Front suspension

**isuzutoo-eh** · 9th March 2011, 08:39 PM

So bloody confused about suspension Part 1!
Yep I've done plenty of searching and reading threads, here, on pirate, outerlimits, pomme forums, google and even 4wdinaction. All that research means I am certain of my confusion.

Alright. Problem: my County is as stiff as a...cadaver. On an articulation ramp, a go-kart would do better.
It is currently fitted with Dobinson Springs by the previous owner, with the Dobinson office's kind help I believe they are C51-022 at the front (I think), and C51-019 at the rear (definately). These springs result in 40 to 45mm extra height. The shocks are also Dobinson which have (front) 330-550mm and (rear) 357-560mm closed/open specs-i.e. near enough same as factory. Shock mounts are unaltered.
The Dobinson catalogue is here: http://www.dobinsonsprings.com/pdf/LAND-53.pdf
So already the down travel is effectively reduced as the shocks are standard length and the ride height has taken nearly 2" of shock extension over standard. The vehicle also bounces around on the road as the springs are too stiff.
Note: the suspension set up is <2 years and <12,000km old. Shocks are not tired.

I rarely carry much in the way of loads-unloaded 90% of the time and the other 10% isn't more than 250kg. I want more flex. I want a softer ride. I don't really want lifted suspension so am endeavouring to get it back to standard height.

The main thing I am confused about is the front suspension. Mine's an Isuzu powered County One Ten. Fair bit of weight up the front.

I have seen reference that these Counties had part number HYG4176 front springs standard (Bilstine shocks) but this number does not come up on any LR parts websites.
Most places mention they were HD springs, I assume this is the NRC9448/NRC9449 D110HD & D130 front springs, as seen on this site: land rover spring specifications
Which one is it? If it's HYG4176 what are the specs of that spring?

Wovenrovings and others reckon the Isuzu Counties had an extra inch over the rest of the world's production: Defender Vs 110 ride height
Is this right?

Does that mean the Dobinsons and other Isuzu specced aftermarket springs are x" lifted above the 1" Isuzu lift so x+1" taller than a stock standard Defender?

Is there a rule of thumb to use when upping spring rate (and free length?) when catering for accessories (winch, bar)?

**flagg** · 9th March 2011, 09:39 PM

AFAIK the Dobsons are height increased by rate.. so they will be hard as a rock.

Counties had much softer springs as they had the sway bars and leveler thingy..

I'm in the same boat.. so I'm looking on with interest. My plan was to use softer springs with firmer shocks (keeping the sway bar) but I know nothing about suspension...

**isuzurover** · 9th March 2011, 10:04 PM

I have standard height king springs up front and standard bilsteins.

On the rear I have air springs and standard bilsteins, but will be fitting longer shocks soon. The front has mediocre flex, the rear flexes easily to the limit of shock travel.

I also have Super-Pro bushes all round.

I am happy with that setup for a vehicle that is basically a tourer, however the air springs are so comfortable I may eventually put them on the front as well...

lokka · 9th March 2011, 10:04 PM

Mark im playing with springs for my 135 and im trying different stuff ive found that the rangie rear HD coil from kings in a plus 2 inch works great up front and the rear coils i have in now which came in the truck work good tho it sits preaty much at standard hight and it rides good and flexes well .

Tho i want it to sit up taller as the 285's on the front just kiss the front arches but it no longer bottoms out as bad in the front as it did with the standard sagged coils tho the coils i fitted were well used one was a good 3/4 of an inch shorter which i put in the left the truck sits upok bit is 1/2 inch shorter on the left

Im planing on taking these coils out and fitting new dobbinsons coils but im still trying to work out what rate coil i need i want 3in taller than standard and i need at least a 130 rate coil for the rear and im still undecided on polly airs for the back so i can still get a smooth ride and have the ability to pump in some more air to aid with loads .

Its a PITA but i will get there soon i hope

**land864** · 9th March 2011, 10:19 PM

Isuzu Rover

Can I ask what air springs you have on the rear please and would you fit same to the front

Pete

**isuzurover** · 9th March 2011, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by land864

Isuzu Rover

Can I ask what air springs you have on the rear please and would you fit same to the front

Pete

Have a look at my thread in the members rides section (or the threads by hally / rovercare / rangierrover) for the part numbers we each used.

The rear air springs won't fit the front as they are too large a diameter (from memory 110/130 rear coils are 1" larger in diameter than fronts).

**steveG** · 9th March 2011, 10:59 PM

Also watching with interest...
I got some used Dobinsons springs as a starting point for my Isuzu conversion - was told they were C51-015.
As it sits currently I have about 120mm to the bump stops. Figure I've still got about 100kg to add onto the front with bonnet, LH guard, bullbar and a few other bits and pieces.
That 120mm is with Isuzu length extended bump stops.

From memory Ridjidij fitted OME766 fronts after his Isuzu conversion and was pretty happy with them. No idea how the height compared to standard.

Steve

**steveG** · 9th March 2011, 11:09 PM

Any chance you've measured the wire diameter in the springs Mark?
I've got the measurements for mine round somewhere - would be interested to compare with yours.

Steve

**rar110** · 10th March 2011, 06:54 AM

Mark
You might have the front springs Dobinson made for when a winch etc is fitted. They will not flex as much and will be quite firm. Dobinson steered me away from these.
I had the Dobinsons springs (now owned by SteveG). I found them a very good ride. They main reason I took them out was height ie too tall, my passengers who would regularly comment about needing a ladder. The kids really found it difficult climbing in (only 4 & 6). I would have been happy to keep them if not as tall and seriously considered getting them resized.

I now have 130 springs which give a softer ride and not as tall. The wire dia on the rear is larger but smaller on the front.

**rick130** · 10th March 2011, 08:13 AM

From my recollection of riding in a mates Isuzu 110 with stock suspension and the load leveller (admittedly a long time ago) they used a much softer rate spring than the Tdi HD front springs, or at least the extra weight of the 3.9 made it feel like they were.

I know the original JRA built Army 110's used Australian made springs (National Springs) to JRA's specs.
At the time National Springs were also supplying MB in Germany with springs for the then baby Benz, they made a quality product.
Someone bought them out as they no longer exist under that name (Monroe ?)

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