Defender 90 TD5 2003 Suspension raise 2"

[Blade74]

Hello All,

I'm looking at buying some Koni Raid Shocks and also some King springs to raise my D90 roughly 2".
I dont mind if it ends up a little under 2 ".
I've ordered the Koni Raid Shocks already but they haven't shipped yet due to waiting on a price for shipping.
The fronts are: Koni Heavy Track Raid 90-5374 0-50mm lift
The Rears are: Koni Heavy Track Raid 90-5375 0-40mm lift

I can change the rears to :Koni Heavy Track Raid 90-5401 40-60mm lift in the next few days prior to shipping at the same price.

Looking at putting the following springs in the front and rear.
The Front: King Springs KRFR-03 (raised but not HD)
The Rear: King Springs KLRR-05 (raised but not HD)

My car doesnt ever tow more than a trailer with a few motorbike and i never load it up heavily with a lot of gear.

Should i go for the more raised rear shock?

Does anyone think ill have issues with Prop shafts/joints etc if i leave them standard for now.
Not sure if the D90 already has bigger angles on them due to being SWB.

Would love to hear peoples comments!

Cheers

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Those 90 series shock are too short if you go higher than standard, even the ones they quote are for a +40-60mm lift.

From memory even the longer ones only give you 5mm of travel!!!!!!

I raised this with them some time ago and they were not interested! Shame really as I wanted a set of the 90 series for the 110.

The 80 series are long enough and would more than likely be fine for your needs.

King springs are excellent.

Sent using Forum Runner

[Yorkshire_Jon]

I'll comment more when I get back to a puter

Sent using Forum Runner

[Ancient Mariner]

Those 90 series shock are too short if you go higher than standard, even the ones they quote are for a +40-60mm lift.

From memory even the longer ones only give you 5mm of travel!!!!!!

I raised this with them some time ago and they were not interested! Shame really as I wanted a set of the 90 series for the 110.

The 80 series are long enough and would more than likely be fine for your needs.

King springs are excellent.

Sent using Forum Runner

5 mm not much is it

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Ok, so Im working from memory here... Its been 4 years since I sold stuff for a 90.

1. You are right in thinking you do NOT want the HD King Springs - in a usually empty they are WAY to hard.
2. In a usually empty 90 you do NOT want the 90 series Koni's these to are WAY to hard and combined you will not have any suspension or axle flex!
3.KRFR-03 or KRRR-02 are a good choice for the front - they are about the same but the 02's are a tad taller and can be used to level the normally lower front end up a bit if vehicles are normally empty.
4. Check the diameter of the rear springs. From memory the coil diameters on a 90 are smaller than on a 110, therefore the KLRR-05's will have too big a diameter. Someone else can come in and confirm this. If my memory is failing me and the 90 & 110 rear springs are the same diameter then the KLRR-05 are the ones to get.
5. The rear propshaft will be fine with KLRR-05's
6. Trailing arm bushes at the chassis end will flog out A LITTLE sooner than with standard height springs, but this really isnt a problem. The cure is cranked rear trailing arms, but it really is an expense that isnt necessary.
7. Steering Geometry - There are several ways of overcoming the castor issue.
7a. Front propshaft. This should be changed for a double-cardon prop (not the disco unit and changed transfer flange if you want it to last). Ive always found the new prop to be the best solution (Juddy on here can sort you out with an excellent unit from the UK)
7b. Front Radius arms - Ideally you would change these for either +3 or +6 degree ones. You can save cash by removing your existing bushes and replacing with castor corrected ones, or by slotting your swivels. My money always swaps the arms for +3 or +6.

So now, having shot your plans to bits what dampers would I suggest... Difficult choice as there are hundreds to choose from. If money isnt so much of an issue, Koni 80's, on a bit more of a budget but always had very good results and customer feedback and work well with the King Springs, Tough Dog Foam Cells (not the adjustable version). Bilstein and OME are also worth a look.

Make sure your dampers will compress to the same length as the ones that come off and extend approx 40-50mm longer than the standard ones.

hth
Jon

[Blade74]

Is the 80 series the Heavy Track??
I bought them through paddock spares and the Heavy track doesn't have an option for higher raised models.

It's a lot of $$$ so want to make sure I get it right.

So you are referring to 5mm extra drop than normal for the raised rear version....
You wouldn't think Koni would get it so wrong and let it go so long...

[jboot51]

Don't hold your breath waiting for paddocks,
this was their reply 04/02/2013.


Hello
We are unable to send high pressure gas shocks airmail , due to civil aviation safety laws
--
Regards,

Nichola
Customer Service

[Blade74]

You cursed me jboot.....

Hello
regarding your order ref 146###, we are unable to send any gas items by airmail as they are filled with high pressure gasses and we have no other means of sending these items.
What would you like to do?
Shall I refund your order?
--
Regards,

Nichola
Customer Service

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Is the 80 series the Heavy Track??
I bought them through paddock spares and the Heavy track doesn't have an option for higher raised models.

It's a lot of $$$ so want to make sure I get it right.

So you are referring to 5mm extra drop than normal for the raised rear version....
You wouldn't think Koni would get it so wrong and let it go so long...

90 series = RAIDs
88 Series = Heavy Track

Suggest you speak to either TopPerformance in Melbourne or wholesale suspension in Sydney - Both resell Koni's and know there stuff. Cant guarentee they know much about fitment to Defenders though!!

Re the 5mm...
Take an almost empty 110 with KLRR-05 Fitted. Extend a +40-60mm 90 series Koni and fully extent all but 5mm, then fit! Whilst it fits... It doesnt fit!

[Blade74]

Thanks Yorkshire John. I'll call them later this week.
So is there any other recommended shocks with model numbers.
I want either Koni or Bilstien. Seem to favour Konis.
Is there a certain model Heavy Track recommended to allow the extra travel? Or billy number?

Hmmm now I have to check the rear spring diameter to see if they are different.