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Custom Leaf springs in Perth

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 10:23 pm
by Hoppy11
As stated, can anyone recommend anyone in perth that knows thier stuff when it comes to custom leafs.

I have 2 inch lifted leafs from West Coast Suspensions in the Hummer replica, the hummer weighs a little less than the original MK Patrol, it went over the pits at 2040kg's, 1020kg even split front and rear. Having less weight in the back and a VX V6 in the front has given the suspension a 3 inch lift, so it's probably a bit over sprung, i'm happy with the height. the shackle angle could be a bit better too. So I thought that longer leafs could be the go???. Then I would need shocks to suit. I have know idea about what i need, so any help/idea's would be great.

hoppy

Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 11:38 pm
by bulldogy
Longer leafs can give you a better shackle angle which can help with flex depending on leaf setup and rates. What leafs are you runing?

Got any pics?

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:01 am
by THE PIG
if you can PM me the part numbers of the spring s that westcoast supplied I can match a set that will give you the ride you want & the right length for the correct shackle angles etc.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:36 am
by ISUZUROVER
It might just be a matter of modding your current springs to make them a bit softer. I have designed/modded a few sets of springs. If you want to go down that path I am happy to help. You would need to find a spring works or smithy happy to reset and temper the modded spring packs though.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:37 am
by Hoppy11
THE PIG wrote:if you can PM me the part numbers of the spring s that westcoast supplied I can match a set that will give you the ride you want & the right length for the correct shackle angles etc.
I will contact WestCoast tomorrow for the numbers, Like I said, I'm happy with the height, but these springs were designed for a standard Patrol, not a Hummer bodied patrol. the shocks that were designed and sent with the springs were too short, pic below, they
were fully extended

Image

So I changed them for 2 inch longer GU ones.

I was thinking of getting these ones, not sure how they would go
http://www.locktup4x4.com.au/product/6a ... 85a38.aspx

This is how the suspension sits
Image

I have just put new GQ body rubbers in, which gave me an unwanted 1 inch body lift.

would it be better to bring the truck in so you can feel how it rides and see how it sits?? or would measurements be fine

hoppy

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:42 am
by Hoppy11
You can just see the front shackle here
Hoppy
Image

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:44 am
by Hoppy11
And this is about the extent of the flex
Hoppy
Image

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 12:57 am
by alien
try WA suspension in ozzie park... theyre ultra knowledgable and have decent prices.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:45 am
by bulldogy
I would also be opening up the leaf clamps to allow for a bit of extra movement make a U shaped new 1, only with 40-50 mm so the springs can open yet stay in place. Go for a softer pack aswell but i rekn oepn the pack flex it a few times real hard and see if she works and it may even drop the height down a little.

With the shocks the billies are great but just make sure to check they will have the correct dimensions collapsed and open flex it up and take measurements before buying shocks.

Dave

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:51 am
by ISUZUROVER
As above - change to bolted clamps - where you have clearance.

You could probably remove 1-2 leaves from your current packs and get them reset and tempered. No need to buy compoletely new springs.

If you can give me the weights and dimensions I am happy to run the calcs for you.

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:42 am
by Hoppy11
Allright then, I have not done anything with the springs yet, I have spoken to a couple of places about them, I took the shocks out the other day and drove around for 2 days with no shocks and the ride was much better, the front shock are from a GU patrol, cause the were the perfect lenght, but the are the wrong valving, the rears were sent with the springs, but they make the back end bounce around, there is a tree root running under the road just down from my house, when you hit it with the shocks in it tries to "buck" you like a horse, without shocks it feels like it does in the wifes X5 BMW, alot smoother, so I thought I should sort the shocks first. i am keen for the Bilstiens, 5125 or 5150's, or would adjustable's be a better way to go ?, I am getting confused as to what to do.

Hoppy

Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 10:33 am
by TWISTY
I dont think you can go wrong with the bilstein 5125s on a leaf sprung vehicle. Noticed a much better ride when I fitted mine, then the ride got better again with much longer leaves.