the reasons for lifts.

No one is gunna wave at that! What a pos. No wonder my 2007 110 is still insured for over 80% of its original purchase price.

Just broaching the new Defender ute subject.. do you guys think it's possible that if they were to, they could use a design similar to what Holden did with their commodore 1 tonner?

Both the one tonner and the crew cab used a modular rear chassis system, albeit with a solid axle, but surely if they wanted to they would have the smarts to make a IRS version work.

Definitely possible. Has been done for decades all around the world. Holden and Ford locally in the past, Transit currently, etc. as just a handful. Unitary or mono body with half-chassis. Likely is a different question and will depend on many aspects. Not super expensive to develop off a sedan or wagon but there needs to be good volume for it to make sense. If they want to tap into the top end of the 4x4 Ute market and reckon they can sell enough and they have the resources to prioritise that compared with all of the other JLR (and Tata) projects competing for those resources (money, engineers, facilities, time, etc). Then, yes. I hope they do as they'll do it well and raise customers expectations and therefore improve competitors also. Only they know their plan...

Originally Posted by 1nando

The other way is software, but you would have to raise bumpstops and you loose travel.

Thoughts on this specifically? and no, subframe spacers don't throw any suspension out.

I'd imagine sub frame spacers would throw out prop shaft angles, possibly affect airbag activation )as now the vehcile is higher), and possibly some other vehcile sensors?....I wouldn't have a clue[/QUOTE]Good points

Prop shaft angles yes, but these subframe spacer kits from J Austin Fab take that into account.

Airbags and all other sensors remain as they were, this is not a normal body lift, its subframe spacer or diff drop and susp top mounting lowering kit in one.

In my mind it is the hardest way to lift, but the one with no compromises if done right.

Read this:

J Auston Fabrication | Range Rover Lift Kits

Now remember this has been proven to 6inch on 37s so if he scaled it back to say 1 or 2inch kits i imagine the kit would be much easier.

Lets not forget most people that but bigger tyres on new gen D5, RRS, RRvogue's are using software lifts, which as has been mentioned is a compromises unless bumpstops are increased. Then you have the loss of travel.

The subframe lift keeps everything working as per factory, safety, susp, diffs as per latest LRO mag (excerpt not full article in pics)

Can anyone chime in with 1 or 2 inch susp software lifts on their new gen Rover and describe their experience? Mods feel free to make this a new thread, "lifting the new defender"

Originally Posted by Konradical

Just broaching the new Defender ute subject.. do you guys think it's possible that if they were to, they could use a design similar to what Holden did with their commodore 1 tonner?

Both the one tonner and the crew cab used a modular rear chassis system, albeit with a solid axle, but surely if they wanted to they would have the smarts to make a IRS version work.

There are some newish rumours around the ute will never appear,from quite a reliable source.

There are some newish rumours around the ute will never appear,from quite a reliable source.

You?