Thread: To lift or not to lift...That is the question

Upto you... do you go offroad at all??? If its just for touring and beach work then I dont think you have to lift it.

Originally Posted by GyroLandy

Hi All,

I posted a similar thread a couple of days ago but wanted a more varied response so thought I'd post again.

I have a 1994 Landrover Defender. The car has 300k on the clck and I need to replace coil springs and shocks. Should I do a lift kit on the vehicle? If so how high? 1", 2" or more? Don't want to have to change ratios/gears in transfer box. What is the best equipment to go with?

Thx

well, you will certainly get a varied response. Lifts are a very personal choice.

I recommend that if you are doing very little off road and dont need hard core stuff, a 2 inch coil and shock lift kit is best. It doesnt have any adverse affect on your steering or suspension components and will give you a bit more articulation and clearance.

as for brand, well there are lots out there. Best speaking with someone who has the same vehicle as yours and learn from their mistakes or go with what they found to work well as different brands work well on different vehicles, they are all different.

good luck

Originally Posted by GyroLandy

<snip>
Don't want to have to change ratios/gears in transfer box. <snip>
Thx

This sentence has puzzled me. You only have to change your gearing if you change your tyre size dramatically. eg. go to 35" tyres.
A 2" change in ride height doesn't change the gearing.

Your Defender is already more capable offroad than any of its competitors, so I would not see any reason for lifting it unless you find yourself regularly getting stuck because of insufficient clearance.

It will all depend on what sort of driving you do - it has to be pretty hard core offroad to justify a lift.

Lifting it by one or two inches will give a bit more clearance, but at the expense of a little loss in effective articulation, and make it harder to climb into. Although the centre of gravity is raised a little, this will not normally be noticeable, and for this amount of lift there should be no serious handling or steering problems.

John

I vote for ..... LIFT HER 2" ..

with all the floods in Sydney .. it will help / / & look good too!!!

If it only does "sand & sun" runs .. I would only buy a medium $$$ price spring & shock kit // Keep the soft ride!!

If you do decide to lift the vehicle, as mentioned 2" would be the go.

Most off the shelf kits from arb, tjm etc can actually reduce flex. The higher lift will generally increase fuel consuption a tad.

If you have gone for so long without the lift, then you most prob do not need it, is all I am saying.

Personally if it were me I would be doin a 2" lift with lovells springs (well priced) and koni or bilstein shocks (not cheap).

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Your Defender is already more capable offroad than any of its competitors, so I would not see any reason for lifting it unless you find yourself regularly getting stuck because of insufficient clearance.

It will all depend on what sort of driving you do - it has to be pretty hard core offroad to justify a lift.

Lifting it by one or two inches will give a bit more clearance, but at the expense of a little loss in effective articulation, and make it harder to climb into. Although the centre of gravity is raised a little, this will not normally be noticeable, and for this amount of lift there should be no serious handling or steering problems.

John

Agree with most of John's comments above.

However, a lift won't give you any more clearance under the diffs etc.
So, I'd suggest staying with standard height and maybe fit some sliders.

Also, raising body does increase angle that drive shaft unis have to operate at which may lead to shortened life.

Roger

Originally Posted by Xtreme

Agree with most of John's comments above.

However, a lift won't give you any more clearance under the diffs etc.
So, I'd suggest staying with standard height and maybe fit some sliders.

Also, raising body does increase angle that drive shaft unis have to operate at which may lead to shortened life.

Roger

Yes, doesn't change clearance under the diffs, but does improve approach, departure and breakover angles.

I agree with your U-joint comments, and thought of including that, but just left it simple. It will also increase the amount of vibration from the front drive shaft due to the lack of a CV joint in it.

John