New suspension + rubber advice.

1984 Defender 90, 300TDI

So I have finally got some cash to go and buy some new rubber and maybe some new suspension.

I’m looking at a set of General ATs 285/75/16 , yes I know they are big and some people like them and some don’t. This is what I fancy, if anyone has some comments then happy to hear them.

Having been all over the search function and on Google I have read a load of different opinions however I am still left wondering.

I don’t think I will be able to fit these under a standard height defender, let alone my fendy with tired suspension. Shocks look ok but springs are totally covered in rust and look pretty tired. Although how you know “how tired” your suspension is, is still a mystery to me.

In my research I have read a lot about the down side of a 2” lift and don’t really want to put too much strain in my drive train, Having said that I think I am going to have to life it a little in order to fit the wheels on. I’m doing about 85% road and only a little off so cutting down on body roll would also be desirable.

So my question is, should I fit a 2” trefirma lift kit or would fitting medium strength standard terafirma springs give me a 1” equivalent life given I only have a roof rack fitted. Also what do you think the effects on the ride will be either with the lift or the firmer springs and would a 1" lift be enough to get the wheels on?

Any comments welcomed.

You shouldn't have a problem with the tyres height wise. But 285's are wide. I have 235 on mine.

General Tyre A/T are good.. I had standard size on my last 90 and they are a good alrounder. I got mine from etyre delivered to the door and got them fitted. May work out cheaper.
With really big tyres you are likely to notice that it is not as nippy as it was... 265/75/r16or similar dont need a lift. My view is the bigger the tyre the more strain it will put on the engine etc.. But some may not agree. The clearance 265/75/r16 will be more than adequet... get a steering guard and 2 diff guards.
Tired suspension? You can measure from the road to the wheel arch which will give you any differences between nearside and offside. If you take hold of the roof gutter and rock it side to side it should level as soon as you stop... if it rocks a few more times, shocks are likely to be worn. Springs are original? They will be tired. Do the lot including the steering damper. I think heavy duty springs will give you maybe an inch more lift but the ride will be harsh.
I have just upgraded my 110 shocks and springs... what ever you do dont get Britpart Springs... the supergaz steering damper they make seems good after 3 months use. But... http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/steering-damper-cant-get-fit-114273.html
I went for genuine LR springs and Monroe shocks (nice yellow ones)... made a huge difference.
Got mine from Famous Four.... I did have a slight problem.... the OEM springs turned out to be Britpart... turns out the supplier changed the spec and didn't tell them. http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/advice-please-britpart-oem-113299.html They sorted it out no problem and I upgraded. They are worth a call as the OEM will not be Britpart.
Its your call on your set up... Just saying what my experience is. If you have the pennies, do all your shocks and springs. The taller you are... the more likely you are to tip over.... basic physics!

Thanks for the advice. i was going for the 285/75 for the extra hight. Local specialist is going to give the engine a tune, well play with the pump turbo, so I shouldn't see to much of a difference with the big wheels.

Eddy - do you think these will fit under fresh standard suspension?? I'd be v happy if that is the case.

Yea the whole physics point is my main concern with the 2" lift and I don't want a hash ride as I intend to use it for some touring as well so maybe the medium springs would be a bit hard. If any one has experience of the medium terafirma springs it would be good to hear about it.

Thanks for the heads up on the checking of suspension, will check it out tomorrow. Going to go for terafrma all round springs and shocks as I have heard good things about them and they are not too expensive.

I did the steering damper first thing as well as heavy duty track rods, steering was a little loose and TR ends all shot. I also have a steering guard fitted but need to get diff protecters.

I think you might have your tire sizes mixed up. 285 is the width of the tyre and the 75 is the height bit. Personally I would go for 235 or 265/75 or 85 on the 16 inch rim. The 85's will give you more height than the 75's and also gear the speed up but not by much.
The 235'sand the 265's will fit under standard suspension but you will need to adjust the steering stops. But i don't know about the 285's you will need to search to find that out.

I replaced my springs, dampers & bushes recently, as my 110 felt like it was about to roll over on roundabouts. Went with standard genuine all round and it made a big difference. It now corners like a Caterham (almost).

