Handling Concerns

I've recently replaced all four springs on my 96 disco to a set of heavy duty britpart. Since doing it, the steering now seems all over the place. Even when I am driving in a straight line on the road, all of a sudden, something strange happens and it starts whollopping along like a hippo.
I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what the problem might be and the best way to fix it.

any suggestions would be appreciated.

that's normal - put half a ton of something in the back of it and I bet it's a better drive

any reason why you didn't fit standard springs ?

Maybe you've done something wrong when re-assembling it?

I have HD's on mine and I've never had an issue with them.

Could also be a coincidence and something else has broken/worn enough to make a difference, I'd check A-frame, trailing arm and damper bushes as a starter ...

thanks for the replies.
Sean, I fitted the heavy duty ones because it was suggested they would give a much firmer ride and be better whilst towing my caravan. I have not seen standard after market ones (although I did not look that hard in fairness).

Paul
What should I look for on the A frame and the trailing arm? (Bending I guess). someone in work suggested the steering damper and also replace the shocks, but that seems a mine field in itself....

Davidal said:

thanks for the replies.
Sean, I fitted the heavy duty ones because it was suggested they would give a much firmer ride and be better whilst towing my caravan. I have not seen standard after market ones (although I did not look that hard in fairness).

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That's mostly why I did mine too, and it works brilliantly ..

Davidal said:

Paul
What should I look for on the A frame and the trailing arm? (Bending I guess). someone in work suggested the steering damper and also replace the shocks, but that seems a mine field in itself....

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Check the ball joint has no discernible movement, hold it tightly and pull back and forth, if there's a clicking or movement then you need to look at it more closely and decide if it's bushes need replacing ..

On the trailing arms same thing really .. if they're bent they're probably no good (some after-market arms are bent to overcome a lift) but not necessarily. Check more for movement at the bush ends, as per any bush, the rubber should be sitting tightly against both rotating or moving parts, if the rubber moves with one part and slides over the other then it's nackered. Bushes take up any movement within themselves, they don't move with relation to the parts they are in contact with.

Same with damper/shock bushes, top and bottom. I'd particularly look at the top ones, if they're OEM they're a one-piece double cone, if they're after-market they're normally separate halves and once worn a bit they need replacing as they'll just wear themselves and the shock top!
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hitch the caravan up and take it for a spin, it should dampen down and handle much better. I agree with Sean. Our landy's at work handle like dogs unloaded, snake everywhere, knock the fillings out me teeth, but put 20 bags of gravel in the back and its like standard springs. the same goes for my own 90, thats why I drive around with all my overland gear still in the back!

G

Whereabouts are you? Go into UserCP and put a location, rough idea like nearest town for instance, maybe someone with experience could have a looksee for you.

replace the shocks to heavy duty ones aswell.

thank you everyone.
Paul you have given me a lot to go at and I'll have a good look round later. I'll post an update on my progress.
I'm based in South Wales.