Smooth suspension set up

[engineer]

We extended the front and rear springs by 8" (4" each side of centre bolt) and this improved the ride over rough terrain. It is worth investigation if you are doing some very "average"(bloody rough in australian language ) roads, it will save your back!! I do 18,000 Kilometres in 5 months during our dry season over corrugations that are at least 3-4" deep and 3-4' apart. This suspension set up saves the truck a little too, as they are constructed out of aluminium.

 

[Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski]

Could you explain more in detail what this extension involves exactly ?
Possibly with images ?
Thank you.

 

[engineer]

OK, we use a 13 leaf spring pack and no helper springs. The spring hangers on the chassis are removed and relocated using the ex-front holes as the new rear holes.
Locate Bolts through the rear of the spring hanger and insert into the old holes that are closer to the front of the truck, it should move the front spring eye at least 4" forward. Do the same for the rear (working towards the back of course) which should move the rear shackle about 4" rearward.
I then took the measurements to the local springworks and had them made. Eye to Eye measurement and spring depth.
I would love to post photos, but all i have are printed shots and i can't get the bloody HP to talk to my imac!!! :ar15:

 

[Bajaroad]

Modifying stock springs

Has anyone considered modifying the existing stock spring stack to soften the ride?
Maybe it is possible to remove one or more leaves - I've heard of adding leaves.
Or maybe it's possible to alter the shape of the main leaf (grinder).

I want softer front leaf springs with a supplimental air spring that can be adjusted to the load - my load will vary greatly depending on whether the camper is on or off.

 

[engineer]

That would be interesting Baja. It is possible to do via removing the origional pack and manufacturing new main and Wrapper slightly longer to compensate for the increased arc (and maybe a little heavier). This in turn would also make more room for a bellows type airbag between the Chassis rail and top of the spring. (just have to get rid of the spacer and bump stop) Then mount a compressor and reserve tank. Thomas built a compressor that went to 8 bar a few years back which should be enough to support the mass on the steer axle. I would retain the origional shock absorbers as they make good travel limiters.
Sounds like a great little project, i wish my scanner was working......

 

[Gold Boy]

on my 74 land cruiser i have front bucket suspension seats, the consist of a scissor type frame with a couple of springs and a shock absorber,
you adjust the spring knob to your body weight. they work quite well off road.

an option that could be adapted to the fg.