Tyre-suspension combo

A bit of advice is needed,

I am preparing my ’96 300tdi discovery commercial for an overland trip from the UK to India then through Australia, setting off later this year. I am looking to upgrade the suspension and dampers to something more capable of coping with the many miles that will be done on poor and unsealed roads as well as some light to medium off-roading. In addition to this I am going to be putting on some all-terrain tyres with new steel wheels to replace the 235/70 r16 road tyres and alloys that are on at the moment.

I want some gain in height from the new set up but don’t really want to be over 2m tall (more than 70mm height increase) as I think this might limit my city parking options! (does anyone struggle with this?)

Would it be better to fit the same size tyre and wheels with a suspension lift, fit bigger tyres with a standard height suspension kit, or a combination of both (eg. 1 inch lift + slightly larger radius tyres).

Also, can anyone recommend any products or shops to get these from?

The car will have the additional weight of winch, winch bumper and steering guard on the front and tank guard and equipment in the back.

Thanks,

Dave.

Incidentally, if anyone wants to buy a set of Discovery alloys + tyres I am open to offers!

pm me a pic of them and where your based

Anyone?

I was looking at possibly OME springs and dampers, does anyone know if these are these available at standard height without the 2" lift?

Thanks,

Dave

Explorer UK (01925 757588) are great for springs. I got some 2" lift + 25% (from wat i remember) load capability, very impressed..... Explorer do loads of different spring types; standard, +1, +2 etc, heavy duty and extra heavy duty etc

I used BFG AT 235, 85, r16 on Modular rims - you get wider track with modulars, these give you a bit more height and are great tyres, highly recommended

Shocks... procomp seem ok but get really good bushes.

Theres lots and lots of things youll need if your lifting suspension... wide props, +3o radius arms, new panhard, trailing arms...etc

are you not fitting a roof rack?.... mite want one for overland trips...

johno

Cheers Johno,

Hadn't planned on fitting a roof rack, only two of us on the trip and it is a commercial so there is plenty of room in the back (i hope). If i discover i am short of space I guess a roof rack will have to be a last-min addition!