
The purpose of a vehicle’s suspension is to support
the weight of the vehicle and absorb impacts,
maximising the tyre’s contact with the ground
while maintaining stability and control. When using
a Land Rover off-road the limits of the standard
suspension are quickly realised when the lack of
wheel travel affects traction and ultimately the
vehicle’s ability to maintain forward motion.
The added benefits of long travel suspension are
exponential. Taller suspension allows larger tyres
to be fitted as well as allowing greater suspension
movement. Raising the suspension will also
increase approach, departure and ramp over angles
allowing your Land Rover to overcome larger
obstacles.
Terrafirma Coil Springs are designed to lift the
vehicle by approximately 2” (50mm).This is
the optimum increase in ride height before the
mechanical limitations of the suspension design
become an issue requiring further modifications.
Safety has to be a consideration, raising the centre
of gravity too high increases the risk of a roll over.
A vehicle lifted by 2” (50mm) using correctly
matched Terrafirma Coil Springs and shocks will
also improve on road handling, comfort and stability from the original set up.
Terrafirma
Coil Springs are made from the highest quality steel, formed on
accurate computer controlled mandrels and precisely heat treated to
ensure consistent manufacture. All springs are shot peened to relieve
stress and scragged to ensure long spring life and prevent sag, finally
powder coated silver for long lasting good looks.
Correct Coil Spring Selection
It
is important to understand that all Terrafirma Coil Springs have been
designed to provide approximately 2” (50mm) of lift while carrying
light, medium or heavy loads. Minimal mechanical changes are required
when lifting by this amount, however the Terrafirma Hardware range of
accessories does allow for greater lift and significantly increased
wheel travel, further enhancing off-road ability.
Selecting the
most suitable springs for a Land Rover may be with some compromise. A
heavy load spring needed when fully loaded may ride too high and too
hard when unloaded. Likewise a light load spring that is comfortable
and flexible will not achieve the desired lift or carry the heavy loads associated with expedition vehicles.
Load
carrying coil springs are often progressive or variable (V) this
provides a combination of comfort and load carrying in one spring.
It
is worth noting that Terrafirma coil springs are sold in pairs, in many
cases one spring is 10mm longer than the other, the longer spring
should always be fitted to the driver’s side.
By
considering the three Defender images and combining the Terrafirma Coil
Spring application guide and specifications it should be possible to
select suitable coil springs or a suspension kit for your vehicle. Use
the detailed spring descriptions by part number to help accurately fine
tune the spring requirements for your specific application.