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Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
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  #1  
Old 12 Jun 2014
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Leaf springs

I have been told that it is possible to add one more leaf to my springs to combat sagging. As I have another set it may be an option. I was told to put the longest leaf in without an eye. This was not by a spring expert so I am looking for opinions on the matter.

Graeme
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Old 12 Jun 2014
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its certainly been done before, they do it quite often in Africa and yes, no eye in the longest leaf, though Im not sure what a sharp eyed MOT inspector would say, id be more tempted to go for a set of parabolic springs that are made up for the loaded weight of the vehicle.
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Old 13 Jun 2014
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I always wonder with parabolics, if they are so good, why didn't the manufacturer fit them as standard (I know some vehicles do have them as standard)?

If springs are sagging is it because they are old and need replacing (or, you can get them retempered) or is it because the vehicle is overloaded for the spring rate, in which case uprating to a heavy duty spring might help.
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Old 13 Jun 2014
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Hi,
I added a leaf to my rears, no problem and did help the sag a little. The thing to be aware of is, make sure your center bolts are long enough to take the extra leaf. You'll need longer replacements if not.
I also had my rears re-shaped in South Africa, this made much more of a difference & I was very happy with the results......ride is like hell now the trip's over and the weight is out though
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Old 13 Jun 2014
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The trouble with parabolic springs is they improve the ride, but don't cope as well with big changes of weight as regular leaf springs - so they are not normally OE on working vehicles, for an overlander/camper which is normally constantly loaded they work better.


Quote "ride is like hell now the trip's over and the weight is out though "


That is why I prefer coils and why I will never go back to a leaf sprung vehicle for overlanding again, if I need to I can swop all 4 springs to a different rate in a couple of hours and IMO have a much better ride and articulation.
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Old 13 Jun 2014
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rather than fitting a extra leaf , and re tempering is only a temporary fix , why not fit air helper springs in place of the bump stops , that way you can vary the amount of lift, as the load changes. JMHO
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Old 7 Jan 2015
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Leaf springs

Just had a good quote from LSP in Nottingham they can refurb or copy and replace less than half the price of Mercedes you can contact them on 01159609316
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Old 20 Jan 2015
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Thanks for that I am going to wait until the spring ......sorry about the pun


Graeme
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  #9  
Old 13 Sep 2015
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Jones Springs

I chose to buy a brand new set from Jones springs. They are heavy duty with an extra leaf as standard £320 + 20% Vat Delivered. Including new U bolts made to measure. Fantastic service and advice. No more sag.


About Jones Springs - Jones Springs Ltd.

Thanks for the advice

Graeme
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  #10  
Old 14 Sep 2015
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wow, thats a top tip
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