I have a 2005 Landrover County Station Wagon (2.5 liter diesel) with 65,000 km on the clock from new. Perhaps one quarter of this distance has been on unmade roads –some quite rough and rocky but some no more than unmade, so sometimes a bit bumpy. I’ve treated the vehicle quite kindly and so far, suspension-wise, have needed to replace one shock absorber bush.

I’m about to leave on an overland trip which might last for a further 50,000 km.

Here’s my question. I’m wondering whether to replace all shock absorbers now rather than have a problem in the proverbial back of beyond somewhere, with a vehicle that will be carrying a full load and potentially on all kinds of roads.

Peace of mind is more important than cost but I don’t want to be extravagant, to throw money away unnecessarily. ** I don’t know hpw long I should expect the shocks to last. Should I replace now or wait?

Please advise.

Thats about 40 thousand miles...should be fine. If you really want to throw money at it the Old Man Emu...but i can't see its necessary...you can always replace on route...

Personally for peace of mind i`d replace.

Thanks for advice.

i have recently purchased brit part heavy duty springs & shocks for the rear & gave them quite a beasting green laneing in wales & off roading they were perfect & also great on road manners handles great.
I am not great admirer of britpart products but i can only speak as i find

If you found one knackered bush the others will be on there way out to, i would replace the other ones and have a good check of the other bushes, Personally i use the standard armstrong dampers have worked well for me for years and i do a lot of off roading and best of all relatively cheap and do last

i would second the britpart hd kits good priced anbd they have lasted for me as well as improving handling

The way I 'tested' my shocks was to stand at the side and rock it pushing up on the gutters.... mine continued to rock a couple of times before stopping... you can do the same 'test' jumping up and down on your front bumper..... or heavy braking

I replaced mine as felt like an old 4 poster bed going around corners.... you shouldn't have bounce once you stop rocking it. I used Monroe shocks... britpart super gaz steering damper and genuine LR springs..... I am very happy but do need a new self leveling unit before I carry or tow heavy loads...... I would have got HD springs for the rear had I known it was not 100%

Springs should be okay but I would have a word with Bustersbus about Britpart springs if you are going for HD springs as well.... he has some horror pics!