New suspension setup... I'm pulling my bloomin hair out!

matty_daak · Apr 22, 2014

Hi all...

I know I've asked previously but no one seemed to want to help, I'm in the middle of a total rebuild of a '89 110... I'm basically building it for overland travel, so will have extra weight on board but obviously it won't be laden all the time. Tyres wise I've got a set of brand new 255/85r16 Discoverer ST's they are tall and skinny (a combo which I've found to work the best for me in the past) so I guess I'll need to lift it to accommodate them, which is fine.

So... I'm nearing the part of the build where I'll need to fit the new suspension. I've seen a million different setups on 110's but I really can't work out what will suit my needs best. Some say twin shocks, some say bigger bore shocks, ok but +2" or +5"? Then there's springs... HD or not? Aftermarket or original LR fitment? 130 helper springs or airbags? Arrrrgh!!

I'm sure there's someone on LZ that can offer me some proper advice??

Thanks folks

Barbados · Apr 22, 2014

Will you exceed the gross weight capacity of the vehicle? You must remember that a stiffer suspension compromises ride comfort.....important on a long overland drive.

IMO, if you will be under the maximum load capacity of the Landy, just go with some performance shocks and springs the same dimensions as stock.

wickford90 · Apr 22, 2014

matty_daak said:
Hi all...

I know I've asked previously but no one seemed to want to help, I'm in the middle of a total rebuild of a '89 110... I'm basically building it for overland travel, so will have extra weight on board but obviously it won't be laden all the time. Tyres wise I've got a set of brand new 255/85r16 Discoverer ST's they are tall and skinny (a combo which I've found to work the best for me in the past) so I guess I'll need to lift it to accommodate them, which is fine.

So... I'm nearing the part of the build where I'll need to fit the new suspension. I've seen a million different setups on 110's but I really can't work out what will suit my needs best. Some say twin shocks, some say bigger bore shocks, ok but +2" or +5"? Then there's springs... HD or not? Aftermarket or original LR fitment? 130 helper springs or airbags? Arrrrgh!!

I'm sure there's someone on LZ that can offer me some proper advice??

Thanks folks

This may sound a bit radical, you could just replace with OEM as were fitted as standard. Were they not designed to do just what you are going to do with it. If you can work out what weight its going to carry a good supplier can tell you whether or not you need HD parts.

GINGE · Apr 22, 2014

I think id load it up with what your going to have in the back or as close as dam nit and then see what kind of movement you have. Once you throw kit on the roof or a roof tent its going to make you more top heat and it will wallow in the corners etc.

With regards to the type of shocks, just be aware that in the bottom of bum #### nowhere your not going to be able to get a replacement for your pro comp es9000s 2" lift shock. Its going to be a standard LR shock if your lucky!

Might be better going for a stiffer standard shock from say a 130 or a RRC (red/white stripped spring) maybe(ask Jai, he knows LR springs) and then getting standard shocks. Or make provisions to carry 2 spare shocks and or springs for just in case times.

jaygti · Apr 22, 2014

If your worried about ride comfort when unladen, look at progressive springs, they are only a few quid more and you get the best if both worlds.

I would stick with standard height unless the tyres rub or you need better approach and departure angles etc.

timc1967 · Apr 22, 2014

Just thinking this through as a mathematician, 255/85r16 is a 33" diameter tyre, which compares to the standard 7.50R16 of 31¾, ie 1.25 inches diameter larger.

Since only half the diameter will effect vertical wheel clearance in the arches (the other half of the tyre is hanging below the hub) you are looking at reduced vertical wheel clearance in the arches of 0.67 of an inch.

I don't think the tyres alone warrant a suspension lift.

matty_daak · Apr 22, 2014

That's some quality math there timc1967! Yeah I compared the two and there's not a massive difference in size, I dunno it's all a bit of a learning curve

Ginge I totally agree with you on the std kit thing, I'd rather be able to get spares if I suffer a breakage. Sound advice guys, I'll keep pondering....

New suspension setup... I'm pulling my bloomin hair out!

matty_daak

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Barbados

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wickford90

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GINGE

Greenlane liker, bobble hat hater

jaygti

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timc1967

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matty_daak

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