 | Home > Puma (Tdci) > Bilsteins or Koni? |
 
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| redzob Member Since: 16 Jul 2014 Location: St. Peter Port Posts: 137   
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@tookaphotoof - no, exactly the same ride height. I'm the same as you and have no particular desire to lower my vehicle. I understand the it's primarily the springs which account for the ride height (although certain shocks can make a difference). Defender Puma 2.2 XS 90
Vespa GTS 300 Way too many racing bikes. |
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13th Nov 2014 7:59am |
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| redzob Member Since: 16 Jul 2014 Location: St. Peter Port Posts: 137
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Having lived with the Bilstein B6 upgrade for a few weeks, I thought it might be good time to provide an update...
The good: Cornering is dramatically improved and there's very little of the wallowing experienced with the standard shock. On smooth roads the Bilsteins really are a significant improvement over standard. The not so good: I live in Guernsey, which has some pretty poor roads and many potholes/poor repairs. I would say the the Bilsteins are more jarring/crashy than standard when you hit the holes or go over speed bumps. This can become quite tiring after a while. This combined with the weird pogo effect so unique to the 2.2 Tdci in the lower gears can be very annoying. I'm guessing changing to 18" wheels and lowered suspension would make this even more frustrating. In summary - if I was on fast smooth roads all the time, I would highly recommend them and they're great for trips to the UK. With my truck spending most of its life on a small rock, I think the difference from standard is actually difficult to justify. hmm... Defender Puma 2.2 XS 90 Vespa GTS 300 Way too many racing bikes. |
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1st Dec 2014 8:51pm |
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| redzob Member Since: 16 Jul 2014 Location: St. Peter Port Posts: 137
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I thought I'd provide a further update regarding suspension for anyone who may have an interest, as I've subsequently been experimenting with alternative rear coil springs.
I (as others) had noticed that if you put a few bags of topsoil or similar in the rear of your 90, the ride improves considerably - an effect I wanted to replicate unladen or with one rear passenger. I'd also read elsewhere on this forum that some trucks had been fitted with standard front springs (rated at 175lbs) at the rear replacing the standard (225lb) ones, and this was said to noticeably improve the quality of the ride under those conditions. Doing some research, it looked as though some progressive springs might be the best win/win solution, so I contacted Mac and Digby at Extreme4x4 for some advice. I didn't want to change the ride height from standard, so they suggested trying a progressive pair rated at 172/350lbs. These duly arrived and were fitted by the ever capable indy LR expert, Ben. After living with them for around 3 weeks, I felt that the softer part of the spring actually bottomed out too early (potholes/speedbumps) so contacted Extreme again to see if we could try something different. This time we exchanged the springs to 150/225lbs and the ride is a real revelation. Early days, but together with the bilsteins, I think this is a great solution. Very comfortable, and much improved handling. I also just wanted to send a big  to Extreme4x4 for all their help and support.
Now I'm thinking about swapping out the front ones...  Defender Puma 2.2 XS 90
Vespa GTS 300 Way too many racing bikes. |
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16th Feb 2015 8:01pm |
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| tookaphotoof Member Since: 18 Mar 2013 Location: dordrecht Posts: 1279  
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Thanks for the update!
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16th Feb 2015 8:57pm |
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| TDCi Guy Member Since: 17 Aug 2014 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 286  
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@Redzob what's the cost of the progressive springs from Extreme? Tom
@tditomprice 100” Defender Hybrid 2010 Alaska White 90 HT |
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9th Mar 2015 10:54am |
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| redzob Member Since: 16 Jul 2014 Location: St. Peter Port Posts: 137
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They were 44 each plus shipping. Defender Puma 2.2 XS 90
Vespa GTS 300 Way too many racing bikes. |
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9th Mar 2015 10:15pm |
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| redzob Member Since: 16 Jul 2014 Location: St. Peter Port Posts: 137
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Hi RRUK,
No I never did swap out the front ones. As an update I guess I've gotten used to the 'upgrade' now and am quite happy with the way the landy is set up - I think the Bilsteins in particular make a big difference when cornering as the wallow effect has been significantly reduced. One point of potential interest - when it went for its 1st service, the mechanic pumped up the tyres to 33 front/38 back (apparently as recommended in the service manual), and the ride was so horrible I asked him what he'd changed. Now I've put them back to about 30 all around, it's back to a much more comfortable ride (and is within allowable limits). Just for reference, these are the std 16" tyres, not low profile 18" etc. Hope that helps. Cheers Defender Puma 2.2 XS 90 Vespa GTS 300 Way too many racing bikes. |
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30th Dec 2015 5:26pm |
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| RRUK Site Supporter Member Since: 31 Mar 2010 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 2025
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I'll check mine! 2016 D4 HSE
1998 110 TUM HS FFR Hard Top XD WOLF 1982 Series 3 SWB Petrol |
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30th Dec 2015 6:05pm |
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| Anderzander Member Since: 08 Feb 2011 Location: Lancashire Posts: 1000
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I've just fitted Bilstein B6 shocks to my 90 and I'm delighted with them. They give such an improved ride - much firmer ride without losing its compliance. 10 out of 10.
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30th Dec 2015 6:18pm |
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| pannawonica Member Since: 21 Nov 2010 Location: Clackline Western Australia Posts: 568 
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I have just fitted koni heavy track, not cheap however I am well pleased. I find them not as harch as OME but with superior damping. This is compared too as new original. Koni do replacement bushes, or poly whatever. Time will tell if they are going too last, however they are rebuildable.
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31st Dec 2015 10:31am |
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| bm52 Member Since: 04 Apr 2010 Location: Kent Posts: 2189 
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Been reading this thread and re-opened it to see if the original posters or anyone else has any updates on standard springs but using either Bilstein or Koni shocks.
I had Koni on my 90tdci, now sold, and I am reviewing options for my 110 CSW. Tempted to keep standard springs and try new shocks before considering changing springs. |
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13th May 2016 9:48pm |
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| chrisbowler Member Since: 25 Jun 2011 Location: wales Posts: 101 |
As an alternative point of view, I have fitted FOX Performance Series Oem fit shocks to my 110 USW 2012 spec defender. They are very reasonably priced, are tuneable and rebuild able and have transformed the road holding and more importantly, when towing, the truck feels much more stable. They were 90 plus vat each corner. I changed the rear springs for mil spec WOLF HS spec rears and am looking to fit SuperPro bushes all round when the Oem bushes give up.
Chris Bowler |
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15th May 2016 6:28am |
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| mick Member Since: 08 Feb 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 2109  
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I'm on Koni rears fronts going on this week with new standard 130 springs as I've been happy with what's on but seem as they've done over a 100k figured I'd treat it.  |
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15th May 2016 9:25pm |
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| bm52 Member Since: 04 Apr 2010 Location: Kent Posts: 2189
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Thanks Mick, interesting.
Anyone running a 110 with std springs and B6's on here? |
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15th May 2016 9:57pm |
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