Hello everyone,

I have a 97' D1 that I almost exclusively drive off-road and highway to and from those spots. It currently sits on stock suspension, so I'll like to lift it 2-3", essentially as much as I can without having to go straight into the full can of worms with caster-adjusted or longer/adjustable radius arms and links etc. However, I'm open to going that direction in the future, so I'd want a shock/lift option that is fairly future-proof and wouldn't require a full set of new shocks. I know I'd have to get new longer springs of course, but does anyone have any recommendations of shocks that would be long enough for a 4-5" lift but would work in the meantime with 2-3" of lift until I decide to commit to it, maybe in a year or so?
Ideally without needing new shock mounts/towers but let me know if that's the only good way.
So far I've been considering OME 2" spring/shock kit as I've heard awesome stuff over and over again and would like an option that lasts me a while, but it seems their shocks wouldn't be long enough to take it higher in the future, although there is little overall info about shock lengths out there that I could find. Any Bilstein, Dobinsons, etc. longer and long-travel options? I've also heard that some LC 80/100 series front shocks are compatible with D1s, how about those?

It's worth noting that I'm an mech engineering student with some fabrication/manufacturing experience who loves a challenge and learning opportunity so I'd be making a bunch of my own custom parts such as shock adapters/mounts, spring spacers, adjustable links, bumper, etc. eventually or as needed.

Thanks in advance, any input is appreciated!

Cheers!

 

Don't complicate this. Bilstein shocks with Old Man Emu (OME) springs are an excellent combo. Or, OME springs and shocks. A D1 with a proper 2in lift and tires will get you 90% where you want to go. Going higher and you risk introducing other mechanical issues that just aren't worth it for a 28 year old Land Rover. Just my two cents.

 

Thanks for the input!

I ended up committing and going for OME springs and "longer" shocks, so looking forward to that! I was definitely overthinking this, so I'm glad I ordered the damn parts already.

Cheers