leaf spring to coil spring conversion

Probie · Post by **Probie** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:16 pm

hi guys i'm relatively new to the 4wd scene and i've already given my zook a 2in body lift and am running 31's. i'm thinking about converting it from leaf sprung to coil sprung and i'm just after some info about how hard it might be or if it's worth doing???? As i said i'm only thinking about it at the moment and any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks guys.

Post by **suzuki boy** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:41 pm

Before you get grilled have you been through the bible?

Post by **v840** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:46 pm

If you're thinking of doing it yourself, Im sorry to say that the fact that you have to ask about it sort of shows that you shouldnt be doing it.

There is alot of work involved and if you are in any way unfamiliar with link suspensions there is a very high probability you will fark it up. If you want to maintain handling, ride, driveability etc. there is a very small margin for error.

If you are deadset keen, take it to a specialist such as Overkill. I have no idea how much it would cost but I would be budgeting around $6K-$10K.
Not cheap.

Post by **v840** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:48 pm

Alternatively, do a search on 4-links, 3-links, link set ups, 4-link/3-link calculators and read read read read read.

There is alot of knowledge out there waiting to be absorbed.

Post by **VR Rodeo** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:46 pm

Before anyone else asks it

What are you trying to achieve by converting to coils ?? Flex, comfort or others ??

Post by **grimbo** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:37 am

have you also looked inot the legaliites of it? What state are you in?

I can't really see much point in doing the conversion unless you are also going to go to a much larger tyre, extend the wheelbase. If you are only staying on a 31" or thereabouts I can't see any point

Post by **Gwagensteve** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:54 am

No, it's not worth doing. It will cost lots of money and almost guarantee it's never finished/doesn't work very well/breaks/is illegal and probably won't work as well as a leaf car.

If your new to 4WDing you need to join the suzuki club in your area and drive your car on lots and lots of trips before you decide what to do.

Steve.

Post by **mugginsmoo** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:52 pm

X2

drive it, then see what is working in your area, then change it

Post by **bazooked** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:23 pm

Gwagensteve wrote:No, it's not worth doing. It will cost lots of money and almost guarantee it's never finished/doesn't work very well/breaks/is illegal and probably won't work as well as a leaf car.

If your new to 4WDing you need to join the suzuki club in your area and drive your car on lots and lots of trips before you decide what to do.

Steve.

comeon steve, its not that hideous and it works fantastic, i bought a kit from overkill and fitted it my self, if i had another zuk i wouldnt hesitate to do it again. from memory when i did it the kit cost me about 2k, without shox or brake lines.

Post by **redzook** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:33 pm

Gwagensteve wrote:No, it's not worth doing. It will cost lots of money and almost guarantee it's never finished/doesn't work very well/breaks/is illegal and probably won't work as well as a leaf car.

some of the stuff that i read that u have written makes me laugh

thanks for the entertainment

Post by **Gwagensteve** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:59 pm

Hang on a minute team...

I wasn't a having a go at Overkills kit or saying that coil conversions are all pointless. Whilst a have no personal experience with overkills kits, I have only heard good things about them.

HOWEVER

I don't think a coil coversion is a valid modification for someone new to 4WDing with a car running 31's. I don't believe there is a useful advantage at that point.

Even if an overkill kit was purchased, the owner would probably have more $$ in the coils/fitting/certing than in the whole rest of the car, and it would be hard to see how they're going to get more out of experience of owning a sierra on 31's for the expense and time involved.

and as for building a conversion (which I believe the owner was implying) Do you seriously think that's a suitable mod for someone new to 4WDing? I have seen some workshop built coil converted cars with terrible handling and behaviour on and off road. It's a massively involved job and very easy to get wrong at a fundamental level resulting in a car that drives worse than the original leaf setup in 99% of conditions. (pretty much all except posing on a ramp)

I'm glad I make you laugh Tim.

Steve.

Probie · Post by **Probie** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 6:19 pm

Thanks for all of your input so far guys. As I said in the first place it was only an idea which didn't necessarily mean that i was going to do it. I just wanted to find out info(if it was worth doing). Once again thanks very much for all of your input.

Post by **MART** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:02 pm

What state are you in probie , and what slills have you got , Cheers Paul.

Probie · Post by **Probie** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 5:03 pm

Paul i'm in qld and as i said in the beginning i'm relatively new to the fourby scene (only been off-road a handful of times). The next step i will be doing soon is joining a local club, go on a few tag-a-longs etc.

Outer Limits 4x4 Board