LR110 csw suspension upgrade

[Martin S UK]

I'm planning a trip from the Midlands (UK) to Banjul (The Gambia) using the Atlantic route. I own a LR 110 CSW 12 seater (1996 300Tdi) with self levelling suspension which always looks a bit back heavy even when unloaded. I'm planning on travelling either in April or October this year (redundancy is looming). Is it worth uprating the suspension, especially the rear. I already have a couple of HD springs which make the ride very hard. Any other help / advice would always be most welcome. Anyone else travelling my way?? I shall be travelling solo.

Cheers.

[Sam Rutherford]

I use 130 heavy duty springs on my 110. Does the trick when carrying too much kit (ie all the time!)

Sam.

[GWJ]

are you sure you have the heavey duty springs?? There are two types of springs for the 110. The 12 seaters have light duty springs and a self leveler, this makes the comfy! The 110 hard top and pick-up have much stronger springs and NO self leveler. This is a pretty good set up. The 130's have the same as a 110 hard top, but with a smallier coil spring inside the main spring. these are fine for a 130 with a ton of sand in the back, but too hard for normal use. I would strongley recomend the 110 hard top/pick-up rear springs for your Land Rover. And take off the self leveler. If you need more info, please contact me on
sales@mattsavage.co.uk
Cheers,
Matt.

[Diff]

I agree with Matt, something is wrong with your set up if it looks lower at the back even when not laden. Heavy duty rear springs should be used without the leveller. When unladen, the vehicle should be noticeably higher at the back than the front(When heavy duty springs are fitted). A standard csw set up has softer rear springs and the leveller which keeps the vehicle level whether it is laden or not. After loading, it will take a few bumps in the road before the rear of the vehicle raises to its level position. It is possible that you have the wrong length/strength springs fitted to the front or rear of the vehicle already, and/or your levelling unit may have failed. The levellers cost about £300 to replace so you may consider getting rid of it altogether if it has failed. If you are travelling solo and lightly laden I would say that the standard spec springs will give you a much more comfortable ride and better axle articulation.

[Martin S UK]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll fit the HD's and bin the self levelling unit, the top ball joint is knackered anyway. The HD's that I have seem to be thicker than the 110 hard top versions, hence the very hard ride (when fitted to a previous 110). Removing the self leveller will probably remove some of that hardness. Matt, I already have your site on my 'favourites', I'll maybe even get round to buying something from you!

If anyone else has got any ideas, then I'm only too happy to hear from you, after all I am a Sahara virgin!!

Thanks again,

Martin.

[IanS]

We've also got a 110csw. We have just changed all our springs (and shocks) and opted for Scorpion racing set up as they recomended. There is a very helpful chap I think his name was colin (Chris will know who I mean)there who will ask what you want to do,load carried etc.. and come up with a solution. They have many different types of rear spring suitable for the LR. We opted for slightly heavy duty (I don't think as heavy as the std 130) but uprated the anti roll bar so keeping a decent ride when unloaded but stopping any sway (and over turning) when heavily loaded. The springs wern't that much more expensive than LR but obvously the bar was. We also changed the bushes to Polybush (Orange) mid way between comfort and hard as comfort would give too much movement The vehicle has been transformed imensley. We havn't tested the suspension that heavilly loaded off road yet but on road its great. I can get the spring type numbers if you want.
Ian.

[This message has been edited by IanS (edited 15 February 2002).]