softer suspension

Post your questions about your suspension and steering problems here!
User avatar
ScottieJ
The Boss
The Boss
Posts: 11620
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:13 pm
Location: Chippenham, wiltshire

Re: softer suspension

Post by ScottieJ » Sun Feb 15, 2015 10:36 pm

I must be mad then as I think standard sj springs aren't to firm at all. In fact they dont ride that much firmer than YJs, there is a difference but I have no complaints about stock sj springs ride quality.

Tyre pressure plays a big role in the ride quality. 20psi max
Zuki Build

Steady as she goes!

Anton
I spend far too much time on here
I spend far too much time on here
Posts: 3859
Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:12 pm
Location: London

Re: softer suspension

Post by Anton » Sun Feb 15, 2015 11:04 pm

I think it depends on how much rust is between the leaf springs. Mine ride okish if there's been rain or if I give them a squirt of WD40, if it's been dry then it's spine shattering. I run 20psi.
1985 SJ413VX (SJ50V) with SPOA, rear disc brakes, 31x10.5R15 Kaiman Malatesta tyres, an MOT and a lot left to do!

My: Build thread To-do list Pay and Play map

User avatar
ScottieJ
The Boss
The Boss
Posts: 11620
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:13 pm
Location: Chippenham, wiltshire

Re: softer suspension

Post by ScottieJ » Mon Feb 16, 2015 1:37 am

Anton wrote:I think it depends on how much rust is between the leaf springs. Mine ride okish if there's been rain or if I give them a squirt of WD40, if it's been dry then it's spine shattering. I run 20psi.
Could also be because they are inverted looking at your avatar pic, when springs are inverted or completely flat at ride height it causes jacking as the spring can only get shorter during compression, as the spring gets shorter the shackle swings back effectively trying to lift the chassis.
Zuki Build

Steady as she goes!

Anton
I spend far too much time on here
I spend far too much time on here
Posts: 3859
Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:12 pm
Location: London

Re: softer suspension

Post by Anton » Mon Feb 16, 2015 2:21 am

They're not yet inverted, but they're getting there for sure!

It's one of the reasons I regret going SPOA. But until I get a bit better (healthwise) I can't really do the work to sort it properly.

Hopefully this summer I can totally redo the suspension. Assuming that I don't buy a Jimny and put my best bits in it instead!
1985 SJ413VX (SJ50V) with SPOA, rear disc brakes, 31x10.5R15 Kaiman Malatesta tyres, an MOT and a lot left to do!

My: Build thread To-do list Pay and Play map

kdalton
Got muddy boots
Got muddy boots
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2015 8:11 am

Re: softer suspension

Post by kdalton » Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:09 am

im going to take the leaf springs apart .give them a good clean wirebrush the rust off and lube them or put hmpw tape between the leafs.what the best stuff to lube them or what thickness tape should I use. thanks

User avatar
ROBBIE
I spend far too much time on here
I spend far too much time on here
Posts: 4555
Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:32 pm
Location: Dorset or stuck

Re: softer suspension

Post by ROBBIE » Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:44 am

Sid James gone but never forgotten
Jimny 1.6 not as good as an SJ but still good

Anton
I spend far too much time on here
I spend far too much time on here
Posts: 3859
Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:12 pm
Location: London

Re: softer suspension

Post by Anton » Mon Feb 16, 2015 2:49 pm

If you put lubrication between the leaf springs, be careful to wrap the leaf packs to keep crud out, especially sand. Otherwise you may find that your lubrication becomes grinding paste.
1985 SJ413VX (SJ50V) with SPOA, rear disc brakes, 31x10.5R15 Kaiman Malatesta tyres, an MOT and a lot left to do!

My: Build thread To-do list Pay and Play map

kdalton
Got muddy boots
Got muddy boots
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2015 8:11 am

Re: softer suspension

Post by kdalton » Tue Feb 17, 2015 6:34 am

so what thickness tape to use.thanks

User avatar
djc
Can I have a tow
Can I have a tow
Posts: 286
Joined: Sat Jun 07, 2014 6:11 am
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent

Re: softer suspension

Post by djc » Tue Feb 17, 2015 7:56 am

from a lot of the above I'm beginning to think mine have stiffened up then - the 'stiction' idea makes a lot of sense and my springs are original (most likely) so 24 years old and apart from re-bushing not been touched.
I too fancy trying the tape between leaves idea first maybe. If anyone sources the right tape with the right adhesive on could they let us know?
Re custom springs I did get a rough indicator, around 500-600 a set, and speccing them would involve a bit of guesswork probably!!
Straight n shiny '85 410 soft top.

Douglas

kdalton
Got muddy boots
Got muddy boots
Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2015 8:11 am

Re: softer suspension

Post by kdalton » Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:55 am

how long does the tape last for on the leafs.

Post Reply