RAISED SUSPENSION
Choosing the right suspension for your 4×4 depends on how and where you are going to be driving. If you are only going to be driving on sealed roads then the factory fitted suspension will be the best option although you may like to stiffen it by fitting better quality shock absorbers. Bear in mind vehicle manufacturers spend millions developing the suspension systems for their vehicles taking into account comfort, load carrying capability and all round drive ability.

However if you are going to be using your 4×4 off road the standard suspension may not be suitable. For instance if you are going to be doing some greenlaning then extra height and stiffer shockers will probably help and this is were we run into problems. The Land Rover driver is currently swamped with choice but purchasing because it is cheep, expensive or raises the vehicle so you need a stepladder to get in is not the way to go so what should you look for when choosing a suspension upgrade?

First decide what you are going to be using your 4×4 for. It it is going to be used for transport to work, getting the kids to school and a bit of off-roading at the weekends it will need a different suspension upgrade to a 4×4 that is going on a trip to South Africa or one that is competing in winch challenges. You must also consider the legalities of what you do. If you alter your vehicles suspension and have an accident will your insurance cover you and will the police prosecute you!

TERRAFIRMA COIL SPRINGS
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.

Vehicle Weights

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.

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.