80in front spring options

[Summiitt]

I've just noticed the front left spring has a cracked main leaf at the rear shackle..what's my best bet, can you still source whole spring packs or will it be a custom job?...it's a 52 model, cheers for any advise.

[chazza]

You don't say how wide your springs are, but if they are the same width as later models, you can buy complete sets but be aware that the spring-rate can often be too high with aftermarket springs.

If the rest of pack looks OK, you might be better off having a new main spring made by a spring-works,

Cheers Charlie

[123rover50]

He could do that or pinch the leaf from another later series spring pack.
He thinks its 52 so probably the wide one.

Keith

[wrinklearthur]

He could do that or pinch the leaf from another later series spring pack.
He thinks its 52 so probably the wide one.

That was my approach when I needed to replace a main leaf. I removed a pair of main leaves from a spare set and replaced only the main leaf on both sides to keep the stance of the Land Rover correct.

Changing the entire spring can be a over kill as the spring rate for the heavier later model is too strong for a lighter 80".

Take the broken spring and the matching spring, into a spring works and get only the main leaves replaced, doing this isn't that expensive either and I would have new bushes fitted at the same time.
.

[Summiitt]

Thanks guys, I spoke to the guys who do my trucks steering and suspension and they said just bring the spring packs in and they will get 2 new leaves made up, assemble and make up new U bolts...wheres the best place for new bushes? Are they interchangeable with 86in models?

[wrinklearthur]

wheres the best place for new bushes?
Not sure at the moment, but the quality does vary a bit


Are they interchangeable with 86in models?
Yes they are all the same the only difference is the bush through the chassis, they can either be a single long one or two halves .
.

[slug_burner]

The spring steel material available now is much thicker than that used on 50s LRs. I don't know how they go about replacing a leaf in a pack?

[Lotz-A-Landies]

You can use the leaves from later vehicles, or even the entire spring pack but you should remove a leaf or two.

The best way to go is to check for wear near the eyes at each end, you will often find that the secondary leaf wears the main leaf and the break occurs where the shoulder of the wear pattern is.

See if you can find a good pair of late S1 or SII springs with little or no wear in the same place and then replace the main and secondary leaf on each pack.

You will need to open the and close the retainers using a oxy or propane torch. Clean all of your leaves with a wire wheel to remove grit and dirt, paint and then reassemble with grease between the leaves. You won't know the vehicle afterwards.