Tanuki Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 After 10 years the time's come to replace the OEM shock-absorbers on my 2001 90TD5. It's used for "fast road" duty - occasionally lugging a twin-axle flatbed trailer carrying a couple of tons, or a smaller 1-ton twin-axle stock-trailer. What's the received wisdom on good-quality, durable shock-absorbers that will enhance on-road handling and overall adhesion/stability/cornering? (It's running standard suspension and a mix of front Goodyear G90/rear Avon Rangemaster rubber on the OEM steel wheels). I've had good experiences with Bilstein gas-shocks on a range of vehicles (stuff like rally Mk.2 Ford Escorts, and track-day BMWs) in the past, and am tempted to follow my instincts with the Bilsteins. Sadly, Koni (my other traditional shock-absorber supplier-of-choice) doesn't offer anything for the Defender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I have bought OME to fit on my 90, heard great things about the handling improvements Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landy V8 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I've put Terrafirma bigbore exped shocks on my 110.excellent bits of kit and about £50 a corner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Webster Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Are you sure Koni don't offer Defender shocks? With G90's on the rear are you really looking for 'fast road'?! ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landy andy. Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Koni do dampers for the Defender http://www.devon4x4.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=317&Itemid=14 For example Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 IIRC Koni do 2 ranges, normal and Raid, and have a choice of lengths. They aren't cheap. Rimmer Bros used to do them, also RPI & JE. I have Bilstein yellow on my 110 and I like it very much, but I can't say they are put to much of a test either on or off road. They do make for a very stable tow vehicle. If you want Bilstein, Paddocks used to be one of the cheapest. Nigel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diff Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 You should seriously consider your choice of tyres if you are worried about handling. You shouldn't mix tyre brands and tread patterns, particularly on a permanant 4x4. G90s are not known for good road handling and Avon Rangemasters have a much slower wear rate and have a considerably different tread pattern. Any decent shocks including standard GENUINE originals will do the job fine. Any handling improvements from new shocks would be a good thing, but your current choice of tyres could give 'interesting results' in an emergency manoeuvre and this pairing is not suitable for 'fast road' handling regardless of shocks. Regards, Diff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soren Frimodt Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I'd choose Koni's, buy them from paddocks, they're cheap. Have had nothing but trouble with the Bilsteins I bought for my previous 110. The rear was very bouncy. Paddock even send me two new to try on the rear, but little did it help, it was still very bouncy. I then mounted Monroe gas units and the bounce was all gone. But have heard nothing but good about Bilsteins from others, so maybe I was just outta luck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike4444244 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 I am very happy with my decarbons, but like you, have also been very happy with bilsteins on fast things before. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishbosh Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Had bilsteins on a RRC and they were excellent on road. Really controlled the body well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nidge Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Have been running Koni shox on my 110 stationwagon for last 6 months or so... very impressed, Top quality and adjustable too. Not cheap but well worth the money IMHO. N. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanuki Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share Posted February 22, 2011 The G90s were a distress-acquisition [came from an acquaintance, £50 each including the wheels!] I agree they're not the best road-tyre but when it comes to unsticking a fully-laden twin-axle Ifor Williams trailer, or a bogged Mitsu Pajero *spit* from a muddy showground they're really rather effective. I got them with supposedly 5000 miles of use. Now after another 20,000 miles they're getting close to replacement-time. Must confess, they did have a rather predictable breakaway characteristic, specially on wet roundabouts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanuki Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share Posted February 22, 2011 Must admit, I'd totally missed the Konis. Have had good experience with the orange-enamelled Koni 'Classic' shock-absorbers in the past - they're 'adjustable' but only in the sense that the adjustment is intended to accomodate wear. Will definitely investigate this option - specially since I have contacts-who-have-contacts with Koni's importers and they might just be able to get me a trade-price deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanuki Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share Posted February 22, 2011 Bilsteins have always been good in my experience. Not cheap though - still in life there's good and there's cheap - you rarely find both good and cheap at the same time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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