softer suspension

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ScottieJ
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!

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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

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Re: softer suspension

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

Sid James gone but never forgotten
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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!

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Re: softer suspension

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

so what thickness tape to use.thanks

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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!!
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Re: softer suspension

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

how long does the tape last for on the leafs.

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