Stock_90_TD5_SW
Active Member
The shocks and springs (with all the fixings) on my 11-year old Defender (daily driven) were original and I was contemplating to swap them for a 2inch lift kit with soft springs to fit larger tires (the look thing) and make it more comfortable.
After reading this forum for months, I decided to stick to the standard height and now that I've bought new standard springs and shocks, I wanted to say that I'm very pleased with the result and the difference in the ride quality is huge. I use a fixed Sparco Ergo seat, which makes me feel every little bump on the road with all my body. The new suspension works so much nicer and although the overall hardness of the ride (which I like) is unchanged, the bumps are no longer perceived as kicks or knocks, but road imperfections which the suspensions sorts out.
The reason I didn't go for the lift kit was a problem many owners encounter with vibration through the drive train and the subsequent necessity to swap the front propeller shaft for a Disco2 version and other problems. Also many here said that the soft lifted springs felt too mushy and didn't inspire confidence in the corners.
I bought more or less the cheapest set of new springs and shocks by Britpart and am really pleased with the springs. It cost me 160 euros altogether and if the shocks start to leak badly, I will go for KONI shocks, but the springs are sufficient. I actually wonder how much can the ride be improved by more expensive aftermarket springs and shocks combination of lets say OME, which would cost me exactly 10 times more at 1600 euros.
Wanted to put this info out there and say that at the moment I don't feel it would make sense to spent that difference, but then again I drive 100% on paved roads and don't need any extra ruggedness.
After reading this forum for months, I decided to stick to the standard height and now that I've bought new standard springs and shocks, I wanted to say that I'm very pleased with the result and the difference in the ride quality is huge. I use a fixed Sparco Ergo seat, which makes me feel every little bump on the road with all my body. The new suspension works so much nicer and although the overall hardness of the ride (which I like) is unchanged, the bumps are no longer perceived as kicks or knocks, but road imperfections which the suspensions sorts out.
The reason I didn't go for the lift kit was a problem many owners encounter with vibration through the drive train and the subsequent necessity to swap the front propeller shaft for a Disco2 version and other problems. Also many here said that the soft lifted springs felt too mushy and didn't inspire confidence in the corners.
I bought more or less the cheapest set of new springs and shocks by Britpart and am really pleased with the springs. It cost me 160 euros altogether and if the shocks start to leak badly, I will go for KONI shocks, but the springs are sufficient. I actually wonder how much can the ride be improved by more expensive aftermarket springs and shocks combination of lets say OME, which would cost me exactly 10 times more at 1600 euros.
Wanted to put this info out there and say that at the moment I don't feel it would make sense to spent that difference, but then again I drive 100% on paved roads and don't need any extra ruggedness.
