Freelander 1 How to fit a 50mm Lift Kit

300bhp/ton said:

Thanks for the informative post. What size tyres have you got there? Are you running wheel spacers too?

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I can't remember what size they were but they're bigger than standard. I had to use spacers as the wheels were off a pre 2000 car and were fouling the brakes but that's the only reason.
I sold the car last year.

Instead of cutting the steel frame for the steering arm. Can a 2" stub shaft not be fitted between the shock absorber and the steering arm?

Wilko74 said:

Can a 2" stub shaft not be fitted between the shock absorber and the steering arm?

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In theory, yes. And it'll reduce bump steer as the track rod will be more horizontal.

There will be a higher bending force on the steering arm, but I would think it's strong enough to take it.

I'd be tempted to do a hybrid solution - enlarge the existing opening in the inner wing, leave the box section alone, and add as small an extension to the steering arm as possible...

Is anyone fitting the less aggressive lift kits? I'd have thought the 20mm version would be a useful gain without ruining the on-road behaviour?

rob_bell said:

I'd be tempted to do a hybrid solution - enlarge the existing opening in the inner wing, leave the box section alone, and add as small an extension to the steering arm as possible..

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Funny I was thinking the exact same thing after posting earlier.

Great minds etc etc lol

I think I saw someone do this but they welded the stub in place. I can't remember if it was Warren from Muddymods or maybe I saw it somewhere else but yes it could be done.
I did this conversion a long time ago and if I were to do it again I'd probably change a few things, like using a smaller lift kit.

However I never noticed any bump steer or any other handling issues as the car felt just as planted as it did before.

I’ve got lowered sports suspension. I’ve fitted a 40mm lift kit, which helped with fitting my 235 60 18 ATs, but I fancy more lift coz I’ve noticed standard height FL1s are the same height as me. I can’t have that. So I’m thinking a 50/60mm lift. Will I have to do the bashing of the frame and turning steering arms round? I’ve already got extended brake lines.

Pappasmurf said:

I’ve got lowered sports suspension. I’ve fitted a 40mm lift kit, which helped with fitting my 235 60 18 ATs, but I fancy more lift coz I’ve noticed standard height FL1s are the same height as me. I can’t have that. So I’m thinking a 50/60mm lift. Will I have to do the bashing of the frame and turning steering arms round? I’ve already got extended brake lines.

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Would it not be better to put standard suspension on it, or replace the car with one that has standard suspension?

GrumpyGel said:

Would it not be better to put standard suspension on it, or replace the car with one that has standard suspension?

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I’ve done far too much work on it to want to replace it. And I like the stiff ride of the sports suspension and want it to be easily returned to standard if necessary.

Pappasmurf said:

Will I have to do the bashing of the frame and turning steering arms round?

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No point in trying to lift the sports suspension. Just fit the standard stuff as suggested.
Then sell the sport springs and shocks on, as there's a market for them still. Or just keep them to return to standard later.
You'll need to cut the chassis to go higher, and get no gain from a weakened chassis.

Nodge68 said:

No point in trying to lift the sports suspension. Just fit the standard stuff as suggested.
Then sell the sport springs and shocks on, as there's a market for them still. Or just keep them to return to standard later.
You'll need to cut the chassis to go higher, and get no gain from a weakened chassis.

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Save yourself the grief, put bigger tyres on it if you want it taller, you'll never see 10mm.

Why fit 60 series profile tyres when you want ground clearance ?

andyfreelandy said:

Why fit 60 series profile tyres when you want ground clearance ?

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It's on 18" rims.
The largest practical size is 235/60/18, but diameter can be increased if narrower tyres are fitted.
I ran 235/55/18 which I reckon was a good compromise between swift steering response and increased ground clearance.

Nodge68 said:

It's on 18" rims.
The largest practical size is 235/60/18, but diameter can be increased if narrower tyres are fitted.
I ran 235/55/18 which I reckon was a good compromise between swift steering response and increased ground clearance.

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Nodge68 said:

It's on 18" rims.
The largest practical size is 235/60/18, but diameter can be increased if narrower tyres are fitted.
I ran 235/55/18 which I reckon was a good compromise between swift steering response and increased ground clearance.

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The 235 60 18s are ace. Guess I’ll stick with the 40mm lift. But I might go to 50mm on the rear.

Pappasmurf said:

The 235 60 18s are ace. Guess I’ll stick with the 40mm lift. But I might go to 50mm on the rear.

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I don't know if the 40mm kit is so obvious but I found with the 50mm kit that the rear wheels were pulled forward by around 16mm so I lengthened the swinging arms to compensate.