Defender · Defender 90 / 110 / 130 · 1990s–2016
Defender (Classic) suspension
Coil suspension, steering and chassis parts for Land Rover models, from the live-axle Defender to independent-suspension Range Rovers.
What is specific to the Defender (Classic)
Suspension layout on the Defender (Classic): Permanent four-wheel drive with a two-speed (high and low range) transfer case, beam axles on coil springs, separate steel chassis. No air suspension.
There is no air suspension on this model, so every spring and damper is a conventional part.
Have this ready when you enquire
- The 17-character VIN from your licence document, which identifies your exact Defender 90 / 110 / 130 (sold here 1990s–2016) and its build.
- The exact derivative, for example 90 300Tdi, 110 Td5 County, 110 2.8i and 110 2.4 TDCi Puma, as listed on your licence document.
- Whether the vehicle is on air or steel springs (the data says no air suspension).
- A photo of the old part or its part number, if you can get to it.
Known Defender (Classic) suspension faults
None of the Defender (Classic) faults we track fall in this system, so there is no known weak point to warn you about here. Send the part name with your VIN and the team will confirm the right suspension for your vehicle.
Parts commonly needed for the Defender (Classic)
Defender owners mostly buy parts to keep a working vehicle working: suspension bushes, shocks and springs, swivel housing and hub components, brake parts, clutch kits and propshaft universal joints.
Choose the Defender (Classic) part
Defender (Classic) suspension questions
Does the classic Defender use air suspension?
No. The classic Defender uses beam axles on coil springs on a separate steel chassis, which is part of why it is simpler to repair than air-sprung Land Rovers. Common suspension orders are springs, shock absorbers, suspension bushes and swivel components.
Does my Land Rover have air suspension or coil springs?
Discovery 3, Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport and full-size Range Rovers from the L322 onwards mostly use air suspension, and you will see ride height controls on the dashboard or centre console. Classic Defenders, Discovery 1 and most Freelanders, Evoques and Discovery Sports use coil springs. Some models, including the Discovery 2, Discovery 5, Velar and new Defender, were offered with either depending on version. Check the VIN or look for air springs at the wheels.
Why does my Land Rover clunk over bumps?
Worn anti-roll bar drop links, bushes and ball joints are the most common causes. On coil-sprung Defenders and Discoverys, check radius arm and Panhard rod bushes. On Discovery 3 and 4, front lower arm bushes are a common wear point. A workshop can pinpoint it with the vehicle on a lift.
Suspension for other Defender models
Other Defender (Classic) systems
For how these parts work and the signs of wear, read the Land Rover suspension guide.
The right suspension for your Defender (Classic)
Share the VIN and engine number and the SparesBoyz parts team will check fitment before quoting.