Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

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ScottieJ
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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by ScottieJ » Sun Oct 19, 2014 11:06 pm

donkeychomp wrote:The green one is on ebay for £1000 buy it now. No thanks. Doesn't have props, gearbox or engine. Someone has made a nice little SJ into a hunk of junk.
HuwJones wrote:
ScottieJ wrote:The green one yeah? I wouldn't touch it! Needs loads of work.
I can't remember, I look at too many! The one I saw was in bits, the chassis was separated from the shell and painted grey on axle stands.

Huw
Yes that is the one I'm on about. Look closer at the pics of the axles and you'll see what I mean.
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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by twiss » Sun Oct 19, 2014 11:32 pm

Scottie haven't you lengthened and welded your chassis ;)
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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by ScottieJ » Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:43 am

twiss wrote:Scottie haven't you lengthened and welded your chassis ;)
No the YJ kit is 100% bolt on :thefinger:
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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by twiss » Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:32 am

Its just the questionable gearbox crossmember then ;)
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'93 Maruti Gypsy MG410

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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by ScottieJ » Mon Oct 20, 2014 12:07 pm

It's just a gearbox mount its non structural ;)
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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by Anton » Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:24 pm

I was considering this for a while, but although I think it can be done legally if you are careful, how many VOSA bods actually know the rulebook? How many are going to try to cause you grief just because they can?

I need a better riding vehicle because of my messed up health too, but I'm thinking of going for a Jimny instead, on SJ axles.
1985 SJ413VX (SJ50V) with SPOA, rear disc brakes, 31x10.5R15 Kaiman Malatesta tyres, an MOT and a lot left to do!

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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by Anton » Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:22 am

I read on the DVLA website that you are allowed to add crossmembers and braces between chassis rails, and you are allowed to cut off mounts you don't need. You are also allowed to "box in" a 3 sided chassis rail.

But you can't shorten or lengthen the chassis, unless you are bolting the lengthening bit to existing boltholes.

But I can't see anything specifically mentioning springs.

A while ago I was thinking of making it bolt on, without removing the existing leaf mounts - so I can swap between leafs and 3 link.

Image

I wasn't thinking of a panhard (at least, not on the rear) but the idea is there - to make it bolt on like the top link in that panhard setup pic. Plan was to make a spring mount and shock mount that bolts on/around the chassis, then the mount for the wishbone can be welded between the chassis rails. Then the leaf spring mounts can be used for Vitara trailing arms (they're just exactly the right dimensions, funnily enough). Et voila, chassis is unchanged except for a new crossmember, which is perfectly legal.

That way if they wanted to have a whinge, just swap back to the leafs.

It's just that SJ leafs... Ugggh, every time I go over a speedbump, it's like being punched in the arse by Evander Holyfield.

Last time I offloaded it, me and my brother both ended up with back injuries!

If I did something like this, I'd like to take it to be inspected under the "8 point system", so I know no-one can do me for it! I know I can swap in YJ's, but coils appeal to me more. Easier to get the ride height I want, don't have to worry about leafs inverting (so I can have more upward travel), no shackles digging into the mud...

I'm not sure if I should make something like this, drive to VOSA on leafs, swap to coils in the carpark, get it inspected...

Or buy a Jimny. Which costs more in insurance and tax...
Last edited by Anton on Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
1985 SJ413VX (SJ50V) with SPOA, rear disc brakes, 31x10.5R15 Kaiman Malatesta tyres, an MOT and a lot left to do!

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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by twiss » Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:25 am

Its BBcode not HTML mate ;)

Image
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'93 Suzuki Samurai Sport 1.6 16v SU. Virtual lift, spring under, 31s
'93 Maruti Gypsy MG410

"If brute force doesn't fix your problem, you aren't using enough of it."

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Re: Coil Sprung SJ Chassis

Post by Anton » Thu Nov 06, 2014 10:27 am

Yeah, edited it just as you posted that! ;)
Anton wrote:Or buy a Jimny. Which costs more in insurance and tax...
Or look as cool, or have the memories/love/care I've lavished on my FREAKIN AWESOME little SJ...
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

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