There are three ways to lift a 4×4 vehicle but a suspension lift kit is the only option that provides a noticeable performance boost. Whereas suspension spacer kits offer a more affordable option, they are more suitable for those who just want a physical lift without offering any real performance upgrade. Body lifts are also purely aesthetic upgrades.
The Old Man Emu suspension lift kit is an industry-leading option for both hardcore off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. It’s an upgrade that not only makes your vehicle look better but it also offers a major boost in terms of both ride quality and vehicle stability. Of course, we’re talking about the Land Rover Defender here; a legacy vehicle with an enviable reputation. So you’re going to want to get the best ride quality possible out of your pride and joy.
A living legend
The Land Rover Defender has been a common sight across the UK for decades now, particularly in rural communities. It’s particularly popular among farmers thanks to its masterful, boxy exterior, comfortable interior and rugged construction. The Land Rover branding certainly doesn’t harm its reputation either.
The Defender has a colourful history, with the basic design based around the original Land Rovers from the 1940s. The production of the model we now know as the Defender began in earnest in the early 80s, with coil springs fitted to give it a more compliant ride and a permanent 4WD system derived from the original Range Rover. The modern interior, powerful 2.5 and 3.5-litre engines and tall windshield completed the package. It’s a true classic in every sense of the word.
The Defender stands out from the pack thanks to its clean, sleek and rigid design and while production might have ended in 2016 it’s still a vehicle favoured by the agricultural community. Yes, there’s the brand new Defender that debuted in 2020, but that vehicle has little to do with this modern classic despite the name.
For our money, the Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 series produced between 1989 and 2016 is the cream of the crop as far as British 4×4 engineering is concerned. And given their popularity and ubiquity, they are also incredibly easy to upgrade, with suspension upgrading perhaps the most common choice.
Making a great ride even better
There are several options available when it comes to upgrading the stock suspension on your Land Rover Defender. The Terrain Tamer suspension kit is a complete and affordable option, whereas the even more affordable Old Man Emu suspension lift kit also offers light load springs for improved ride quality and various spring rates for heavy or commercial users.
The Defender can comfortably be lifted by up to 50mm, giving you plenty of clearance to work with. The upgraded suspension will also allow drivers to push their older vehicles a little harder, which might come in handy for the thousands of farmers that swear by these workhorses.
Many older vehicles might also have fallen victim to rust, especially if they’ve been pushed quite hard through wet terrain. Military users (it’s also a firm favourite vehicle of the armed services) have also reported increasing issues with parts quality, including swivel housings snapping off. So upgrading might be a necessity.
When doing so, selecting the correct components for your Defender is vital, and care should be taken not to choose parts that are incorrectly rated for the application. If you’re unsure, contact us directly and we will advise if we feel that the components you’re looking at might be unsuitable.
Whether you’re using your Land Rover Defender to run the farm or as an old fashioned family vehicle, there is a suspension kit that will provide what you’re looking for. These kits will offer greater handling and stability to both older models with fatigued components and newer models with components that are just not quite up to the task. So, if you’re interested in upgrading the suspension on your Land Rover Defender 90 or 110, contact us today.
Image: JordanCrosby / Shutterstock.com
