Suspension
Coils + dampers
After a set of KONI dampers I switched to
Bilstein 5100s 10" travel, amazing articulation but being very long yet
when compressed,
they required custom taller front towers and raised rear shock mounts (got a set of Rovertym ones for cheap).
The 5100s were very very comfortable offroad but a tad too soft on tarmac, and even with extended bumpstops they
were likely to bottom out on full compression.
This and a couple of winters with every kind of dirt and road salt being splashed inside the engine bay (taller
front shock mounts no longer allowed to fit the stock plastic covers) made me buy a set of Bilstein 7100 short body
reservoir dampers, again 10" travel.
The external reservoir allows a greater oil capacity and makes the damper more compact when compressed.
Actual setup: Bilstein 7100s with custom s/s front and Bilstein rubber rear mounts for reservoirs,
modified "Land Rover" front shock mounts, custom rear upper shock mounts courtesy of Equipe 4x4,
lower pin-eye adaptors and extended bumpstops again from Equipe.
Being close to the
VNT manifold, I used a Mylar
heat shield blanket to protect the driver's side reservoir
from the heat.
As I want a "sleeper" look, The Cube runs on a mix of softer and stock rate LR springs all around, articulation is
increased but the ride height is very close to a stock Defender.