Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I've just encountered two 110 Defenders with off the shelf +50mm suspension kit with shocks from OME, and customers complaining of a clunk when driving diagonally over, for example, a curb. The noise is the shock absorber topping out for extended length, and this happens only with an unladen vehicle. OME say this is not unusual and the spring / shock combination is supplied for a vehicle laden at all times! This is not a normal 110 wagon activity, (maybe for the hardtop used as a work truck, ) and can cause shock damage not to mention lack of suspension articulation. Please check shock and spring length compatibility yourself and don't trust so called application guides in catalogues or sales personnel, as both these people were given assurances at the point of sale that system is correct . In fact, OME don't supply any longer shocks for rear of DEFENDER to match their spring lengths.

hmmm, a bit dodgy. the shock length doesn't change according to load anyway.

Very true i run OME 755 springs in the rear 17.1 free length and OME shock n44 Open 570mm Closed 360mm and have found that the shock is too short.When i disconnect the shock the spring does not come loose for at least another inch probably closer to 2 inches.Needless to say when funds permit i will be upgrading

Cheers Kev

Hi Kev, check out Rangie spares (03 94644094)spring charts, they have about 13 different spring rates, and recommend Bilstein shocks. I've had excellent results with Koni, Bilstein and De Carbon. Dobinson shocks are actually 25mm longer than standard, and we've been testing a set to destruction on a 130" loaded Crew cab for about a year now, all conditions and loads/ speeds, and haven't hurt them yet.
You're right, The N44's were the rear shocks I was referring to, and they ARE fine when loaded. It took me 2 attempts and 3 staff members on the phone to get through to them that they weren't suitable!
Unfortunately, we can't sem to make good shocks in this country, even though we have some of the best(!) roads to test them on. I'm simply using euro brands because apart from the Dobinsons, I haven't found any good product manufactured locally.

OME shocks are highly rated in the UK, but i have found that the shocks recommended for a approx 2' lift are to short so we use brackets to lower the mounts and cones to stop the springs dislocating. It's cheap and gets yer suspension working as you want it.
OF course if you want hard core? Well thats a different matter!

D9OSV wrote:OF course if you want hard core? Well thats a different matter!

Please dont say $corpion!!!

scrap iron racing.

HSV Rangie wrote:scrap iron racing.

Thats a bit kind, scrap iron has some value!!!

I here howls of pain at the mention of scorpion racing... Why is it so?, I've sold and fitted a few EVO kits and been pretty happy so far...so have my customers. JC.