New Defender owner (Santana, actually)

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Aug 10, 2020 | 09:23 PM

#41

elcapitan310

2nd Gear

Joined: Aug 2020

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Santana 2500 suspension question!

Hi All,

New Santana 2500 owner, even newer to the forum! I ordered some Procomp ES9000 shocks from Rovers North (they seemed to think these would fit) and they don't. I'd like to upgrade the suspension and was hoping to drop in an Old Man Emu kit, but I'm not sure if a series 3 kit will work on my 1989 Santana 2500 NA 2.5. Does anyone know what my suspension lift options are? And what steering dampener options are?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by terryjm1

I am checking back in. I have been active in some other forums but should have been back here. A lot more Santana bashers on the other forums. FWIW, it is not a D90/ Defender, the D90 / Defender crowd is very touchy about that. Be careful to not suggest otherwise when posting. However, there is no denying that it shares a lot of parts with both the Series and D90, I’d say 90 to 95%. I don’t know why that fact bothers some of the Defender / D90 folks so much. The Series folks don’t seem to care at all, mostly.

I have had the Santana for a few years now and it still runs like a top. However, I have sourced a 200TDI to swap in. I finished my 98 Disco 300TDI / 5 speed conversion. It has a lot more giddy up and go than the 2.5NA. For the mountain highways, I need just a little more from the Santana than it can offer. The 200TDI should be just enough.

I have decided to probably not swap out the axles. I am, however, going to go through the axles replacing the seals and gaskets as there are some leaks. Also, anyone know of a source for the front brake parts? The brakes are from what I can tell, very unique to Santana. The only reason, now, I would go back to considering swapping to Discovery axles is if I cant find brake parts for the Santana.

Jan 10, 2022 | 04:29 AM

#42

Justasantanaowner

1st Gear

Joined: Jan 2022

Posts: 1

Likes: 2

Santana? A great buy

Quote:

Originally Posted by terryjm1

Here is a picture:

congratulations on your Santana I have an 1989 "88" and am chuffed . So it's not a Defender , so what the rides acceptable and all for a fifth of the price. I've had mine for four years and have found that 99% parts are from Solihull in design . So if the critics are putting down a firm that designed and built the LT85 gearbox then I need say no more . Enjoy your Santana in the long run that's what it's all about.