Springs

[numpty]

I need some softer springs in the rear of Leon (S1) and someone suggested that S2 road springs should do the job.

Does anyone have a set of rear SWB springs that I could purchase, preferably in the Brisbane/Sunshine Coast area.

[Xtreme]

Have you tried greasing between the leaves?
I did this on a Series III once and it made a world of difference.
No need to remove them, just take the weight off the springs, drive a thin wedge between the leaves to open them up a little and then spread some grease around with something like a hacksaw blade.

[JDNSW]

It is highly likely that the rear (and front) springs would benefit from an overhaul - remove from the vehicle, disassemble, clean all leaves of rust, repaint, coat rubbing surfaces with graphite grease or similar, and reassemble. If still considered necessary after the reconditioning, one or two leaves could be omitted when reassembling, probably the third and fifth from the top.

John

[101RRS]

I thought later series 1 swb springs were the same as series 2 and series 3 88 springs.

Am I mistaken ?

Garry

[numpty]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I do know all about overhauling the springs, but as they are a heavy duty set I wish to change them for a softer set. And yes, I believe all later S1's are similar to S2 and 3 88".

[isuzurover]

Thanks for the suggestions, but I do know all about overhauling the springs, but as they are a heavy duty set I wish to change them for a softer set. And yes, I believe all later S1's are similar to S2 and 3 88".

How many leaves and what thickness are your set. Good Genuine SWB springs can be hard to find. It may be easier to pull a couple of leaves out of yours and get them reset.

[JDNSW]

How many leaves and what thickness are your set. Good Genuine SWB springs can be hard to find. It may be easier to pull a couple of leaves out of yours and get them reset.

Good genuine Landrover (SWB or LW springs are hard to find - mainly because it seems the right thickness leaf material is not available in this country (and apparently has never been).

John

[isuzurover]

Good genuine Landrover (SWB or LW springs are hard to find - mainly because it seems the right thickness leaf material is not available in this country (and apparently has never been).

John

I think it was available many years ago (pre metric system!). Most manufacturers prefer to use thicker leaves, so 5 mm seems to be the minimum thickness that is commonly available these days.

Aftermarket springs use 5mm leaves and the same number of leaves as OE, so the spring rate is dramatically increased.

[JDNSW]

I think it was available many years ago (pre metric system!). Most manufacturers prefer to use thicker leaves, so 5 mm seems to be the minimum thickness that is commonly available these days.

Aftermarket springs use 5mm leaves and the same number of leaves as OE, so the spring rate is dramatically increased.

Yes, I think you are right. The thicker leaves (for the same spring length and number of leaves) obviously increase the rate pretty dramatically - in proportion to thickness everything else being equal, I think - but have two other effects; the one the other manufacturers are looking for, that for the same rate the spring will be lighter and cheaper, and the one that they don't worry about, but Rover apparently did; for the same rate, the spring with thinner leaves can deflect further and/or more often with with less sagging or likelihood of breaking.

John

[Xtreme]

Yes, I think you are right. The thicker leaves (for the same spring length and number of leaves) obviously increase the rate pretty dramatically - in proportion to thickness everything else being equal, I think - but have two other effects; the one the other manufacturers are looking for, that for the same rate the spring will be lighter and cheaper, and the one that they don't worry about, but Rover apparently did; for the same rate, the spring with thinner leaves can deflect further and/or more often with with less sagging or likelihood of breaking.

John

Interesting points John.

Maybe that is why Series III rear springs have workrd so well on my camper trailer - it handles the load, rides quite well and doesn't bounce arount like those fitted with short, stiff 'trailer' springs.