I did it in a V8 110 in Tanzania to NgoroNgoro crater from Arusha, rest of the group were in a 109 or LC troopy.
Leaf springs on those corrugations, no thanks.
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hi Tins, can you explain the difference between elliptic , semi elliptic and parabolic leaf springs. Not a test , but I'm interested in why manufacturers didnt use elliptic springs if they work so well.
Den.
Probably more accurate to call the springs in the OKA semi-elliptic. There are many "cons" to these. Weight, length, cost are the main ones. In an OKA the length is not an issue, and it's that length that gives them the suppleness they are known for. There are some OKAs that were converted to coils, and the owners have regretted the change. Thing is, the OKA was not really designed for heavy load carrying. Most have a GVM of 6 tonnes. Mine is 5, and it gets to that with only full tanks and food etc and two people. To increase the load capacity you would need to add leaves, or shorten the spring overall, which would ruin the ride.
Remember, the OKA was designed over 40 years ago. The initial series, like mine, had one damper per wheel. The suspension flex over corrugations would boil the oil in the dampers, so OKA modified the later ones to have two per wheel. That isn't needed anymore as dampers have improved out of sight. Back then, air suspension was an expensive, complex and unreliable nightmare. Now, all modern HVs have it. An OKA will never compete with, say, a D$ for ride over corrugations, but they still beat most coils sprung 4WDs.
Anyway... Elliptic are just that, an ellipse, so from the side they look eye shaped 👁️, with a top and bottom inverted leaf. Semi does away with the top leaf, but retains the longer length. Parabolic is more of a cup shape ( exaggerated I know ), deeper and shorter. Can carry more, but are rock hard when unloaded, with little flex. Think a prime mover without trailers. Leaf sprung PMs are virtually undriveable bobtail, if you want to keep your teeth.
You can see the length and flex of the OKA springs here:
https://youtu.be/W4k1ZbJS80E'si=ZXqZfIhbDQzkJF8j
The downside to parabolic is any failure is catastrophic and usual failure point is at the front eye, so potentially dangerous also.
Harry again. Some of his gripes wouldn't worry me at all, but he doesn't complain about having to put it in low 1st to engage the CDL. That would bother me. Either he isn't doing it properly or we were truly spoilt with the LT230.
https://youtu.be/mJOIbh6tFVY'si=Sl3F_Yu0skN9e2Xe
I also watched it, i think they need to make some changes in the next software update. From the vids i've watched there are a few steps that could be removed just by changing the software, should be able to lock the CDL in high and low range.
Just watching the rugby union which is sponsored by Defender on ground and Ineos snuck the Grenadier into the ad break.