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Home > Defender Celebration Series & Classic Works > In search of a softer ride on my Heritage 90.
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Gravygraham



Member Since: 15 Mar 2017
Location: East Kent
Posts: 175
United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Corris Grey
In search of a softer ride on my Heritage 90.
I mistakenly thought fitting new shocks & coils would help (Alive comfort springs with Fox shocks) but this seems to have been a waste of money as I can’t discern any difference. I’ve still got the original Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tyres on the wheels and I’m wondering if there’s an easier riding alternative that still looks half sensible. Other options are reducing the tyre pressures and adding some lead ballast. What do you good folk think?
Post #993716 22nd May 2023 9:30pm
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3421
Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
I replaced the rear springs which were dual rate on my CSW 90 to a single rate 150lb/in. I kept the original shocks. Although the ride firmness improved, as in became softer, I still find it a bit harsh. Putting about 90kg in the rear transforms it. I do think it has to do with the ratio of unsprung to sprung weight. The total weight at the rear is about 900kg, of which about 180kg is unsprung (axle, wheels, springs and shocks). So you still need heavy springs and shocks, otherwise the axle would start bouncing around and tyres loosing contact with the ground.
Lower tyre pressure help to soften the shocks from the unsprung weight. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #993724 23rd May 2023 4:23am
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Co1



Member Since: 19 Aug 2018
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 3678
United Kingdom 2013 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Loire Blue
As per Dinnu, check tyre pressure. I ran my MTRs at 28. When I picked it up from the dealer they were at 40 and it was pretty much undrivable!

I should add, I had alive comfort springs and fox 2.0 shocks and it was a pleasure to drive.
Post #993740 23rd May 2023 8:05am
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geobloke



Member Since: 06 Nov 2012
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 4410
United Kingdom 
Nothing worse than an uncomfortable ride. I once accidentally stuck 130 rear shocks in to my old 90 and it was like riding on bricks. Replaced them with a pair of correctly valved 90 shocks and all was well again.

Do you have adjustable shocks? can you get the valving adjusted?

What seats do you have fitted? How old are they?

What bushes do you have fitted? How old are they?

As above what pressures are your tyres at?

How old are your tyres and how much tread is left? How much side wall do they have? If you have anything more than a 16" wheel you are sacrificing comfort for "sportiness"... Rolling Eyes

Comfort in a Defender requires a layering of bits to reach that goal, including bushes, shocks, spring isolators, wheel and tyre choice, seat and constant payload.
Post #993743 23rd May 2023 8:29am
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