Springs and shocks

archwayanimal · Oct 1, 2011

Apologies for the basic lack of knowledge about to be displayed but here goes..

I would like to replace the rear shocks on my 96 110 300TDI - existing shocks say "Woodhead" on them and NRC 8456.

My rear springs are black, but would appear to he heavy duty or uprated as the rear of the car is higher than the front - photo attached of the car...

Question 1 - how do identify if the springs are normal or uprated?

Question 2 - and therefore which shocks should I replace these Woodhead chaps with?

Many thanks!!

lanny man 90 · Oct 1, 2011

if your front is lower than rear its probably your front springs that are fooked

archwayanimal · Oct 1, 2011

hmm a mate (Disco driver) reckons that the rear springs are heavy duty which explains the height difference. How would I know if the front springs were knackered?

lanny man 90 · Oct 1, 2011

if their fooked the front will sit lower than rear... if they are HD then it will still be the same ride height its just the coil of the rear springs are coiled tighter so it takes more to compress the spring

Station House · Oct 1, 2011

From your piccy, rear clearance between the wheels and arches looks pretty normal.

Front does look to be sitting low

sinclair182 · Oct 1, 2011

Almost looks aerodynmic!

Station House · Oct 1, 2011

sinclair182 said:
Almost looks aerodynmic!

Nah - a Defender will always be a brick - built that way

archwayanimal · Oct 1, 2011

so have seen two mechanics today - first tells me rear springs are normal and front are worn. Second tells me rear springs are uprated - we had a closer look and they are black with a few red marks, and front are normal. Rear shocks are fully extended so only work in one direction - ie down - so would suggest remedy is to replace rear springs with normal springs and put some new rear shocks on...

if that all makes sense!

tottot · Oct 1, 2011

Put new standard springs all around and fit gas dampers/shocks for best ride/handeling,slight tail high sit is normal for oneten.

archwayanimal · Oct 2, 2011

have come across a pair of unused Armstrong shock absorbers for a Defender for sale on eBay. Are these any good?

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

storm99 · Oct 2, 2011

At that price, yes.

archwayanimal · Oct 2, 2011

Got those for £20. Now just need some standard rear springs - any recommendations for best place to get them from?

Springs and shocks

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