Thread: Front parabolic springs. 1977 SWB

Originally Posted by Gusto1971

Struggling to make sense of it all...

I have installed new parabolic springs all round on a complete but for but rebuild.

Rear springs have been installed with no problems but the front springs are a cluster f**k.

Baseline:
Chassis alignment is good and within tolerance
Engine and gearbox are fitted to vehicle
I have take the front shocks off to attempt to resolve the issue
The measurement between the front dumb iron fixing and the back fixing point is approx 890mm and is consistent with the two other vehicle I have compare it to. It is also (mostly given my tape was not entirely flat) consistent with the LR repair manual dimensions of 879mm (L+K)
New parabolic springs are coded LR001L. I believe they were made by GME but were purchased from craddocks
Shackle bolts are loosely fitted

The issue:
The measurement between the centre of the hubs is 89&1/2” on the drivers side and 88&1/4 on the passenger side
The front axle is sitting around 35mm forward of the bump stop (centre line)
The shackles are sitting forward of centre (approx 10deg angle) rather than sloping backwards

Most notably:
The front propeller shaft (even when fully extended) won’t reach the transfer box (short by 5-10mm).

Given the measurements appear to stack up, the only item I haven’t been able to put to bed is the length of the springs (870mm between the bolt holes). Unfortunately, the previous spring are no longer with us, but I have measured several other vehicles and most have sat at around 920mm between bolts.

I’d welcome any suggestions, or if anyone has a set of front parabolics on an 88 - maybe a compassion measurement between bolt holes.

Are they on backwards?
I seem to remember that the spring perch is not central on the spring.

Common problem - one of either.

1. poor quality,
2. wrong way around
3. heavy duty - not needed on the front
4. 109 springs instead of 88 springs

Garry

Looks like there is something funny about those springs. The axle does look too far forward.
I have 2 leaf parabolics on a 109 and the distance between spring eyes is 910-920mm (loaded).
Different brand, (TI Console)
109 and 88 front springs are the same length. LR front springs are approx. 900mm between spring eyes loaded.
You could try swapping the springs end to end, but shouldn't make a lot of difference. (measure first).
Good luck.
Terry

Originally Posted by rover-56

Looks like there is something funny about those springs. The axle does look too far forward.
I have 2 leaf parabolics on a 109 and the distance between spring eyes is 910-920mm (loaded).
Different brand, (TI Console)
109 and 88 front springs are the same length. LR front springs are approx. 900mm between spring eyes loaded.
You could try swapping the springs end to end, but shouldn't make a lot of difference. (measure first).
Good luck.
Terry

Thanks Terry. That sounds like a good idea. I’ll let you know how I go.

Originally Posted by 101RRS

Common problem - one of either.

1. poor quality,
2. wrong way around
3. heavy duty - not needed on the front
4. 109 springs instead of 88 springs

Garry

Thanks Gary.
1. GME brand is supposed to be good quality
2. Looking into this on Saturday
3. Not heavy duty (as far as I know ) but will investigate further with supplier
4. Had some concerns re this. Invoice notes product code for 88.

Originally Posted by Phil B

Are they on backwards?
I seem to remember that the spring perch is not central on the spring.

Have run a string line and plumb bob and seems equidistant. Going to pull everything off to check tomorrow to check further. Will let you know.

You have the driver side spring on backwards , the centre bolt hole is not in the middle of the spring.

The spring should be shorter behind the diff than in front , flip the driver side around. The stencilled part number is usually at the front on both sides. Also check that the centre bolt head is actually engaged into the centre hole under the perch , Some perches you can drop the axle forward or behind the centre hole.