Thread: Shock absorbers; 4 - 2 - 1; But value?

If the originals lasted 220k and are 1/4 of the price of Koni's they represent the best value.I have Koni's on my Defender and Tracey's has originals,both work. Pat

I drive a LOT of corrugations, and I've found that the Koni Raids make a big difference to handling, stability and comfort. They really are a lot more solid than standard. ...that said, I agree with Pat, if you're happy with standard shocks for how you use your vehicle, stick with them. Koni's are expensive if you don't need them.

Yes, MrLandy, that's what I guess I was really asking:-
1. do the extra $$s directly translate into performance and safety? And
2. could I expect noticeably better control and so safety on bitumen as well?

I don't know that I would go for Konis, but the Aussie Ryders could be a good comprise.
Any recommendations for Aussie Ryder?
Thanks

Nigel,we,as a group have huge amounts of experience regarding all things LR,the reason we,as a group recommend Koni or Billies as the two best replacements if changing is because of all the experience we have gained with many different makes of shocks over many years.I doubt you'll get many positive replies recommending Aussie Ryder shocks. Pat

Originally Posted by 98-110

Yes, MrLandy, that's what I guess I was really asking:-
1. do the extra $$s directly translate into performance and safety? And
2. could I expect noticeably better control and so safety on bitumen as well?

I don't know that I would go for Konis, but the Aussie Ryders could be a good comprise.
Any recommendations for Aussie Ryder?
Thanks

The original shocks are designed for safety in normal operating conditions, ie: normal load, regular roads, tracks, etc. as you've found they've lasted well so I assume you use your vehicle in this way?

Pat is right, through experience Konis and Bilsteins are undoubtably the best and will give you more control because they are more solidly built. I've used both extensively over the years. I'd suggest Bilsteins if you were say an 80% on highway user, not because they're not heavy duty but because on road I find them a little more compliant. If you're working in the deserts or doing heaps of corrugated roads / big trips off bitumen, I'd go the Koni Raids. They are not quite as smooth on highway, but on dirt they are exceptional. Their big bore and general oversize construction really does make a difference.

Because I'm a perfectionist, I'm still experimenting with getting the right bushes and adjustment of the shocks, to get the on road compliance balance right with the Koni's, but it's not really a problem at all.

If you don't have the cash to spend on Koni or Billies, I'd stick with standard shocks if you like them. Never heard of Aussie Ryders, do you know who makes them?

Thanks MrLandy.
The original shocks are designed for safety in normal operating conditions, ie: normal load, regular roads, tracks, etc. as you've found they've lasted well so I assume you use your vehicle in this way? Yes, last trip included about 5000kms gravel [Tanami, Mitchell Falls, Gunbarrel & Heather Hwys etc] some terrible, but I have the time to slow down on these stretches.

Aussie Ryders come from www.ultimatesuspension.com.au
- they were mentioned by Rick130 in a previous thread somewhere which is why I looked them up.