ifs rears - removing leaves...

[gurumon]

i have ifs rears on an ifs lux (xcab - 2000 model)

2inch extended shackles on the rear (and 2" over standard shocks)

it doesn't flex at all - so in the tradition of trying to make things better without spending any $$$ - i want to remove some leaves...

there's 2 x folded over clip type things joining leaves 1-4 at the front of the axle and leaves 1-3 at the rear of the axle..... also a u bolt type thing that allows the springs to move about 2inches up - this holds all leaves together and attaches just behind the axle..

here's a picture.... (the dots are just for spacing.... the - indicates leaves)


1..@----------------------------------------------------------------@
2....-----------------------------------------------------------------
3.......-------------------------------------------------------------
4...............-------------------------------------------
5..................-----------------------------------


which leaves should i remove? and should i do anything to the clip / ubolt things?

[plowy]

Merry xmas , if u undo these spring clamps yes u will get more flex ,if u remove leaves it will make the suspension softer and with the clamps off a great amount of flex.It all depends on the amount of flex u want also if u take leaves out , the less wieght the car can carry and if u take to many leaves out it may lower the back of the vechile so much u might have to lower the front to suit the look of the car Id start with the spring clamps first ,if u do go further either be carefull if re using the centre bolt n u bolts do stuff them especially in holiday time with no one open hope the info helps

[gurumon]

thanks mate... and a merry xmas to you to...

guess the clamps have to go.... have read mixed ideas on what this does to handling - some people say horror stories, other ppl say they notice no difference.

the question is.... what leaves should i remove?
the most the tray ever has in it is 300 kilos.

i could really use some suspension theory 101...
im guessing the longer the leaf the more flexi it is, and the shorter the leaf the less flexi and more load bearing it is... so going on my diagram above i should try removing leaves 4 and 5?????

gunna do this tomorrow - so if anyone has thoughts on why this would be a bad idea pls speak now

[shorty_f0rty]

just bugger it and buy a zook!

[MY45]

thanks mate... and a merry xmas to you to...

guess the clamps have to go.... have read mixed ideas on what this does to handling - some people say horror stories, other ppl say they notice no difference.

the question is.... what leaves should i remove?
the most the tray ever has in it is 300 kilos.

i could really use some suspension theory 101...
im guessing the longer the leaf the more flexi it is, and the shorter the leaf the less flexi and more load bearing it is... so going on my diagram above i should try removing leaves 4 and 5?????

gunna do this tomorrow - so if anyone has thoughts on why this would be a bad idea pls speak now

Do 3 and 4...will flex better than 4 and 5. Ive removed leaves and opened clamps and it rocks. Good luck

[eliteforce32]

yeah do what my45 said! i opened all mine up and its shit house on road, when going over bumps it rattles (the springs) and the move side to side after a good day of wheelin

[4sum4]

you need longer shocks aswell and your shackle angle should be around 45deg, removing leafs helps up travel and flattens the leaf pack for a little more down travel

[ausyota]

I would take out only the no 5 leaf.
I took out no 4 and 5 on my lux and it travelled great but leaves started to turn into S shape from axle wrap.
Also make new spring clamps that have a bolt through the top but make the bolt about 20mm or so above the pack. This lets the leaves twist up a bit when flexing but stops them from separating completely.
Paul.