Shocks ' n' springs

[Huey]

I've just read an ealier thread entitled "Modifying 110 suspension" but am a touch confused . . . my 110 hardtop currently has standard springs and shocks and I need to upgrade to take load for an expected 8 month west Africa trip.

I am looking at OME springs and shocks as well as replacing all bushes with stronger polypushes.
Do I need to upgrade the front suspension as well as the rear?
Should ALL suspension bushes be replaced? Watching a mechanic replacing ONE bush for the MOT has put me off doing this myself! (eventualy had to burn it out with gas torch). However the springs and shocks look easy enough to do.

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks

Huey

[ctc]

Re whether you need to uprate springs etc largely depends on your payload. The best thing to do would be to assemble all your kit (including water + fuel)load the vehicle-fully and see how she sits and rides. Then take the vehicle to a weigh bridge and find out what you're weighing in at. With that information in hand you can buy the required springs. I gather Scorpion Racing know their stuff if you want advice.

Alternatively a cruder method would be to fit the military Rapier front and rear springs to your vehicle. As you may be aware the Rapier is a 130 - V8 powered Landrover which was designed to carry a heavier load than the 110 and therefore has stiffer springs including internal helper springs in the rear coils (incidentally used on Camel Trophy Defenders). I have these springs fitted to my 110 and they are more than up to the job.

Re shocks the best on offer are OME however De Carbon are less expensive and are also up to the job. If you want to fit the shocks yourself you must have something to support the axle. A garage's liting ramp will make the job a lot easier!

Re poly bushes I would change them all at the same time as it makes ongoing maintenance more planned. You want to start your expedition with the vehicle in optimum condition. Poly bushes will improve handling.

[ChrisC]

Hi

I would agree with CTC, the HD De Carbons on my 130 lasted 6-9 months in Africa, where as the OME I had fitted out there are still there and going strong -42 months later!!!
Try Scorpion Racing, London or Frogs Island, Oxon or Foleys, Essex/Herts

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ChrisC