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CTC13



Member Since: 14 Aug 2015
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 5

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Havana
Suspension changes on 2.2 90 XS?
I recently changed my 2.4 to a 2.2 current MY 90 XS. The new car feels and handles quite differently. It's less "choppy"; it's less "planted" on corners; it seems softer and has a more comfortable ride.
My dealer is unaware of any suspension changes.
I'm on different tyres but that, to me, doesn't provide the answer. Can anyone tell me please if changes have been made to the suspension?
Thanks!
Post #447335 19th Aug 2015 11:55am
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nitram17



Member Since: 08 Jun 2014
Location: newcastle
Posts: 2261

Mine is a 2014 90 ......suspension is bone rattling!waiting for warranty to end to change ......did your 2.4 have a anti roll bar?
Post #447352 19th Aug 2015 12:40pm
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CTC13



Member Since: 14 Aug 2015
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 5

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Havana
It did Nitram17. When I got my 2.4 I was very pleased with the handling improvement over my previous TD5 and TDI. Not sure if it bounced any less, but it certainly rolled less and felt much more secure when cornering. Mind you, I had wider tyres on it.
My 2.2, on Continentals, in contrast felt very unhappy on corners when I got it, and seemed to wander on the straight in a way that my previous Defenders hadn't. Dealer checked the steering geometry and reported all was well.
A couple of months down the line, I've got used it and don't notice it much any longer. Tyres will have worn in by now of course and I wonder if that's all it was.
In terms of general ride comfort, I notice - and even my wife notices! - that it's a much more comfortable ride. My garage runway is a short and steep ramp. The back end of my 2.4 used to hit the ground with a thump when I tootled out in the morning unless I braked before the rear tyres hit the ground, whereas my 2.2 comes off the ramp quite smoothly.
Post #447367 19th Aug 2015 1:30pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20294

United Kingdom 
Remember you are comparing old with new, that alone will cause a difference.
HT and SW springs are also different, so if you switch between the two that may cause a difference.
Post #447379 19th Aug 2015 2:12pm
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CTC13



Member Since: 14 Aug 2015
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 5

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Havana
You're right of course on both counts custom90steve.
I had each of my four 90s from new and they were either CSW or XS in spec but I'm only really comparing my 2.4 to my new 2.2. The latter feels like it has softer suspension (not more roll though) and less direct steering than my old 2.4. I'd have expected things to be the other way round since the 2.4 had about 50k miles on the clock.
Post #447389 19th Aug 2015 2:30pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20294

United Kingdom 
Earlier Puma springs were also handed, newer Pumas not so.
HT springs are 2400 kg and SW's are 2550 kg.
As far as I am aware this is correct anyway, this is due to extra seat weight in a SW.
However, some HT's probably by DIY fit wrongly have SW springs on and makes them more along the lines of HD springs and a poor ride.
Personally I'd rather have softer springs any day, I shall be buying some new HT springs soon myself.
I'm also going to be fitting genuine spring isolators top and bottom all around.
Should dampen vibrations and a 3/4" lift too.
Post #447390 19th Aug 2015 2:37pm
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TDCi Guy



Member Since: 17 Aug 2014
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 286

United Kingdom 1996 Defender 110 300 Tdi HCPU Auto Keswick Green
Is that really the case Steve? I'd have thought a HT would have stiffer springs due to it being a load carrying van rather than a people carrying station wagon. I can see where you're coming from with your point though.

I have a HT and have bought some take-off springs and isolator a to swap over when I get a chance as I'm tired of the crashy ride. I hardly ever carry a load in the back btw.

I've seen a website somewhere which has the springs rates of earlier Land Rover springs but I don't think it covered the newer springs used on the Pumas. I will try to find more info. Tom
@tditomprice
100” Defender Hybrid
2010 Alaska White 90 HT
Post #447597 20th Aug 2015 7:22am
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