Double rear shocks on a 110?
 

Hi all,

Realise shocks have been discussed before, but - has anyone fitted double rear shocks to a hardtop landy with salisbury rear axle? If so, with what results? Was is necessary to mod the exhaust? Any probs with welding the bracket onto the axle?
In my inexperience I'm really not sure where to go with the rear suspension issue . . but there's no doubt the current standard set up is not going to cope with the ever increasing weight . . . .advice appreciated!

cheers

Huey

Hi,

I don't know that fitting twin shocks is really a great plan. Firstly, if you are overloaded, it's better to ditch kit - heavier shock will just transfer the wieght problem to some other component, eg axles, mountings, chassis.

On the other hand, if you are just looking for better on- and off-road handling, then I would say you'd be better off with a single pair of good gas shocks. FWIW, I have been impressed with the Bilsteins I fitted.

Also, to help reduce sway, I fitted airbags into the rear springs which have been an excellent investment (about 80 quid an axle, and takes an hour or two to fit a pair).

They can be inflated to compensate for load, and deflated when you want full axle articulation. They need about a 3 Bar air supply (only low volume), but can be pumped with a hand pump or at a garage if you don't have a compressor.

I don't remember any links to Internet sites, but I have posted a link on the HUBB before, so a quick search should find one.

HTH,

Michael
www.expeditionoverland.com

thanks for the advice Michael. I presume the springs have to be removed to fit the air bags?

cheers

Huey

PS: I'm enjoying following your trip via your website http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

I'm fully supporting the airbag solution. Have them on my disco, and they really are a great/versatile/adaptable suspention upgrade.

I'm not sure about this, but I think you want good, but not too good shocks for expedition type travel. Especially on corrugated roads I think too good shocks will make the ride harsher then a little bit worn shocks. When I'm looking at corrugated pistes, I deflate airbags and tires somewhat to go softer, back on tarmac everything can be a little stiffer for road holding.

Rob

The springs don't have to be removed to fir the air bags. Jack up the chassis (quite high), remove the road wheel, and disconnect one end of the shock (top end is marginally easier). Push the axle down until the top of the spring is clear of the housing. The bag can be inserted reasonably easily - I used a bit of soap to make it slide more easily, but I don't think it was necessary.

There are some thick rubber/nylon discs that fit into the spring above and below the bag, so that the ends of the bag aren't rubbing against the spring mountings. The top ones have broken up over the last 50,000km, but I think my vehicle is a special case (there's a 3cm gap above the spring mounting, which allows the rubber gizmos to be slowly forced upwards).

I ran the air pipes to a convenient location in the bodywork, and fitted the standard (supplied) schrader valves, in such a way that they won't easily be damaged by branches etc.

HTH,

Michael...
www.expeditionoverland.com