self levelling unit Defender 110

MrJC said:

My 1997 110 300tdi CSW appears to have the original shocks and springs. Coming to a firm stop I have noticed a couple of extra 'bounces' from the front. Side on all looks fine, quite level with no obvious sagging length ways. I measured the height on each corner and the drivers side is approx 2 inches lower front and rear.... If I stand at the side and rock it, it is easy to move it and again I get three 'after bounces' before it levels.

So, it is time to replace the shocks and springs. After reading previous posts I have decided to go with Allmakes standard springs and borg shocks... I dont do heavy off roading, just occasional moderate green laning, a bit of moderate trailer towing, transport logs in the back. Pottering around its a soft ride and it leans quite alot on corners at normal speeds without feeling any strain on the tyres....

OKay.... bottom line is I mailed famous four for a quote giving them my VIN etc to make sure I ordered the right stuff..... this is the mail I got back.

Being a station wagon, I would think it will have the self levelling unit fitted, unless it has been removed previously as they never work !!....

If it has been removed, then it is best to fit heavy duty springs and shocks to compensate for the levelling unit not being there.

If you can let me know if the unit has been removed, or if you intend to remove it, I can quote for suitable parts.

Please quote reference number in all correspondence.

We pride ourselves on providing fast efficient and friendly service.
We look forward to hearing from you and assure you of our personal attention at all times.
Best regards

CHRIS BRIGGS
(SALES)

I didn't know I had a self levelling unit .... I crawled under and hey ho I have one! It looks in reasonable condition... the rubber gaitors are intact and its fairly clean.
The mail above mentions these units 'never work'.....

Anyone tell me how I can check it is working? Haynes... mentions it. Am I just looking for wear on the uper and lower ball joints? Is it a sealed unit linked to a sealed resevior?

I want a more stable ride and a heavy duty set up wouldn't suit what I use it for.... many thanks... sorry to rabbit on, I could talk a glass eye to sleep, its either this or gardening.

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MrJC said:

I guess I can always add aditional helpers so I will take the chance on the self leveling unit being ok and go for standard stuff.
Would still like to here from anyone who knows if these self levelers fail and how to check them out.

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LeadFarmer said:

I dont know much about self levelling units, but I would otherwise recommend standard suspension. Folk always seem to want a 2" lift because they think it looks better.

Unless you want to do lots of offroading then I would stick to standard suspension. Ive just bought a full set of genuine springs and dampers from Rimmer Bros for my 110 at just over £300. My Land Rover dealer was suprisingy only about £30 dearer, so dont be too quick to disregard your dealer.

Good luck

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ratty said:

If you load your landy up with a bit of weight and then go for a drive, the bouncing should pump the suspension up if it's working ok. if he arse is dragging the floor it's fooked

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redhand said:

How Much???? FFS std genuine OE shocks were Armstrongs about £15 each and the springs are about £30 each from LRSeries.

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