Most folk I spoke to who really know their LR's advised against any lift, stating it would effect the road handling. A lifted LR might look the part, but may not drive as good.

the reason I was asking about the 285/75 is the 75 is he hight in relation to the width. 265/75s are about 31.5" and the 285/75s are 33"

From what folks are saying I think 265/75s may well be the way to go and standard suspension. Want to look good but want it to drive well even more. The only reason I was thinking lift was to fit the 285/75 tires and the extra clearance under the diffs.

The reason for all the questions is I want to get it right first time, I don't do a lot of millage so I will need to keep what ever I do for quite a while.

Its up to you. But personally I would go for 235/85/16. I know what you mean by wanting to getit right firsttime. Its alot of money to pay out on tyres.

I have 285/75/16 cooper discoverer ST on my 90, the only thing i'v had to do was adjust the steering stops and thats with tired suspension, new susp in the pipe line.

the 285s gave me an extra 2" on the diff height.

decisions decisions if 285's fit then I'm tempted to go that way for the extra hight. Don't mind about the steering stops, easily done. do they stick out past the arches?? would I need wider arches?

If my maths are correct then;

235/85s have a tyre wall that is 85% of 235mm = 199mm
265/75s have a tyre wall that is 75% of 265mm = 198mm
285/75s have a tyre wall that is 75% of 285mm = 213mm

So the above trye sizes are almost the same height as each other (obviously, double the tyre wall height and add 16" for the wheel for total height)

Id like to change my 235s to 265s one day, to get a wider looking tyre.

Duncydoo said:

decisions decisions if 285's fit then I'm tempted to go that way for the extra hight. Don't mind about the steering stops, easily done. do they stick out past the arches?? would I need wider arches?

Click to expand...

Nope they fill the arches perfectly imo.

I use 285/75 r16s on modulars with a big off set. You need an offset for them to fit and then they still rub so you will have to adjust the stops. Mine has the turning circle of a boat now but it is more stable and great off road. Mine stick out one or two inches over the arches but personally I like it. If it comes to it failing the MOT I'll just put my other wheels on.

I have a set of 33 x 13.5's on my defender, and I bought them on a set of Mach 5 rims which have an offset which allows them to fit without any spacers.

They look really nice, but I am going to put on wider arches as they are a good 2" past the originals. It would be ok till some numpty pranged ye and the cops started to ask how the tyres managed to do so much damage!

I have just started to fit a new Terafirma (medium) spring and shock kit, 2" lift. It seems to be good quality, and is fairly easy to fit. I also bought the RTC steering damper, and +2" plastic arches. I replaced the centre and tail section as they were rotten, with the replacement pipe (less the silencer).

I'll try to get you some pics of the suspension and I have attached a pic of the wheels/tyres

Sam

Thanks very much for that, I have bitten the bullet and gone for 285/75s, yet to order the suspension but will follow shortly. The picture you sent is it before or after the lift, also what’s the ride like firm or hard?? And last but not least, as you seem to have done pretty much everything I'm looking at, how does the exhaust sound like.

Oh and while I'm at it don't supposed you have fitted a K&N induction kit by chance???

Hey Duncydoo,

No that pic was taken a while back, just after I stuck the wheels on. The suspension kit is just being put in at the moment, one corner per night I have went for the medium terrafirma kit as I dont want it too hard but strong enough to do my towing work, and carry a decent load in the back without dropping too much.

Ride at the minute has the usual "firm" feeling, so dunno what it'll be like when I get the suspension on her. Same with the exhaust, she is up on stands at the minute so I'm busy bolting it all on.

I'll go for a K&N after Ive threw some paint at it, but at the moment I want the chassis sorted, just welded in a new rear x-member. The suspension was jut put on now as she was in the air anyway! I can then spray the underside with waxoyl prior to putting the sills/tree bars on, as you have much better access without the sill trims on.

I'll post a pic once the suspension is on and it may give you some idea on the height

dont know whether this is progress............but the latest pic has the rear suspension in and the fron in progress.

The springs must have been knackered because I reckon the lift is closer to 6" than 2".

How the new setup going? Looks like a hell of a lift but think I may be in he same boat with regards duff springs! Have you managed to get it all completed yet? Hows she handling, firm?

Keen to hear any advice / feedback you have. Looking really nice though!

Dunc

265/75/16 with no suspension lift



35/11.50/15 and spacers and wide arches

I had 265/70/16's on me 90 and only probI had was rubbing on the raidus arms on right full lock. used to just take a bit of lock off when it caught.