Freelander TD4 Sport Premium

Hi all
I have a few questions about my hippo...
am i right in saying that the sport is lower and stiffer than a standard freebie??
so... as the struts are different are the hub mounting holes in different places than standard to overcome the camber issue when lowered.. if i was to replace the entire shock and spring would my camber be normal??

does it have different ratio diffs for the larger 18" alloys ??

and i know the vcu has been done to death... is it as bad as everyone is saying .. i have removed mine and am using it in 2wd becuase it is slightly harder to reverse and turn than my 2001 grand vitara
i cannot seem to find a definitive answer to how it supposed to behave..
some say it is going to be stiff due to the design
and some say its should be free and easy ..
really confused...

Can't answer your suspension questions sorry.

You'll probably get just as confusing response on this thread about VCUs as well. Our Freelander had no tightness/binding/dragging turning at lock forwards or reverse. VCU was working well though, cos a 400 mile drive on an underinflated tyre blew the IRD! So I'd say if there's any tightness/binding/dragging - suspect your VCU needs changing. Try the 1 wheel up test.

Hi. I had heard the sports are lower by a couple if inches and have a harder ride. Can't remember where I got that from though.

The suspension on the sport is lower, but the wheels are generally bigger.
My sport doesn't feel much lower than my previous ES, if at all.
Will measure it tomorrow.

(And the ride is definitely harder)

From memory the springs are shorter and stiffer. This lowers the hub in the arch. There's no other suspension mods. The camber won't change by much. No more in fact than a loaded standard Freelander. The stiffer springs would resist body roll, the lower ride high lowers the centre of gravity which reduces body roll further.
I think the shocks are the same too. A quick part numbers check would prove that one.

Nodge68 said:

From memory the springs are shorter and stiffer. This lowers the hub in the arch. There's no other suspension mods. The camber won't change by much. No more in fact than a loaded standard Freelander. The stiffer springs would resist body roll, the lower ride high lowers the centre of gravity which reduces body roll further.
I think the shocks are the same too. A quick part numbers check would prove that one.

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So it sounds like changing the springs to the standard ones will make a Sport ride height the same as a 'normal' Freelander.

Just 20mm lower than a standard hippo as I remember.

the shocks do have a different part number.
thanks for the info guys when my shocks get a bit worn out I will replace with standard suspension to get a comfier ride

albeano said:

the shocks do have a different part number.
thanks for the info guys when my shocks get a bit worn out I will replace with standard suspension to get a comfier ride

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Haven driven a sport and my ES back to back for a few weeks a while back the sport is lower and the shocks/ springs stiffer. The sport had a very good ability to stay level when lashing round a corner and felt even more car like.

That said I like the hight of the ES and we didn't keep the sport- do miss 3 door however!

mines a 5door sport
I have never driven a 3 door .. I bet they feel quite tight inside .. I am 6ft 8 and 20 stone lol

Briggsy1980 said:

Just 20mm lower than a standard hippo as I remember.

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I think it's 40mm lower.

albeano said:

mines a 5door sport
I have never driven a 3 door .. I bet they feel quite tight inside .. I am 6ft 8 and 20 stone lol

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3 door is exactly the same wheel base as the 5 door, only a bigger door, so easier to get in and out!

300AJC said:

I think it's 40mm lower.

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All the reports I have read say it is mid way in between, at 30mm