10 June 2026
Speak to one of our experts.
Speak to one of our experts.
18 June 2026
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Advice Blog
Some vehicles have a story behind them. Others have several.
This Land Rover Defender 130 started life as a Royal shooting vehicle before eventually finding a new purpose as a capable overland build. Today, it belongs to our long-standing distributor, LR Centre, who approached us with an idea: document the installation of a complete Polybush suspension overhaul while showcasing one of the most interesting Defenders in their collection.
Working alongside Fraser from LR Centre’s marketing team, we put together a project that would not only improve the vehicle’s suspension performance but also provide a useful fitting guide for Land Rover enthusiasts looking to upgrade their own Defender.
The Defender 130 has always occupied a unique position within the Land Rover range. Offering increased load capacity and wheelbase length over the Defender 90 and 110, the 130 has become a favourite among expedition builders, commercial operators and enthusiasts looking for a practical long-distance touring vehicle.
This particular example has an even more unusual history.
Originally commissioned as a Royal shooting vehicle, it was built to support countryside estate duties before eventually transitioning into civilian ownership. Over time, it has been transformed into a well-equipped overland vehicle, ready for adventure while retaining the character and heritage that make older Defenders so appealing.
Like many classic Land Rovers, however, years of use inevitably take their toll on suspension components.
Suspension bushes are one of the most overlooked wear items on any Land Rover.
As original rubber bushes age, they begin to soften, crack and deteriorate. This can lead to vague steering, increased suspension movement, poor axle control and unwanted noise or vibration.
For a vehicle designed to travel long distances both on and off-road, maintaining proper suspension geometry and axle location is essential.
That’s where Polybush comes in.
For this project, we supplied a comprehensive range of suspension components covering virtually every major bush location on the vehicle.
The installation included:
Of particular interest were the uprated bonded bushes fitted to both the panhard rod and rear radius arm locations, helping to maintain precise axle control while retaining the compliance required for comfortable road use – We developed these for the Military many years ago and thought, what a perfect vehicle to use them on, being that it’s top-heavy.
Land Rover owners often face a choice between standard replacement rubber bushes and polyurethane alternatives.
At Polybush, our products are engineered specifically to offer the benefits of polyurethane without the drawbacks often associated with traditional rubber bushes.
Unlike rubber, Polybush polyurethane bushes are highly resistant to oil contamination, road grime, UV exposure and age-related degradation.
Reducing unwanted flex allows suspension components to work more effectively, helping maintain accurate steering and stable handling.
Our unique polyurethane formulation is designed to improve control without introducing excessive harshness into the ride.
Unlike many polyurethane bushes on the market, Polybush products are designed to be fitted dry. There is no requirement for greasing and no risk of grease attracting dirt or causing future maintenance headaches.
Every Polybush component is manufactured in Britain using our proprietary polyurethane formulations and produced under ISO 9001-accredited quality systems.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was collaborating with the team at LR Centre.
As one of our trusted distributors and genuine Land Rover enthusiasts, they understand exactly what owners expect from their vehicles. Their Defender 130 provided the perfect platform to demonstrate both the installation process and the benefits of a complete suspension refresh.
Special thanks must also go to Fraser, whose enthusiasm for the project helped bring everything together. From planning the content through to documenting the vehicle’s history and overseeing production, his involvement ensured we could tell the story behind the Defender as well as the technical side of the upgrade.
Following the installation, the Defender retained everything that makes a classic Land Rover enjoyable while benefiting from improved suspension control, sharper steering feel and the confidence that comes from replacing decades-old suspension components.
For owners restoring a Defender, preparing an overland build or simply maintaining a cherished Land Rover, replacing worn suspension bushes remains one of the most effective upgrades available.
This project serves as a reminder that sometimes the best vehicles are those with a story to tell — and this ex-Royal Defender 130 certainly has plenty of stories left in it.
Watch the full installation video to see the complete Polybush upgrade and learn more about this remarkable Land Rover Defender 130 overlander.
10 June 2026
