Old Man Emu D90 Install

This is an outlined procedure for the installation of an Old Man Emu suspension lift for a Land Rover Defender 90. We also installed a heavy-duty steering stabilizer and Safari Guard Rock Sliders. Luckily we had the advantage of using a shop that was equipped with air tool, hydraulic lift and a pit. These luxuries obviously make the installation of any thing much easier. We began on the front end where we removed the covers inside the engine bay that are above the struts. There were several small machine screws holdings these on. There are two long one that are required to hold a bracket on the right side of the vehicle. When reassembling remember to use the correct screws in the correct spots.

Next we used an impact socket wrench to remove the nuts on the top of the struts. If you have access to an impact this is the way to do it. Otherwise you must find someway to hold the strut shaft from turning while trying to break these lock nuts off. The next step is to raise the vehicle thus allowing the axle to drop. (You may also need to disconnect the sway bar to get the axle to drop far enough, Chris does not even have his sway bars on so this was not a concern.) Be careful and watch the brake lines, as you do not want to stretch them to far. We had no problems but the lines were taught. Next you must remove the nut that holds the bottom of the strut to the axle. We used a pipe wrench to hold the body of the strut while using an open-end wrench to turn the nut. The nut is hidden up under the spring pad and requires some patience to remove. Now you should be able to remove the strut and spring together in one shot.

The next step is to install the next strut and spring. The installation is pretty much the reverse of taking it apart. You may want to be careful when tightening the strut by using a vice grip in an inconspicuous spot on the strut body. This will prevent you from removing the nice yellow paint.

The front suspension is now complete. While Chris and Brett started on the rear, Brent and I decided to install the heavy-duty steering stabilizer. This was pretty much a straight forward procedure of removing the stock one and replacing it. We had a little trouble with the bushing on the new stabilizer. It was slightly to long to fit. Some quick work by Brent with the die grinder easily made a perfect fit.

Meanwhile work was proceeding in the rear. On the back pretty much the same steps are used. First remove the shock, then lift the vehicle to remove tension from the springs. In the back the shock is not mounted inside of the coil as in front. This allows a little better access to the shock and an easier removal.

The install was pretty straight forward and we did not really have any major problems. Obviously it was nice to have a shop with air tools and such.