coil springs

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 23, 2011 at 21:16

ThreadID: 83854 Views:2192 Replies:1 FollowUps:5

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Suspension

There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip.

leon

hi all
iam thinking of installing coil spring kit [ raiz-a-bac] to my bt-50 rear leaf
spring. or is there any other suggestion.

much appreciated leon

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Reply By: Member - Joe n Mel n kids (FNQ - Sunday, Jan 23, 2011 at 21:29

Sunday, Jan 23, 2011 at 21:29

i would be a bit careful, in the "later model" car it places the stress points from the load onto points not designed for it and you run the risk of cracking the chassis...
Have you looked at getting it re-sprung, you can set them up to be higher set and still have soft ride but load up better also ...... ...
If you are loading it up a lot i would do some research into 'Cracked chassis" problems with some of the more "lightweight" 4wd's, you may need to re-think how you are loading and what you carry...
Dont get me wrong, i have air bags on my car, a HZJ75, but the chassis is a bit stronger than some of the smaller cars.. i simply went them over re-setting the springs as i prefer the ride height to stay the same whatever the load, it keeps my lights at the set level and i do a bit of night driving in very remote areas with big cows n buffs n big things on the gravel ....
Cheers
Joe

AnswerID: 442847

Follow Up By: AGNI4x4 - Sunday, Jan 23, 2011 at 22:45

Sunday, Jan 23, 2011 at 22:45

Joe has pretty much covered it .................. loading an area that's not meant to be will create a failure every time ................. especially in suspension areas on heavy corrugated roads. Reset springs is the way to go and probably cheaper if you use the right place.
Cheers

FollowupID: 714888

Follow Up By: leon - Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 16:53

Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 16:53

when you say reset springs , would putting in a extra leaf do the same .

FollowupID: 714963

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 17:42

Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 17:42

Only if the radius is changed and it may make the ride harder.
Get them reset at a spring makers They will know what to do.

FollowupID: 714969

Follow Up By: Member - Joe n Mel n kids (FNQ - Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 18:50

Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 18:50

hi Leon, as Graham has said it will make it ride harder ...... re-setting is the best or go to the likes of the bigger off road shops and talk to them, they do spring kits that have "lift" built into them .... check out e-bay for price ideas ....
The things to think about is your expected load and ride you want, if you expect to carry heavy loads then you will need get a "stronger" spring and you will lose some comfort, if you simply want it lifted you can get higher but nice and soft, the springs are there for adsorbing the bumps and taking the stress away from the body and contents, the harder you make it the harder it is going to be on your car body and chassis, dont be scared of going on the soft side as long as the quality is good they will last and so will the car and contents ........

FollowupID: 714982

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 18:59

Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 18:59

I had a Bluebird wagon for a taxi and it was getting a bit saggy in the rear.
We put an extra leaf in and it stiffened it up so much the body was starting to flex before the springs.

Took the leaf out and reset the springs higher. It handled better and didnt sag with loads in as bad as before.

Unfortunately someone drove through the side of it before I could give them an extended test.

LOL

FollowupID: 714985