v8250

Well-Known Member
Dear All, I'm completing a front refresh of my 90. The suspension turrets, springs, dampers and plates were well beyond their sell by date...so, I want/need to buy new. The 90 is std ride height...my thoughts are HD turrets and plates, std or progressive springs. But what's the general thought on suspension dampers and steering damper??

I'm not needing adjustable/mostly drive on road with the occasional off road...I'd welcome your experience/recommendations...

Andrew
 
It depends on what you want.

If you want a better ride on the road, then standard springs, adjustable dampers (set to soft), anti roll bars, and Discovery spring isolators will make a noticeable difference.
On a 110, fitting a RTC steering damper will make the steering more car-like as in better self centering.
On a 90 it’s not necessary.

I bought four new take-off TDCi springs for £120 including postage.
They are supposed to give a better ride quality, and are readily available at this price from companies who modify new Defenders. Make sure you get SW ones.
Terrafirma 4-way adjustable dampers cost me around £60 each.

If you are looking for better articulation and ultimate off road ability, then the above won’t be your first choice.

Someone will be along l am sure, to make suitable recommendations for that.
 
I just bought galvanised turrets and spring seats. Used Britpart standard springs, Britpart stearing damper and cheapish shocks 9(can't remember due to age :rolleyes:) But all are still good about 4 years on.
 
Yep, have done that too in the past.

It depends on whether you want to improve on the standard setup, say for more road use, or are happy with how it came out of the factory.
 
....unless you want it to ride better on the road
Then fit the adjustable dampers, you can always turn them to a stiffer setting for the genuine Land Rover bounce, if you are missing it.

They don’t make a big difference, but it’s definitely worthwhile and doesn’t affect the off road ability at all.
 
Guys, thank you all for the quick replies. I was thinking of talking to Gwyn Lewis this week for his suggestions...
 
Okay guys, as update and to help any others looking to change suspension now or in near future. My LR is a simple ex-military D90 with Exmoor canvas top and full external safety devices cage. No additional weight, winches etc., and is used purely for leisure...primarily on road with only light off road fun. So, with all your great advice above + some masses of additional online review/recommendations reading this is what I ordered last night.

Fourways:
Std Springs F&R
TerraFirma Dampers Light/Mid-weight Dampers
Gwyn Lewis:
Std Height HD Front Turrets Inc Re-locator, GL1056
Defender Drop Arm Conversion Kit & Track Rod Bar, HD Steel
Four Galvanised Spring Seats NRC9700-4
Heavy Duty Front Turret Securing Rings, GL1053
Flat Pressed Rear Spring Retainers, GL1068
Challenge Front Spring Retainers, Hook Type

My thoughts are that the above set up will give a hard wearing, positively compliant drive for my needs. Only thing left is to choose the steering damper...I become totally confused with whizzy head last night c/o the sheer number of options. Need to order this tonight together with new nut/bolt install kits. I'll post pics in the Defender 'what have you done to yours...' thread and give some post install feedback for all :)

ps off to Kophill on the 21st to meet with a fellow selling his very smart all leather RX8 seats :D
 
Hope you don’t mind me butting in on this thread but it’s been an interesting read as it’s something I’m considering to.
With adjustable dampers, and excuse my ignorance, how adjustable are they and where do you adjust them from?
 

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