Defender Coils

[Dockstrada]

Hi All , Just wanted to know which was the best brand 2” lift kit available for the Defender without compromising the stand ride comfort .
I don’t want to have modded beast, just want a little extra clearance for the 265 tyres and a more level look .

My 110 has a front bar plus I will be adding a winch , as you can see in the pic it sits already very low in the front ,I’m sure after adding the winch it will sag even more .

I called ARB today for coil pricing, seem ok $225 for both front and the same again for the rear .
This will give me a 2” lift with 100kg front upgrade for winch and bar and 300kg for the rear or the hard option for the rear which is 500kg .

[Tombie]

I'm afraid a TDCi can't just be lifted 2" without doing more.

You need a wide angle DC front tail shaft minimum...

I'd look at just adding HD LR front springs to it...

[Dockstrada]

I'm afraid a TDCi can't just be lifted 2" without doing more.

You need a wide angle DC front tail shaft minimum...

I'd look at just adding HD LR front springs to it...

Ok that sounds good , Are they LR OEM part or is there a after market option ?

[Naks]

There is a very valid argument for NOT lifting the Puma, but rather to fit airbag helpers in the rear for heavy loads.

See Defender2 - View topic - polyair rear springs / Puma

[Dockstrada]

There is a very valid argument for NOT lifting the Puma, but rather to fit airbag helpers in the rear for heavy loads.

See Defender2 - View topic - polyair rear springs / Puma

Ok so I can go for Polly Air in the rear as it looks like a logical option and also gives you control of the rear end.

I then just need to sort the front , So It just needs to be picked up by about 1” will the HD LR springs that Tombie suggested sort this out ?

Or can i just spin up a 1" Acetal spacer on the lathe for the front ?

[rick130]

Be really, really careful and read up on all the posts pertaining to lifting TDci engined Defenders.

You can't do to them what was so bloody easy with a V8/Isuzu/Tdi/TD5 90/110/130, all the driveline angles are changed and it creates problems without using a wide angle DC shaft in the front as Tombie suggested.

Many new owners have been stung.

[ScottyD]

After going through the whole lifting a puma process myself I wouldn't be too concerned about drive line alterations. Reading around, it is a pretty common change, just ensure you buy a decent Double Cardinal Shaft. Steer clear of Bailey Morris (not designed for high speed/dusty conditions), I can recommend a Tom Woods Shaft (I bought mine from Les Richmond Automotive).

The difficult part is getting the correct springs to get the car level without having too much lift or not enough lift. If your load varies a lot, then Polly Airs would be the way to go. I'm on my 3rd set of springs (Original, LR HD, Terrafirma Mediums) and still haven't got the desired level. My next step is to get some custom made springs from Les Richmond Automotive. They seem to know what they are on about and have a pretty good reputation. I'm just hesitating on whether I should soften up the rear a bit more...

Do not buy springs which have too many coils or are stupid heavy, they will kill your articulation.

Hope that helps,
Scott

[LowRanger]

I don't know why people always want to guess what to fit or take a one size fits all package from retailers,when it comes to suspension?
And then they scream blue murder when it turns out to be something different to what they expected.
Do it right and do it once.

I would suggest that you wait until you have your winch and had it fitted,before doing anything further.Then work out what you would normally carry in the vehicle,and put it in the vehicle.Then either take it to a public weighbridge and get both ends and each corner weighed individually,or take it to someone like Ultimate Suspension (seeing that you are in Sydney) and they will weigh it for you and will then be able to recommend a correct spring to give you the requirements you are looking for,and can custom valve shocks if you so desire.
You might then have half a chance of getting something that will actually work.
And yes you will need to organise a double cardan front shaft,and I concur with the Tom Woods shaft,but I would recommend you get it direct from the U.S.A. as it will be a lot cheaper and you will get it just as quick
And as an aside,I would keep the ride height fairly close to standard,and fitting 265's should only require you to adjust the steering lock stops to maintain clearance.

[rick130]

[snip]

I would suggest that you wait until you have your winch and had it fitted,before doing anything further.Then work out what you would normally carry in the vehicle,and put it in the vehicle.Then either take it to a public weighbridge and get both ends and each corner weighed individually,or take it to someone like Ultimate Suspension (seeing that you are in Sydney) and they will weigh it for you and will then be able to recommend a correct spring to give you the requirements you are looking for,and can custom valve shocks if you so desire.
You might then have half a chance of getting something that will actually work.
[snip]

Bloody good suggestion Wayne.

[copba]

I'd look at just adding HD LR front springs to it...

Yeah I'd just be installing LR Heavy duty front springs, as Tombie suggested.

That's waht i've done mine was saggy at the front with the weight of the bar, and side rails; now it's nice and level and handles and rides well.

It doesn't need a suspension lift, it sits taller than most toymota's, and Datsuns