Thread: Is my Defender lifted???

Yes, it is common to put standard length shocks on a Defender with a spring lift, as you generally need to relocate one end of the shock absorber to fit a longer shock in, or extend the bump stops and hence reduce up travel.
All the 'lift' springs do is create a harsher ride for the same wheel travel, albeit more up travel than down travel now.

Originally Posted by isuzutoo-eh

Yes, it is common to put standard length shocks on a Defender with a spring lift, as you generally need to relocate one end of the shock absorber to fit a longer shock in, or extend the bump stops and hence reduce up travel.
All the 'lift' springs do is create a harsher ride for the same wheel travel, albeit more up travel than down travel now.

ok kinda makes sence, but also makes me more confuzzled..


what do you mean by 'relocate one end of the shock absorber to fit a longer shock in'?


I will be taking this thing 4wd'ing most weekends and do enjoy more challenging tracks etc. I know its never going to be no comp truck with huge articulation...


...so how does say a kit like Terrafirma 50mm lift springs and +2inch shocks work? more articulation? or just lifted with the same articulation? or less on either compression or extension stroke?


and what about +4" shock, with 50mm lift springs...without dislocation cones? would this even work, or can the springs not be the limiting factor on stroke length or maximum articulation? I also assume with +2 and more shock the +2' front brakelines are needed?


sorry for so many newbie questions...I have done so much reading but no definitive easy to understand answers..

A longer travel shock means a longer closed length too. If the shock mounting points are too close together at the limit of travel (compressed bump stop), then the shock bottoms out and is damaged.
If the shock is so long that it allows the coil to unseat/dislocate, and you haven't either tied the coil in or fitted dislocation cones, then you'll have fun when off road trying to get the coil spring to reseat again.
You can get parts to relocate the top shock mount from the likes of Gwyn Lewis, D44 etc in the UK, or the cheap substandard copies from terrafirma/Allmakes.
Hope that helps.

Hi Rick79

I agree with everything isuzutoo-eh wrote.

Another option if you dont want to replace your shocks is to fit 50mm lowered top shock mounts to the front and rear. This will bring the up and down travel back to roughly what it was from standard but with 2 inch lift springs. The bump stops will need extending 50mm too. This means the wheel will travel 50mm less into the guard on compression than it would have on standard springs, but the amount of travel up and down from your ride height will be the same as standard even though the suspension is lifted

Or replace the shocks with a true +50mm longer shock and leave the mounts standard. You would then need to know the closed length of the new shocks so the bump stops can be extended to suit if needed at all. You will be borderline needing extended brake hoses. The standard ones will be stretched.

Otherwise go 4 to 5 inch extended shocks with raised shock mounts so you have the right amount of up travel as well as down travel. You will definately need dislocation cones, spring retainers, 4 inch extended brake hoses, ABS (depending on year) lines and breather hoses.

Going from your bump stop measurements the rear is definitely 50mm higher and the front about half that. Do you have a winch and bullbar? Possibly the spring rate in the front is not heavy duty so the front has sagged a bit.

Cheers
Michael.

Originally Posted by Pacemaker

Hi Rick79

I agree with everything isuzutoo-eh wrote.

Or replace the shocks with a true +50mm longer shock and leave the mounts standard. You would then need to know the closed length of the new shocks so the bump stops can be extended to suit if needed at all. You will be borderline needing extended brake hoses. The standard ones will be stretched.

Otherwise go 4 to 5 inch extended shocks with raised shock mounts so you have the right amount of up travel as well as down travel. You will definately need dislocation cones, spring retainers, 4 inch extended brake hoses, ABS (depending on year) lines and breather hoses.

Going from your bump stop measurements the rear is definitely 50mm higher and the front about half that. Do you have a winch and bullbar? Possibly the spring rate in the front is not heavy duty so the front has sagged a bit.

Cheers
Michael.

Sounds like if I can get a shock with a closed length equal to std, but with +2" longer stoke out I will be ok in terms of not damaging the shock due to bottoming out, but also have advantage of more actual wheel travel, and thus more articulation/flex
(all of this with 50mm lift springs)
?