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Thread: Defender Suspension Upgrade

  1. 30th October 2007, 11:43 PM #1
    CraigE's Avatar
    CraigE
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    Defender Suspension Upgrade

    Thinking of upgrading Defender suspension shortly. Missus wants to get me a pressie for my birthday.
    Any ideas??
    Looking at 2 inch lift and maybe polyairs.
    Have put the maxi drive on the back burner as no broken diff or axles and suspension is more of a priority.
    2011 Discovery 4 TDV6
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    1976 SS Torana (project - all cash donations or parts accepted)
    2003 WK Holden Statesman
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  2. 31st October 2007, 05:41 AM #2
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    DirtyDawg
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    tons of Ideas but what you want from it?
    I have a rear set of Kings springs you can have?(+2")

    you after height or articulation improvement?
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  3. 31st October 2007, 08:45 AM #3
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    CraigE
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    Quote Originally Posted by DirtyDawg View Post
    tons of Ideas but what you want from it?
    I have a rear set of Kings springs you can have?(+2")

    you after height or articulation improvement?
    Dawg,
    Will PM you.
    I am basically after a reasonable on / off road ride, slight lift as the Fender is not going to be in the main house garage anymore so height is not a real issue anymore (just fitted in with standard height and roof bars off).
    Old suspension getting a bit worn at 130,000kms I reckon. Ride starting to get a bit harsh.
    2011 Discovery 4 TDV6
    2009 DRZ400E Suzuki
    1956 & 1961 P4 Rover (project)
    1976 SS Torana (project - all cash donations or parts accepted)
    2003 WK Holden Statesman
    Departed
    2000 Defender Extreme: Shrek (but only to son)
    84 RR (Gone) 97 Tdi Disco (Gone)
    98 Ducati 900SS Gone & Missed

    Facta Non Verba
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  4. 31st October 2007, 09:05 AM #4
    PhilipA
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    You will not get a better ride than with standard type shocks such as Sachs-Boge, although Bilsteins may last longer on corrugations but have a harsher ride.
    If you want a small lift talk to a specialist like Graeme Cooper who will recommend some LRA springs.
    I suggest that you renew your suspension bushes as these are the things that wear and cause sloppiness /harshness.

    Why lift a Defender? Do you rock hop? have you ever dented your sills?
    Many guys buy aftermarket setups and are then unhappy with the ride / result. It's then too late as its a sunk cost.
    Regards Philip A
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  5. 31st October 2007, 09:11 AM #5
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    BRINDO75
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    I have a county v8 auto , im also considering a lift i have dented sills and put rocks through my exhaust and trailing arm mounts. but im not sure either if a lift will help here . its all been done on river crossings or just normal 4wding. we arnt rock hoppers.

    Also my load leveler is u/s so im also looking at the polyairs and at $350 its looking like a good buy.
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  6. 31st October 2007, 09:16 AM #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by PhilipA View Post
    You will not get a better ride than with standard type shocks such as Sachs-Boge, although Bilsteins may last longer on corrugations but have a harsher ride.
    If you want a small lift talk to a specialist like Graeme Cooper who will recommend some LRA springs.
    I suggest that you renew your suspension bushes as these are the things that wear and cause sloppiness /harshness.

    Why lift a Defender? Do you rock hop? have you ever dented your sills?
    Many guys buy aftermarket setups and are then unhappy with the ride / result. It's then too late as its a sunk cost.
    Regards Philip A
    You mean the ride can get harsher??
    2011 Discovery 4 TDV6
    2009 DRZ400E Suzuki
    1956 & 1961 P4 Rover (project)
    1976 SS Torana (project - all cash donations or parts accepted)
    2003 WK Holden Statesman
    Departed
    2000 Defender Extreme: Shrek (but only to son)
    84 RR (Gone) 97 Tdi Disco (Gone)
    98 Ducati 900SS Gone & Missed

    Facta Non Verba
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  7. 31st October 2007, 11:22 AM #7
    PhilipA
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    You mean the ride can get harsher??
    Heavier rate spring=harsher ride
    Shocks painted other than black=harsher ride
    Poly bushes=harsher ride

    every time.
    Regards Philip A
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  8. 31st October 2007, 12:05 PM #8
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    Xtreme
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    I agree with Philip A - why lift a Defender?
    I have had a number of Defenders and have subjected them to everything except the extreme rock hopping etc.
    I'd suggest that you stick with standard rear springs with Polyairs and replace the front springs with the recommended Defender 110 heavy duty spring (same as the standard front 130 spring). This combination will give you a slight lift, as your original progresive rate front springs will have sagged considerably with 130,000kms on the clock, but will still be within specs.
    As far as shocks go any good hydraulic damper will do, however the standard ones will need replacing regularly depending on the type of terrain you encounter. If you're looking for longevity, go for Billies or IMHO better still, Koni's. Remember that dampers work pretty hard with coil springs.
    The other factor that has a big affect on ride quality, as already mentioned, is your suspension bushes. Make sure they are in good condition and nip up all your suspension bolts regularly.

    Lifting vehicles often creates/induces other problems such as extra wear on drive shaft universals and higher centre of gravity, resulting in unstableness and poor handling in many situations. However, if you finally decide to go this way, then make sure that the shocks you choose are properly matched to your springs and lift.
    Last edited by Xtreme; 31st October 2007 at 12:11 PM. Reason: typos
    Roger
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