What to do to front springs?

[DatRacer]

My current std fronts are sagged to the point that they bend the opposite way compared to the day they were placed on my lux. I have the oppurtunity to pick up a pair of front springs to suit my hilux. They have never been used and they are probably only going to cost a couple of cartons. Any suggestions on what I can (cheaply) do to them before I fit them to try and gain a little more flex?

Craig

[high n mighty]

Read something a while ago about putting graphite tape material in between leaves(grind em smooth first). also, bend the straps that hold the leafs together back.

[308LUX]

pull a few leafs to gain a bit of flex

[toymad]

You can get decent flex out of the standard front springs.
I run standards in the front of mine, all i have done is opened the clips up 90 deg. so the leaves can separate. And cut the Wraper off ( where the second leaf wraps around the main leaf ) so once again the leaves can separate.
If you do this & use slightly longer shocks( i used standard length hilux rears, modified with a pin at the top ) it will flex enough that the front shaft will separate ( so lengthen your front shaft as well ) only other thing is i dont run the torque rod.
Works a treat

Can get some close up photo's if you want

[Webbie]

You can get decent flex out of the standard front springs.
I run standards in the front of mine, all i have done is opened the clips up 90 deg. so the leaves can separate. And cut the Wraper off ( where the second leaf wraps around the main leaf ) so once again the leaves can separate.
If you do this & use slightly longer shocks( i used standard length hilux rears, modified with a pin at the top ) it will flex enough that the front shaft will separate ( so lengthen your front shaft as well ) only other thing is i dont run the torque rod.
Works a treat

Can get some close up photo's if you want

P.S DONT TRY THIS ON ROAD thats all cool but if its a daily driver and the spring snaps( HERESAY ONLY ) on the front your f@cked and not going to be able to steer the biatch and if you hert someone else GOD FOREBID its proably goodnight watch ya fingers CLINK time.
but that just IMO

[DatRacer]

The ok/legal way. Pull a a leaf out of each pack.

The dodgy/illegal way open up my spring clamps?

Craig

[Area54]

Leave them the way they are, clamps closed, and keep the torque rod. Keeps the front end nice and strong, controllable on the trails. Make up for the lack of flex with good driving style.

Pulling a leaf out of the pack in the front will only make it lower sooner.

[toymad]

This is only a suggestion as to get more flex outa the standard springs ( thats what he asked ) Everythings a compromise, its up to him to make up his own mind on what he wants. I have NEVER had a problem with the way mine is set up, If the main breaks there is still enough of the wrapper there to be safe.......

[Pesky Pete]

Since they are already sagged, opening up the clamps or pulling a leaf may only compound the problems you have now. In my opinion, trying to make your sagged springs flex is only a waste of time. I would say the best option is to have them reset by a spring specialist. Cost will vary of course, but will be well worth the effort.

If you are really looking for flex, an aftermarket kit would be the way to go to replace the kit altogether. A mate of mine put an Old Man Emu kit in his 60 series and it now flexes almost as much as an 80 series.

[DatRacer]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have been out playing on the trails and stuff out the back of redbank plains. Learning a few new things on the way. I have been very surprised at what I have been able to drive through/over/around/down etc simply by picking the right line. My mates tell me my truck seems to prefer to do things on three wheels rather than four. LoL. It lifts a wheel pretty easy.

Craig

[Area54]

I'm guessing it's always the front passenger wheel?

[Shorty40]

The other thing with cutting the wraps/clamps off is the spring pack has a tendency to "fan out", as there is nothing to control the lateral movement of the pack.

If you want to go this option for more flex, I would suggest heating the clamps up and then open them - DON'T CUT THEM OFF Unless you enjoy taking a hammer to your spring pack after every trip

[DatRacer]

Yeah, I understand about the spring packs. One of my previous cars was a hilux minitruck. I removed leaves in the rear when I lowered it and one of them was the leaf that contained the wraps. It didn't move too much on daily street driving but I can just imagine how much it would move in an off road vehicle. Never own a minitruck again. You can't take it anyway, not even a speed bump!

Area54: Lifted the rears as well. Don't get me wrong man. I am not saying the car is inadequate as it is, but things can always be improved upon. I believe that if I am going to the time and trouble to take something out and replace it why not make it better than it was? I have to agreee that picking the right line even in std form it does go quite well....even with bald tyres.

Craig