Basic suspension upgrades?

[MattW]

Hi all

Having never been in any other series landrover but our own I can't say I know what a "Good" ride is like in one of these? When we took it to tixover the other day in comparison to my friends Discovery the ride was incredibly rough - I mean we were going over bumps and our heads nearly hit the roof. The springs appear to be in good condition with good clearance from their bump stops and as far as I know the dampers are standard oil, outwardly these look ok but I'd wager they havent been changed since 1995 (the last time it was taxed.)

Are gas dampers any better?

thanks
Matt

[jimthelandyman]

don't worry too much the series landys are really rough especially when you are bouncing over rocks off road, it annoys me too because i always think i'm damaging something when i pick up the pace a s;ight bit. I think think its only worth putting gas dampers on if you fit parabolics as well.

[Henry Webster]

Gas dampers will make a difference if the springs are in good condition.  Check to see that there is no real rust between the leaves.  If they are splayed by rust - then replace them.

Taking them apart greasing them and putting them back together should make a big difference, but isn't necessarily the most environmentally friendly option.

The only real solution is to go to parabolic springs and gas shocks - or buy a 90!

H

[MattW]

Taking them apart greasing them and putting them back together should make a big difference

The leaf springs you mean>?


The coil sprung suspension of a defender would be great -  however the Series only cost us £180 :) and so its just a bit of cheap fun. We can't even be bothered to get it roadworthy.

[Henry Webster]

Yup :)

[Henry Webster]

I think it is fair to say that whatever you do - hitting your head on the roof comes as standard with a series motor. :lol:

I can tell you this from experience after nearly ten years in the navigators seat of a Land Rover series 1 doing the Hillrally championship. :shock:

The Discovery is a much smoother ride even though it is alot heavier! 8)

H

[ian_s]

We can't even be bothered to get it roadworthy.

in that case, you can remove some of the leafs so the spring rate is lower. it might make it sit a bit lower, but it should soften the ride a bit

[Miniman]

Its just a rough ride what you complaining about... I have fit better seats that has made a huge difference to my bottom.....lol

Well worth doing. Get some spare seats and fit them its alot better ride for you.....

[MattW]

Thanks for the tips guys - I will try greasing the springs I think. I've removed leaves before from the suspension on my NCF Blitz but that was only because the buggy weighed about 1/2 as much as the donor vehicle.
As far as seats go - what seats have people fitted? I spoke to one guy who had fitted some peugeot 205 seats.

Matt

[Miniman]

I have Honda seats which took very little fitting. They are a bit big front to rear and large people can't fit in or under the steering wheel. But that's why I am THE MINIMAN.....LOL

[ian_s]

i have seats out of a ford fiesta.
very easy to fit, just some 6mm plate bolted to the bottom of the seat and welded to the seat rails. took me less than an hour.
i think early mondeo seats are similar.

[Tractorboy16]

Hi mat,

you siad you are going to just oil the srpings,

If this isn't road worthy then ii think that would be the best choice as well as parabolics would be abit of an expense if it never goes on the road.

As for seats, that shal mate a superb differnece as we talked about. Get a cheap pare of the scrap yard,

heard all sorts go in, its just what you can get your hands on i believe,

i have peugeot 205, heard of volvo's, peugeots 306, meastro's, all sorts,

me xx