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Home > Maintenance & Modifications > Suspension lift - am I missing the point?!

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Markez79

Member Since: 27 Jun 2018
Location: South West
Posts: 201

Suspension lift - am I missing the point?!

Hi all,

This may be a stupid question, but...... (!);

Other than for fitting bigger tyres, why do people have suspension lifts? As the differential height remains the same regardless of suspension height, does having a suspension lift really help when off road?

Thanks

Mark

10th Dec 2018 7:05am

OsloBlue

Member Since: 14 Jul 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 823

Higher ground clearance from main chassis as more movement between top of wheel and bottom of arch.

Obviously still leaves difs and axels at same height, only way you can get round that is portal axels or larger tyres. I'm on IG: https://www.instagram.com/osloblue42/
Current: TD5 '110 "Lucinda" Thread here: https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic62562.html

10th Dec 2018 7:47am

Wild Card 90

Member Since: 03 Dec 2014
Location: Gerlingen
Posts: 1060

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 SW Indus Silver

As Osloblue said, raised suspension increases the ramp angles/clearance from chassis/bumpers to ground.

It also increases the articulation of the axles (the wheel travel from top to bottom, independant from each other). This improves the ability to cross irregular terrain whilst keeping all four wheels in contact with the surface. Loss of contact means loss of stability, risk of sliding on a slope, and most important, loss of drive. To access the advantages of raised suspension off road, the anti roll bars need to be removed or disconnected.

Although the standard Defender lockable centre diff goes some way to keep things moving when one wheel (and therefore one axle) loses drive, it still limits the ability of the vehicle. The first step is to improve the articulation.

The disadvantages of raised supension (particularly combined with the absense of arbÂ´s) are many. Larger frontal area (even worse than standard aerodynamics), increased body roll and less controllable on-road handling, access to low entrances ....and short chics have more difficulty climbing abord.

Thankfully it is all up to personal taste and need, and is all reversible or easily modified. 1998 Tdi 90 SW,
2008 Td4 90 SW,
2012 2.2 90 SW,
2" raised Trailmaster/Terrafirma
Heavy Track Raids, 255 MT´s,
Recaro CS´s, anorak, wellingtons

10th Dec 2018 8:59am

BogMonster

Member Since: 05 Feb 2008
Location: Stanley
Posts: 400

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey

Better approach and departure angles so less likely to get hung up entering or leaving ditches

Better ramp breakover angle / clearance so less likely to ground out cresting a hump (or exiting the aforementioned ditch)

Tyre clearance for wide tyres

Looks (!)

Curious affinity for replicating the door-handle scraping on corners that is characteristic of older vehicles

---
2006 Defender 110 SW 300Tdi â€¢ 2011 Ford Ranger XLT crewcab â€¢ 2015 Defender 110 Station Wagon Utility TDCi

10th Dec 2018 9:00am

leeds

Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8582

With heavy duty or lifted suspension it will also give same sort of articulation as standard when vehicle is laden for say overlanding.

Our red 110 has heavy duty suspension and the rear ARB broke many years ago. You learn to drive within the limitations of the vehicle.

Brendan

10th Dec 2018 9:33am

ibexman

Member Since: 13 Dec 2008
Location: Essex
Posts: 2945

Also very unstable at higher speeds

10th Dec 2018 10:38am

Markez79

Member Since: 27 Jun 2018
Location: South West
Posts: 201

Many thanks for the feedback all - greatly appreciated.

Mark

10th Dec 2018 1:50pm

Adam17

Member Since: 15 May 2018
Location: Within Bedfordshire
Posts: 1193

Some good answers there... Does make sense now..
I was wondering the same thing...
Thanks. Regards
Adam

Loving The Duchess
The Defender 110 TD5 XS

My Defender story - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic64005.html

10th Dec 2018 1:58pm

Markez79

Member Since: 27 Jun 2018
Location: South West
Posts: 201

Is there a 'sensible way of getting a bit more lift without having to worry about how it will affect the 'on road' behavior? I run 255/85/16 KM2's and deep ruts cause rubbing on the arches/bottoming out.

Thanks

Mark

15th Jan 2019 4:32pm

OsloBlue

Member Since: 14 Jul 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 823

Mark air bag suspension, to changed height as needed.

Or if your man enough ( and have the money) portal axles. I'm on IG: https://www.instagram.com/osloblue42/
Current: TD5 '110 "Lucinda" Thread here: https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic62562.html

15th Jan 2019 5:41pm

landy andy

Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5729

2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver

A lift gives you articulation.

Click image to enlarge

And so more off road traction and stability.

15th Jan 2019 5:53pm

CarMan

Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1862

Like the wheels

Sorry,

Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top (sold)

15th Jan 2019 5:55pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17450

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

Markez79 wrote:
Is there a 'sensible way of getting a bit more lift without having to worry about how it will affect the 'on road' behavior? I run 255/85/16 KM2's and deep ruts cause rubbing on the arches/bottoming out.

Thanks

Mark

What rims are you using?

I run tha same tyres on Blindos and they don't rub!

15th Jan 2019 6:27pm

Grouse

Member Since: 16 Apr 2012
Location: on the hill
Posts: 521

Markez79 wrote:
Is there a 'sensible way of getting a bit more lift without having to worry about how it will affect the 'on road' behavior? I run 255/85/16 KM2's and deep ruts cause rubbing on the arches/bottoming out.

Thanks

Mark

Heavy duty military spec springs

15th Jan 2019 7:23pm

Markez79

Member Since: 27 Jun 2018
Location: South West
Posts: 201

blackwolf wrote:
Markez79 wrote:
Is there a 'sensible way of getting a bit more lift without having to worry about how it will affect the 'on road' behavior? I run 255/85/16 KM2's and deep ruts cause rubbing on the arches/bottoming out.

Thanks

Mark

What rims are you using?

I run tha same tyres on Blindos and they don't rub!

Hi.

I have the standard Boost alloys fitted.

Many thanks

Mark

16th Jan 2019 6:54am

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