Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Shocks & Springs ? Shocks & Springs ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Apr 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cornwall, UK
Posts: 104
Shocks & Springs ?
I read through all the threads and I’m more confused than ever !
I’m fitting out my 110 300Tdi Hard Top for an African overland trip and am now looking at the final bit …. the springs & shocks. Now that the wee beastie is fully loaded she wallows somewhat to say the least. The best suggestion I have had to date is Koni shocks and EMU springs and I am inclined to go down this route, but if so, what specification/model number to go for? Or, what other alternatives should I be considering?
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Ian


------------------
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Apr 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
I run the heavy duty OME shocks and Springs on my 110 300TDI. Went trans africa with these and they work pretty well. Still give some travel whilst the vehicle doesn't wallow. We were pretty heavily loaded, roll cage, winch, bull bar, side bars, long range tanks, 2 spare wheels, 3 people, all our kit, etc. Not sure on the Koni shocks, haven't had experiance of those, they may work just as well / better?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Apr 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 180
Not sure what HASN'T already been said in http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000393.html and others.

All a bunch of opinions of course, but you pays your money and takes your choice.

For countering wallowing, I'd recommend airbags in the rear, pretty much regardless of spring/damper choice.

Regards,

Michael
www.expeditionoverland.com
__________________
Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Apr 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: metropolitan
Posts: 17
Airbags.
I agree with the previous guy: airbags in the rear, fitted within the coil spring in my case (Defender 110). It´s a Firestone product. Mind the top rubber stopper that fits into the spring bracket. Its need a special provision I can tell you more about if you decide to use them.
Pieter
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tappan, NY USA
Posts: 158
Quote:
Originally Posted by ianrichards121
I read through all the threads and I’m more confused than ever !
I’m fitting out my 110 300Tdi Hard Top for an African overland trip and am now looking at the final bit …. the springs & shocks. Now that the wee beastie is fully loaded she wallows somewhat to say the least. The best suggestion I have had to date is Koni shocks and EMU springs and I am inclined to go down this route, but if so, what specification/model number to go for? Or, what other alternatives should I be considering?
Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Ian


------------------
Ian,

I ran the Koni Heavy Tracks (3 way adjustable) on my Disco and they were much better than any other shock I had (OME, Bilstein, deCarbon, Rancho, etc). I did remove the OMEs from my wife's 96 Disco bucause they were too hard and started to sag after a year.

Right now I am running the Scorpion Racing springs and Oram shocks. This is by far the best setup I've had on my Disco. I'm prepping my Rover for expedition travel and carry alot of gear and so far the springs and shocks have been doing fine.

I've sold a few AirLift kits to guys in Argentina for the Rovers and they seem to be very happy with them. The kit costs around U$S 90 here in the US.
Good luck.
__________________
John C.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinquegrana

I ran the Koni Heavy Tracks (3 way adjustable) on my Disco and they were much better than any other shock I had (OME, Bilstein, deCarbon, Rancho, etc).
Wow, you've eaten through quite a few of them! What was wrong with Bilsteins?

Quote:
I did remove the OMEs from my wife's 96 Disco bucause they were too hard and started to sag after a year.
You mean sagging springs, not shocks. Is that right?

Quote:
Right now I am running the Scorpion Racing springs and Oram shocks. This is by far the best setup I've had on my Disco.
Ehm... wish you good luck. You'll need it, believe me ;-)

Quote:
I've sold a few AirLift kits to guys in Argentina for the Rovers and they seem to be very happy with them. The kit costs around U$S 90 here in the US.
Good luck.
I've bought the Airlift1000 kit but not fitted it yet. Just wondering how long it will last on the piste?
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
On my current off roader 90 i have OME springs and shocks. had the same on my old 110 SW 300Tdi and swear by them.

saying that, on my current 110 SW (td5) i've got around to start "modifying" it ready for some off road excursion, i've got standard 110 HD front springs (which are 90 standard rears) and Bearmach 110 HD rear springs, which seem to give virtually the same ride as the OME rears i had (can't remeber the numbers for any of them, but i can dig them out if anyone wants them) but the bearmach are about 1/2 the price of OME.

i've yet to change the shocks though, i think the HD stiff rear springs need a decent shock with them as it's a bit "bangy" over bumps and potholes. the gas OMe shocks should help to absord this a lot i think.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tappan, NY USA
Posts: 158
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman
Wow, you've eaten through quite a few of them! What was wrong with Bilsteins?

You mean sagging springs, not shocks. Is that right?

Ehm... wish you good luck. You'll need it, believe me ;-)

I've bought the Airlift1000 kit but not fitted it yet. Just wondering how long it will last on the piste?
Bilsteins are fine with the BB springs but the BB sagged after 2 years.

I'm not worried about the Scorpion springs since they have a lifetime warranty.

Yes, I mean sagging springs not shocks.

Airlift: don't know if they will last or not, I guess time will tell.
__________________
John C.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
[QUOTE=Cinquegrana]
I'm not worried about the Scorpion springs since they have a lifetime warranty.

[QUOTE]


Maybe so, but you ave to deal with them to get the replacement springs... and their customer service is, ahem, rather lacking!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tappan, NY USA
Posts: 158
[QUOTE=diesel jim][QUOTE=Cinquegrana]
I'm not worried about the Scorpion springs since they have a lifetime warranty.

Quote:


Maybe so, but you ave to deal with them to get the replacement springs... and their customer service is, ahem, rather lacking!
I heard, actually I don't have to worry because I am their North & South America distributor. But I have to admit they are not the easiest people to deal with. I also distribute for other UK suppliers (Ashcroft, QT, Tomcat, Devon, Exmor, etc) and they are much nicer to deal with than Scorpion.
__________________
John C.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Southern England
Posts: 205
Fit Land Rovers own HD 110 front springs (the ones you use with a bonnet mounted spare), and either use the standard van type rears or if you're going to have a permanent load over 500kg use the 130 type (twin coil). Don't know the part numbers off the top of my head, but this is all you need to know. Standard 110 shocks all round. A cheap reliable set up actually tested on these vehicles by LR. Used by me and never any problem. All the rest are an unknown quantity. Avoid stiff springs and gas shocks for overlanding, you want the low rate stuff the factory fits.

Andrew.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Apr 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew Baker
Fit Land Rovers own HD 110 front springs (the ones you use with a bonnet mounted spare), and either use the standard van type rears or if you're going to have a permanent load over 500kg use the 130 type (twin coil). Don't know the part numbers off the top of my head, but this is all you need to know. Standard 110 shocks all round. A cheap reliable set up actually tested on these vehicles by LR. Used by me and never any problem. All the rest are an unknown quantity. Avoid stiff springs and gas shocks for overlanding, you want the low rate stuff the factory fits.

Andrew.
Here goes:

110 HD rear damper (or 130 standard) STC3772
110 HD rear spring (or 130 standard) NRC6904 (for both sides)
110 HD rear spring "helper spring" (goes inside the main spring) RRC3266
helper spring upper retainer RRC3352
helper spring lower retainer RRC3355

110 front HD drivers spring (its a standard 90 rear) NRC9448
110 front HD passenger spring NRC9449

110 front shocks are the same as 130 fronts, no HD version shown RSC100050




Hope that helps.
Although i rave about OME stuff, the genuine LR HD components are more than adequate, and a lot cheaper, and available at EVERY LR dealership worldwide should the worst happen and you break something.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:56.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top