Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi

I am new to this forum and have been very impressesd with the knowledge of most of the members. I am also very fortunate to have stumbled accross this site where there seems to be extensive knowledge on the use of Volvo axles in Range Rovers as I have just purchased a set. In South Africa, where I am based, no one has yet to undertake this conversion.

I have a 1983 Rangie that I use for local competitions. It is not road worthty and is used strictly off road. I am looking for advise on the suspension link setup for the portal axles, particulaly the front. What I had in mind is moving both axles +- 100mm forward to get better weight distribution and using a four link front with hydro steering.

I am looking for any suggestions on how to set up the links.

Looking forward to the ressponses.

Mike

Hey, ex-Capetonian here....

Good to see OL has made it all the way to SA...

You might want to head over to www.pirate4x4.com and go read through Bellavista's tech atricles on suspenion design...
I am however pretty sure Bill, aka Daddylonglegs will be able to help...

Where do you guys go driving near Cape Town...

Hi landy-man

Good to hear from someone from this part of the woods. Where are you based now?

There are many trails in the area, but the challenges mainly held in brick quarries etc.

I have been reading on the Pirate forum but am reluctant to post there in fear of a roasting. They are extremely intolerant of Newbies with "stupid" questions. I am sure that I will get more patience, understanding and information on Volvo axles here.

How do I post a pic? (I expect a roasting for this)

Mike
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seeing you are a Saffa i will not tell you to search NOOB
when you reply at the bottom is add attachment..locate file etc...

i am now in Melbourne...used to live in Bantry Bay, then hermanus, then Bots... used to work for Drifters doing overlands

i know what you meen about pirate...
if you go to the actual website not the forum and into the tech section there is heaps of info

Thanks

ah so that's where you're from craig.

mike, the best thing to do is to start figuring out how you will go about this conversion. then ask specific questions to bill when you need to.

but hopefully soon my rangie will be going through this mod. i will try to take lots of photos. but the tech and knowledge will come from bill.

where did you think i was from Nam...
most people do think i am from NZ cause i dont have much of a SA accent

how did it feel to lose the cricket world cup?

i actually thought you were dutch, so i wasn't totally far orf.

Hey Mike, Welcome aboard. I sent you a PM describing suspension design. I hope you received it. NAM, maybe you could post some clear detailed photos of your axles before they go in your Rangey.
Regards Bill.

dutch...lol..
not too much of a cricket fan... Rugby Union is my game...and dont mention the RWC either

mike, you've come at an unlucky time because Outerlimits is having troubles with pictures again. :(

but there are a few pics of axles with suspension mounts welded already in this thread: http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modul ... hp?t=12640

when the pics are back up, see if you find them of any use. if you need other photos, i'm happy to oblige.

Road Worthy Cert???

*Hijack off!

Dave

mike, I personally do not see any great benefit in 4 link for strictly off road work . a properly sorted 3link as on the 110 I converted handled well on road and under the heavy braking test that was required for road registration. With 4 links you need much more compliant bushings to gain the same articulation as 3 link with much firmer bushings. It is also more difficult to find adequate operating room for the 4th link without altering too many other components. Bill.

shut up dave. don't complicate things!

mike there is plenty of tech available in this group too: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Volvo303/

Thanks everyone for the advise.

Dave, as I mentioned in my first post, this vehicle is only used off road so road worthty cert. is not the issue. What I am looking for are links that will provide good articulation, stability and prevent axle wrap, which if I understand correctly, is more of a problem with portals. I intend to use coilovers front and rear.

Bill, thanks for the advise on your 3 link setup. Will this setup allow full turning with 37in tyres without them snagging on the radius arms?

Regard

Michael

Mike, unless you give your wheels more positive offset, which you would have to do if you plan on having bolt on beadlocks, you would have to put a lateral crank in the lower links to use full steering lock.
Bill.

Sorry Mike..

landy_man wrote:...and dont mention the RWC either

Ohh...I was only joking about the RWC..Rugby World Cup!

Not implying anything about Road Worthies!

Dave

Easy now