DII vs Defender

[lacrits68]

Hi!

I could use some advice: last weekend i had an opportunity to drive an defender 90 with FEW miles on the clock! WHAT A DIFFENSE....nice fim ride versus my DII soft, and not that firm ride. On bad dirtroadlike trail defender was realy joy to drive d90 and my disco was very soft ideed.....not that nice! =((

is it supose to be this big differense between these two cars??? Or do my disco desperate need an suspension upgrade?

to all of you that have been driving both......tell me is the difference suppose to be this big???

my best

Jan

 

[Glenn_Guinto]

Disco = Nice, Cushy Ride
D90 = Kidney Shaker

I've owned my 99 Disco for the past 6 years and my 94 D90 for the past 3. The D90 is more of a pain for daily driver duties but the joy of driving it is an unexplained phenomenon. It's loud, wind draft all over the place, if it's raining outside, it's raining inside too (especially for soft tops), and a lot of things rattle. Sadly, I haven'y really taken it off-road as much as I did my D1. Just little local trails and sand driving.

The D1 is more suitable for daily driver duties. Ride is more plush, seats are more comfy and the ride is much quieter. Especially in snow or rain. I've owned my D1 since I bought it new in 99 and IMHO is the best of all D1s.

Off-road, I think the D90 has a slight advantage over the Disco, but the Disco can be made as capable as the D90 (sans the wheelbase difference).

Wouldn't give one up over the other though, so, it looks like I'll just keep driving them til they disintegrate from rust...LOL

 

[lacrits68]

i just fell that suspension on my DII is just too soft!

I dont have a winch or aftermarket bumper, so what kind of product i shoul choose to get an nice 2'' lift (and to fit 235's), and get an bit more firm ride. Not a kiddney shaker just an bit more stiff!

any suggestions?


--J--

 

[Sears]

Old Man Emu HD springs and shocks are what I have on my DII. This really firmed up the ride nicely. It gave me a 2" lift and I run 265/75/16s (same diameter as a 235, just wider). I think that would do the trick for you. Easy DIY job too.

 

[mnwolftrack]

Does your D2 have air bag springs? If so, you'd have to get the coil spring mounts and then get stiffer springs. Several companies make springs, or you could have a spring shop make a custom pair. My '99 D2 also has air bag springs and the ride is soft but bottoms out real easy on bumpy roads, so it's actually soft yet bumpy.

I think there's an article in the tech section on converting air springs to coils. I haven't done it myself.

 

[ptschram]

Drive a Series truck if you want to see a difference. better yet, a 109 FFR with the 500#/in springs. You thought the D90 was stiff!

PT

 

[lacrits68]

Drive a Series truck if you want to see a difference. better yet, a 109 FFR with the 500#/in springs. You thought the D90 was stiff!

PT

hehe i know....i have an -71 109 pick up too! VERY stiff! (with rusty springs and no powersteering....you should see my biseps )

What i was looking for was a firmer ride something between DII and D90, and an option to use 235's. (much more tyres to choose of!)

have a nice day!


--J--

 

[Glenn_Guinto]

LOL. I'm sure the Series trucks are much stiffer than a D90 and I have no doubt all the pet peeves with a D90 are amplified in a Series truck.

Jan, you should have no problems fitting 235's on your DII. They are very narrow tires as you probably already now, so you shouldn't have any rubbing issues with a mild 1.5 - 2.0 inch lift. You have a lot of options out there, OME's are typically the popular choice, but Scorpion Racing also makes great suspension kits that offer much improved articulation.

Good luck with whatever option you choose.

 

[lacrits68]

thank all! Now just need to explain to my wife WHY we do NEED this stuff!

=))

2'' and 235's it gona be! i think it do the trick and gimme more playground while doing 4x4!

--J--