Best Land Rover Mod... Ever.

sinuhexavier

Explorer
...For under $100.

I recently went back to an 2" OME suspension setup from 2" RTE. The RTE's just did not hold up the way I needed them to. I think they are great springs when the truck is completely unloaded and it is primarily used for day trips. I was finding myself with a saggy rear end once I had all of my photo equipment, tool kit and fuel loaded up. All in all, my rear sagged about 1.5 inches.

The solution from people running RTE springs and Steve himself was to go with a taller (3") spring on the rear. This was not an acceptable solution, my thoughts being that I would still have a heavily laden truck with noodle-ish springs in the rear, I needed solid.

I previously ran the following:

Rovertym
RR4 Front rate: 225 lbs.

RR1 Rear rate: 320 lbs.

OME
766 Front rate: 280 lbs.

763 Rear rate: 363 lbs.

The new springs are a great improvement, although that's not what I'm talking about as the best mod ever.

2449618173_37cf27bb0f_o.jpg

Photo Courtesy of Expedition Exchange
Previously I had a stiff noisy ride, since I was in there anyway I figured why not install the rubber spring isolators. They are extremely simple to install and very affordable. I added one on the top and bottom in the rear.

2449618171_866e24d215_o.jpg

Photo Courtesy of Expedition Exchange
In the front I used the D2 rubberized shock tower retaining rings.

The difference in the quality of the ride was noticeable within seconds of leaving the driveway. The small reflectors dividing lanes are no longer window rattling obstacles. Overall road noise was greatly reduced. I had no idea these existed until I was in talking to Ho about my saggy rear end problem, had I been hip to them I would have added them years ago.

So, in summary, for under $100 you can dramatically improve the ride of your D1 and apparently a Defender or RRC as well.



Edit: For clarification... The rear door table is by far the best mod I have had done, but since Marc is out of the Land Rover Rear Door Awesome Table business I didn't think it fair to post.
 
Last edited:

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
Theoretically I'd think the softer rates on the RTE's would be better for off-road traction? I do like the higher OME rates for on-road load carrying however.
 

Scott Brady

Founder
oh, and those are the same springs I have in the garage for my D1.

What is the total suspension height gain you have measured with these? Are you planning to downsize the tires as well?

edit: one more question- Have you made any modifications to adjust for caster?
 

Desertoutpost

Adventurer
Nice, nothing like a bad spring rate in the rear to lower the gear....

I run OME, and would not change.

Glad it worked out for you.

:rolleyes:
 

roverdoc

Observer
ome

Nice Sinhue....I have those d2 upper spring isolators and isolators front and rear on my rangie...makes a huge diff. FYI if you are looking for a stiffer OME and a true 3 inch lift...they are available....i have these on my rangie and they are great for a loaded vehicle. They are prototypes from arb/ome and are only available at GBR...the extended travel prototype shocks for the D1 are also available and match these springs.
 

Christophe Noel

Expedition Leader
expeditionswest said:
Sinuhe,

Glad to hear you have fixed your saggy rear end :shakin:
I've got a wee touch of the saggy hiney as well. Bummer....get it...bum-er.

I wish I could re-gain the 1/2 inch I seem to have lost over the last year.
 

sinuhexavier

Explorer
expeditionswest said:
What is the total suspension height gain you have measured with these? Are you planning to downsize the tires as well?

Come on Scott, you know I'm not that technical... It's a skosh higher than it was before... Not to be confused with tad... LOL... I would say overall with the isolators it's at 2.75"... Give or take a .25".

Downsize my tires? No. Sticking with 265/75r16, although I will be leaving the Nitto Terra Grapplers behind and going with BFG A/T.

expeditionswest said:
edit: one more question- Have you made any modifications to adjust for caster?

Nope. Don't think I need to. The steering is a tad looser, but not unbearably so. I considered doing a three inch lift, but I just don't need that much clearance, personally I don't do trails that require 33"+ tire.
 

RoverMack

Adventurer
sinuhexavier said:
So, in summary, for under $100 you can dramatically improve the ride of your D1 and apparently a Defender or RRC as well.

For any coil sprung LR.
They do improve the ride and noise, so you can now hear and listen for different/ new/ unusual LR related mechanical noises !
 

hochung

Adventurer
yeah sinuhe, make up your mind. table or isolators? which is it?


edit: LOL! if you put a price tag, I guess the table is in a whole different league.
 
Last edited:

Andrew Walcker

Mod Emeritus
Sinuhe, nice to know the isolators do make a difference. When I installed my springs I went ahead and put them on per John's advice. Not that I could ever feel the difference in my rattle can, but at least I know that some part of my suspension is civilized:)
 

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