Freelander 1 Lift kits for the Hippo

I think the time is fast approaching that I'll be needing to undertake a thorough overhaul of KHD (aka 'little donkey'). The VCU and bearings need doing and I think the diff mount probably is also on the way out. I need to replace on of the rear diff oil seals - and if I am doing all that, I may as well think about installing a lift kit.

I am not aware of any spring/damper kits for the Freelander 1, so this will be a chassis lift as retailed by Muddy Mods (and others).

The options are 30, 40 or 50mm mods. @Alibro has experience with the +50mm and has posted his experience here - and based on the sheer phaff factor, a 30 or 40mm lift seems more reasonable.

40mm still needs modification to the inner wings (or may be not if the steering arms are reversed?) but 30mm seems the easiest - and a 30mm lift may make all the difference?

I am leaning towards 30mm - and I have a hunch you guys may all vote 40mm - but interested to hear your thoughts!

I'd go 30mm myself, simply because it's minimal effort to do. I'd also fit larger tyres, which will add to the 30mm body lift.

Nodge68 said:

I'd go 30mm myself, simply because it's minimal effort to do. I'd also fit larger tyres, which will add to the 30mm body lift.

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Are larger tyres a good idea with the 1.8?

Wouldn't affect the auto diesels so much, but would they limit rather than help off road with a manual K series?

There are those that say lifts do not shorten the lives of drive shafts, and there are others that have had to replace them.

With that in mind, but knowing every last bit of lift helps, if I did a lot of road miles, I'd go 30mm, if not many 40mm.

What ever, I'd be removing the tow bar if one's attached.

GrumpyGel said:

Are larger tyres a good idea with the 1.8?

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It'll be ok as long as they diameter is kept within sensible limits. 1st gear on the K 1.8 is pretty low, so I can't see 29" diameter tyres causing much of an issue.

Thanks - you are both echoing my own thoughts on this! 30mm lift with slightly taller tyres.

with a re-map and a decent 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, any penalty from larger tyres can be mitigated I think

300mm and be done with it!!

30mm and bigger tyres would be the best option unless you're planning to do some serious off roading.
As for the drive shafts, if they are already old and worn a lift kit will hasten their demise as I found out.
Oh, and don't even consider aftermarket drive shafts if you have a lift kit. You might get away with them normally but no chance if yer Hippo's lifted.

I'd go 30mm, because of the driveshaft issue

Just get a bigger car

biketeacherdave said:

Just get a bigger car

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Freelander 1 1.8 is the cheapest, oldest Landy I can own living within the ULEZ!

I hadn’t considered the drive shaft issue - so another compelling argument for 30mm - thanks!