110 towing springs

[Incorrigible]

Just bought me a CSW, Hurrah

I'm going to be using it for towing a big trailer (weight and length) so I'm reckoning I need to upgrade the springs

Has anyone got any recommendations ? Both rates, and whether a lift (rear or all round) is a good idea

I've already fitted the heavy duty towbar

[anonymous-user]

Lifting a Defender is largely cosmetic but often cited as a brilliant upgrade that'll transfrom the vehicle.
It just isn't, and unless done properly simply fks up the suspension and steering geometry, and raises the CofG which probably isn't something conducive to towing stability.
Not sure of the exact ratings as it's a while since I fiddled with my 90, but I took the rear standard springs and put them on the front, then fitted heavy duty springs to the rear. Land Rover (used to) offer HD springs as a factory option, and that's the figure I used but with Terrafirma metalwork.
Just how heavy is this trailer anyway? If it's loaded correctly it should balance nicely and not place too much of a vertical load on the vehicle.

[vjj]

TERRAFIRMA standard height Heavy duty - try Andrew at Maverick 4X4

[camel_landy]

If you need to change your springs to tow, you've loaded the trailer badly!!

The standard Defender setup will be fine, you just need to make sure your nose weight isn't too heavy (or light).

M

[Incorrigible]

camel_landy said:

If you need to change your springs to tow, you've loaded the trailer badly!!

The standard Defender setup will be fine, you just need to make sure your nose weight isn't too heavy (or light).

M

I think need, is the wrong word

Basically towing is just about all I will be using the car for, so I'm prepared to buy stiff sidewall tyres etc (which I will be doing) I've driven a standard landy with a big trailer and it's OK, but could be better

I've been recommended 330lb standard height rears and standard fronts by a local guy. What do you reckon ?

[Incorrigible]

And trailer is 7m x 3ton triple axle jobbie, which tows beautifully BTW

[Incorrigible]

Should probably mention that the back of the truck's going to be full of gear too

[Bill]

What have you bought now?

[Incorrigible]

Bill said:

What have you bought now?

You know, stuff.....

[Bill]

Again?

[anonymous-user]

Incorrigible said:

I've been recommended 330lb standard height rears and standard fronts by a local guy. What do you reckon ?

Uprating one end and leaving the other standard could make the arse end seem very harsh when it's running empty.
Suspension isn't something to do to one axle at a time.

Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 11th May 04:24

[Incorrigible]

It's going to be doing about 4000 miles a year at least 3,800 of those will be with a trailer and with the back with at least 1/4 ton of gear in it. I really don't care what it rides like empty

For the sake of another £70 I'll quite happily change the fronts too, but this first step was what a local "specialist" recommended. I'm not going to do any more than a bit of very gentle green laning so I'm not bothered about different axle articulation or anything. In my mind a fully loaded truck will need the back beefed up only. Certainly my 7.5 tonner only has the air adjustment at one end

If you have direct experience of my situation please recommend me some spring rates / sizes / tyres / wheels / shocks / etc. I'm all ears, I don't want to buy some 245 springs when I need 330 or vice versa.

[camel_landy]

Personally, I'd try to keep it standard and as there are HD options available, I'd look at fitting some of those (i.e. Spring & helper - Same as the 130). The inner 'helper' spring makes a big difference when loaded up but you might need dental treatment if you take speed-bumps when empty!!

The front will probably be OK on whatever is currently fitted but there is a standard HD option there too (Don't know the rates off-hand but they're the same springs as 90 rears).

M

[Incorrigible]

Yeah, standard HD option was 245, I could fit those and if required upgrade to the 330 and move the 245 to the front, but the heights are different (I think)

[anonymous-user]

Incorrigible said:

In my mind a fully loaded truck will need the back beefed up only.
.....
If you have direct experience of my situation please recommend me some spring rates / sizes / tyres / wheels / shocks / etc. I'm all ears, I don't want to buy some 245 springs when I need 330 or vice versa.

A fully loaded truck needs beefing up at both ends to still work well. OK, it'll drive with mismathced springs, but for it to drive proiperly you need to do the lot. Brake heavily and the nose will bury itself when the effect of all that weight transfers forward.
Like I said, can't remember the exact rates I put on me 90, but it was essentailly the LR HD option but using Terrafirma metalwork.

Incorrigible said:

Yeah, standard HD option was 245, I could fit those and if required upgrade to the 330 and move the 245 to the front, but the heights are different (I think)

Spring rate shouldn't affect coil length that much. On HDs mine gained about 1/2" and always looks tall as it hasn't sagged like comparable trucks of the same vintage.

Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 11th May 04:23

[Bill]

IIRC you can get air helper springs.

[Incorrigible]

Crossflow Kid said:

Spring rate shouldn't affect coil length that much. On HDs mine gained about 1/2" and always looks tall as it hasn't sagged like comparable trucks of the same vintage.

OK so front and rear are the same length spring ? I was under the impression people put the rears on the front to get a little lift, or is that due to the slightly higher spring rate ?

If that's the case then I'll go with the 245s and put the rears on the fronts, and then, if required put the 330 on the back and move the 245 to the front

Now to pick a radio

[C Lee Farquar]

I use my Puma 110 for towing a fair bit, France about 8 times and all over the UK. Usually rammed with spares and tools; 4x4, Quad and spares on the trailer. At no time have I ever felt the need for upgrading springs or tyres, so I would suggest you try it first before parting with your cash.

I borrowed a tri-axle Brian James trailer and that towed beautifully, easy to forget you had anything behind.

Bear in mind they have a 1 tonne payload so you have to go some to get anywhere near that in the back unless you're carting gold bars.

[West4x4]

Genuine Landrover HD is the best and cheapest option

[anonymous-user]

West4x4 said:

Genuine Landrover HD is the best and cheapest option

Oh do behave. Since when was anything after market from LR the cheapest option?