Defender 90 Suspension Question

Hi, I very recently purchased this D90 and found the suspension to be just too high for my liking, as I've no plans for off-road, etc, and lowering it should certainly add to on-road stability; aside from all of that, I'd like to get it in to the garage for additonal security! My knowledge of the workings of suspension systems is beyond poor and would appreciate any help in 'resetting' the suspension to a more manageable height. I can't see any spacers on the mounts so, am I right in assuming that it's a case of installing a new set of standard springs? That being the case, can anyone recommend a decent, reasonably priced replacement set? Currently, height to the side-step is 2 feet(!) and tyres are 265/75R16.

Thanks,
T.

I am planning on replacing the springs as well and was considering going for these: http://www.paddockspares.com/nrc9446-90in-driver-side-front-coil-spring-normal-duty.html (NRC9446/7/8/9 for the set). Another question is, did the previous owner do some other components like castor corrected radius arms etc? And if so, will returning to the original height create wobbles/vibrations in the drive train. The Defender pros here can help you with that, I'm sure

Stock_90_TD5_SW said:

...did the previous owner do some other components like castor corrected radius arms etc? And if so, will returning to the original height create wobbles/vibrations in the drive train.

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This is a very good point you make on the possibility of a geometry change and I hadn't thought of that. Appreciate any other comments around this technical point. Thanks.

Take a couple of photos, preferably without wheels on, of the suspension as it is, including shock mounts and post them on here. In many cases when people use lift springs they also add longer shocks or different mounts, and as said different radius and trailing arms, so buying 'just' springs might not be the best idea!

tailhook said:

Hi, I very recently purchased this D90 and found the suspension to be just too high for my liking, as I've no plans for off-road, etc, and lowering it should certainly add to on-road stability; aside from all of that, I'd like to get it in to the garage for additonal security! My knowledge of the workings of suspension systems is beyond poor and would appreciate any help in 'resetting' the suspension to a more manageable height. I can't see any spacers on the mounts so, am I right in assuming that it's a case of installing a new set of standard springs? That being the case, can anyone recommend a decent, reasonably priced replacement set? Currently, height to the side-step is 2 feet(!) and tyres are 265/75R16.

Thanks,
T.
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For road only use Defenders are pretty poor choices. Have you don’t many miles in it yet?

Personally I love Defenders and their.... quirks. But there is no denying their utilitarian design.

Are you wanting better road holding and spirited driving? Stock suspension is a good compromise of comfort and on and off road suspension. However you can make it better for specific uses depending on what you want.

Paul D said:

Take a couple of photos, preferably without wheels on, of the suspension as it is, including shock mounts and post them on here.

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Thanks, Paul; it's in the workshop next week and I'll grab those pix then and post.

300bhp/ton said:

For road only use Defenders are pretty poor choices.....Are you wanting better road holding and spirited driving? Stock suspension is a good compromise of comfort and on and off road suspension. However you can make it better for specific uses depending on what you want.

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This Defender is very much a second vehicle and will have limited road use plus a little off-road on our farm. I know only too well the fuel 'economy' of such an oil burner, the constant oil weeps et al; but still a no-brainer for me!
Thanks,
T.

Paul D said:

Take a couple of photos, preferably without wheels on, of the suspension as it is, including shock mounts and post them on here.

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Hi Paul, got these pix earlier today and wondered if there's enough here to go on? Had several more pix, but having diffs getting those uploaded.
T.

tailhook said:

Hi, I very recently purchased this D90 and found the suspension to be just too high for my liking, as I've no plans for off-road, etc, and lowering it should certainly add to on-road stability; aside from all of that, I'd like to get it in to the garage for additonal security! My knowledge of the workings of suspension systems is beyond poor and would appreciate any help in 'resetting' the suspension to a more manageable height. I can't see any spacers on the mounts so, am I right in assuming that it's a case of installing a new set of standard springs? That being the case, can anyone recommend a decent, reasonably priced replacement set? Currently, height to the side-step is 2 feet(!) and tyres are 265/75R16.

Thanks,
T.
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Your side steps look like rock sliders as they are nearly level with the door opening, side steps hang down several inches below the door, maybe 6" lower than yours making it easy to get in and out. (See my Defender photo)
I would go for original spec suspension, also check to see if your propshaft has an elongated yolk to cope with the raised ride height, you may have to replace that too if it has.

Scooby22 said:

Your side steps look like rock sliders as they are nearly level with the door opening, side steps hang down several inches below the door, maybe 6" lower than yours making it easy to get in and out.
I would go for original spec suspension, also check to see if your propshaft has an elongated yolk to cope with the raised ride height, you may have to replace that too if it has.

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Thanks, Scooby for your comments; I'll check out the propshaft.
T.

tailhook said:

Thanks, Scooby for your comments; I'll check out the propshaft.
T.

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I have added a photo of my Defender side steps.

Love the Defender! Btw, what width are the tyres on the Boost rims? Think all the proportions look just right on this setup and would be my preference, eventually.
T.

tailhook said:

Love the Defender! Btw, what width are the tyres on the Boost rims? Think all the proportions look just right on this setup and would be my preference, eventually.
T.

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The tyres/wheels/suspension are all standard as it is a 90 XS model, they are Boost alloys and tyres are 235/85/16. (General Grabber TR)

tailhook said:

Hi Paul, got these pix earlier today and wondered if there's enough here to go on? Had several more pix, but having diffs getting those uploaded.
T.

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That looks standard apart from heavy Duty springs which do tend to give about a 2" lift, simply 'cos they're so hard! Shocks look like Terrafirma at front and Britpart Superpro on the rear.

I'd swap the springs for standard springs and bushes all round. I'd make sure I also had a pair of turret rings and nuts for the fronts, they're almost certain to break when removing them.

You'll find the ride quite a bit less shocking, less bouncy amd more supple and ought to be better both on tarmac and green Laning!

Can't see the trailing arm or radius arm very well, but they do look standard, so I don't think I'd worry about them. Looks like someone bought a cheap Britpart 2" lift kit and has replaced the front shocks at some point with Terrafirma.

Have fun ..

Hi Paul, many thanks for this; it's much appreciated.
T.

Hi,
Just to possibly conclude this thread, I came across this complete suspension kit which appears, on paper, to tick all the boxes; that said, I'd like an idea of the quality of the components and can get that from the seller. On that, I'm looking to balance decent quality with a reasonable price-point (arn't we all!) and, so, would appreciate any comments.
Suspension Offer

I've not bought anything from that company, but it looks OK, everything is there that you should need to refresh yours, lower it and improve the ride all at once. I'd guess if you searched and bought separately you could pay a little less .. I'd guess, but I wouldn't bet ..