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Iveco 4x4 spring snap ! Iveco 4x4 spring snap !
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Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 23 Apr 2007
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Location: Wales UK
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Question Iveco 4x4 spring snap !
HELP

hello people.
Have recently snapped the 'mother spring' on my leaf spring.
I am currently at far end of Turkey just by Iranian border.
I MUST be in Baku (Azerbaijan) by 5th of May to catch ferry to Turkmenistan.

Here's my dilema :

It appears that the 1995 35/10 4x4 model is somewhat rare here in Turkey and so therefore NOBODY seems to have spare leaf springs in stock.

I need to try and source some replacement springs (probably best to replace both now I think) and get them shipped out to me for fitting.

OR . . . is anybody aware of either an Iveco agent or a leaf spring manufacturer on route for me between : Gerogia > Azerbaijan > Uzbekistan > Kazakhstan ?

will happily pay all costs if somebody in UK could source and ship to me ?

thanks.

Phil. (slightly desperate but still smiling !!!! )
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  #2  
Old 23 Apr 2007
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Hi Phil , I once snapped a merc spring where i could not get another....I had a local blacksmith Take a longer spring and turn the eyes to make a spring the same as mine. they are really good mechanics in turkey some of the best I have come across. people I met always had there work done there on the way to India. I had good experience in Dogabyizit which sounds close to where you are as it is the last town before Iran.

Graeme
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  #3  
Old 27 Apr 2007
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Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear about your slight problem. Mine snapped in Ghana due to severe overloading, I managed another 200 km (gently) before they were replaced.
Are you sure it’s worth shipping genuine parts from Europe?
Before leaving for WA in 2003 I investigated the replacement of my (already tired) rear spring packs, or the possibility of carrying a spare. At over 300 euros a pack (!!) I decided to take the risk and get an African repair if needed.
Very glad I did, the garage I found in Accra sourced a set of Mercedes springs, had the eyes adjusted for my spring length and I got a bit of a lift too. (the rear eye was put above the spring gaining me about 10 cm)
All for ¼ of the European price.
The spring packs are really heavy, too. It took two mechanics to manoeuvre it. DHL could be costly.
It’s not necessary to stay on Iveco genuine parts if you replace both sides.
The spring blades are a very standard width; ask around there must be a friendly blacksmith who would be prepared to adapt a local product for you.
Check your mail.
Good luck
Luke

Let us know how you got on
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  #4  
Old 30 Apr 2007
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thanks guys
Hi Graeme / Luke
Thanks for the replies.
Sounds like I must have been little unlucky with my mechancic in Dogubayazit. He really wasn't keen on idea of finding another spring and getting modified.
However, we did manage a temp fix of weld and clamp which seems to be lasting.

I think I will try in Kazak to find some mercedes springs and have them modified to fit.

I know sounds ludicrous question but can either of you remember which model mercedes springs came off ?

Thanks again guys.

Phil.
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  #5  
Old 30 Apr 2007
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Hi Phil, the spring I had made was for a mercedes, and the work was done in india.....anyway just find a spring that is the same width and the same thickness....ish.....and as long as it is longer a good blacksmith will copy yours. the thing is the spring steel is spring steel, well more or less. so dont worry too much and dont buy a merc spring as you wont have any money left for your travels!

Graeme
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