MartinK wrote:

LRA - I used "Isolator Rear Spring" Part # ANR3060
Approx £5 each - great investment

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-ANR3060

Grenadier wrote:

^^^Skip, given you seem to be the Oracle on these matters, a small hypothetical for you.

I, like many, am looking to improve the handling of the Def. Not to go-cart standard, but improved. I have been keeping my eye on the Alive Eibach lowering springs. Apparently they make quite a difference, which is my aim.

My question therefore, to you (or those in the know), is how much benefit do the Alive Springs offer with regard to handling based on the quality of the spring and associated shocks (I'll be upgrading to Bilstein), how much to their reduced ride height and how much to both combined? If the drop is an important factor, I suppose re-raising the ride height with the isolators (for all their comfort and acoustic benefits) is missing the point of buying the Alive springs. Or (final question), would the quality of an Eibach progressive spring with Bilstein damper be good enough that the isolator won't make that much difference if added, but would certainly negate the handling benefits?

Hope that's clear

Ta

Grenadier wrote:

^^^Skip, given you seem to be the Oracle on these matters, a small hypothetical for you.
like many, am looking to improve the handling of the Def. Not to go-cart standard, but improved....

Hello Grenadier

Oh dear I somehow must have given a false impression...

I'll tell you what I think to be true. All the brands you mention review well, my 90 had a reworked interior and some cosmetic changes to the exterior, when the customer who had this work done on a virtually unused vehicle, changed his mind, wanting to do the same on a 110, and then needed a 'quick sell', however it was booked in to have the suspension upgraded the week after his decision to sell.

Now that upgrade package was to use Alive Springs (new at the time...I don't know what spec) and Bilstein Shocks (just as you have mentioned) in addition, Front Tubular Shock Turrets from Terrafirma and Stiffer (thicker) ARB (Anti Roll Bars) Front and Back.

My 90 has a Standard Engine, and No Performance upgrades, it was going to be a big (ish) bill for the previous owner, it was offered to me but I didn't want this done, as all I really wanted was a really good condition late 2.4 90.

From what I know, the main question to ask is what are you trying to achieve, if its 'comfort' then Spring Dampening Quality will be a big part of achieving this, Isolators will help (a little) but probably nothing like the effect of the Spring + Shock Specification selected. Building on the quest for 'comfort' sound deadening (IMO) is probably the most significant thing you can do, but this (obviously) changes nothing when cornering.

If by 'improved handling' you mean better on a twisty turny road, then you need to get 'stiffer' (as they say). and to achieve that, its a combination of Springs, Shocks and ARB's all collectively asking the Tyre's to work harder, so Tyre Spec, Grip and Side Wall 'compression' will become a factor.

It's not cheap to go down this road, but if the type of driving you do, finds you rolling about too much as you fly though the B roads (on the remote stretches left with no speed cameras) then it all might be worth it.

Big engine upgrades, or significant 'standard engine tweaks' that results in a 'step change' in performance then I get the need to 'raise the bar' of the Suspension.

Equally for those who want to push further off road than the 'standard offer' allows...this too makes sense.

Good Luck with your upgrades...

The Coil Spring Isolators ANR3060 (as far as I know) are fitted as standard on the Top of the Rear Springs on all Defenders from 83 Onwards...

This is the Rear of Mine with both the ANR3060 remaining in place and the ANR2938 'on Top'

Click image to enlarge SKIP
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html