By Rich Lee on Sunday, October 28, 2001 - 07:07 pm: Edit

Hi All,
After years of fighting the “Bigger is Better” scenario, I am finally looking for more robust springs to handle my new (larger) 245/75-16 Dunlop RTs on my nearly-stock 95 Disco. My questions are:

1, What is the rate on the current OEM rear springs that I have?
They are dealer replacements done under warranty about 60 K miles ago. Their color code is green/orange and I can’t find any reference for them. I find them to be too short and a little stiff (for a stock vehicle).

2. What is the consensus on springs to get for this vehicle?

I am running Bilstein shocks and I have already trimmed my rear fenders.

The truck has a stock bumper and front skidplate and probably will remain winchless.

60% of the time it is driven aggressively on steep, twisty, paved mountain roads with only me and 40-100 lbs of gear in the back.

40% of the time it is being driven on, or off road with 100 to 350 lbs on the roof (including Garvin roof rack) and 400 to 900 lbs of people, dogs, gear in the truck.

I have a pair of Airlift 1000 inserts in the rear coils, but they need replacement since one was punctured. I may not use then if the springs can serve “double duty”.

I plan to keep my swaybars on and eventually fit disconnects.

I don’t desire a lot of lift and I would prefer a ride that is “supple”.

To Be Specific:

On the front, should I put the rear springs (whatever they are) in the front, or go with OME 761s or Rovertym RR 2s.

On the rear, should I go with Rovertym RR 3s, OME 781s (med/heavy) with or without Airlift inserts, or go to the OME 762s and be sure my kidneys and fillings are always in good shape?

Thanks for the advice.

Rich

By PerroneFord on Sunday, October 28, 2001 - 08:24 pm: Edit

While I am sure you will get excellent advice on your question, I would humbly suggest you weigh your truck at the heaviest it will be, and then weigh your truck at its normal riding weight. You won't really have an idea of proper springs rates for your personal use until you do that.

If you want a "supple" ride, but will be traveling with a lot of gear on the roof (which is really not good) then you may want to look into dual rate springs, since they will ride on the softer portion under normal loads, but on the heavier sections when you load up.

Remember, that the shocks are your primary line of defense against sway, and if your springs are even close to be right, the shocks will be the biggest factor in ride quality. If you go to soft on the springs, the shocks will be overworked, and if you go to hard on the springs, the shocks may not be able to control the spring movements over large bumps at speed.

Good luck to you,

-Perrone