l200 leaf springs on a sj?

[Richie]

Ive got a spare Sj and lots of spare mitsubishi L200 rear leaf springs

They are about 12 inches longer and have a massive curve compaired to normal sj ones. Who thinks its worth taking a couple leafs out so they flex abit more, making new mounting brackets for them and putting them on my SJ?

Or does someone with alittle more exp think this will completly suck and be a waste of time?


Im bored with my other sj, the brake sticks on and i cant be bothered to put my 1.6 engine in it to make up for the sticking brake

[ScottieJ]

Think they might be a bit long unless you were running 35"+ tyres as they'll really effect the approach and departure angles. YJ springs are pretty long and about the limit really and those sound even longer. What's the length eye to eye measured along curve of the leaf?

[Richie]

I will measure them today and let u know tonight as they are at work.
Quickly explain what u mean by approach and departure angles plz im not a wizzard at 4x4 yet ^^

[ROBBIE]

Have a look at this pic http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/off-roading-diagram.gif

[ScottieJ]

Here's a 'technical' drawing showing the effect og longer springs on approach and departure angles

Blue line is original approach and departure angles and the red lines are the longer springs and new approach and departure angles. I f you run a bigger tyre it obviously improves the angles no matter what length springs you have

approachdepartureangles.JPG (67.06 KiB) Viewed 8204 times

SJ springs are

950mm (37.4") long on the front

1050mm (41.3") long on the rear

YJ springs are
1117.6mm (44") long front and rear

Here's some pics of mine to show as well.
My SJ with normal lift springs and 33s


My SJ with YJs and 33s

[Richie]

Sweet that clears it up nicely thx.

The L200 springs from bolt hole to bolt hole along the curve are 47.5 inches, do you think they would be any good?

Spring over axle improves the approach and departure angle?

When u put on your lj springs on the front im guessing u extended the mounting points the same length at the front and rear of the spring to keep the axle in the centre of the spring?

If so the problem i would have with the L200 rear springs is the bolt that holds the leafs together isnt in the centre of the spring, its about 2/5 of the way along. Sill a bad idea or maybe theres something there? Suggestions?

[Richie]

anyone?

[ScottieJ]

The offset pin will help with the approach and departure angles however they are so long that you are still going to find it hard to mount them, remember that you have the rear pinion angle and front caster angle to keep correct while doing the conversion.

On the rear I moved the chassis mounts forwards 3" then just run a longer shackle, you wouldn't be able to do that with the l200 springs though you would also have to move the shackle hanger.

Doing that with YJs the axle ends up in pretty much the stock location but My rear spring perches are redrilled to move the axle back another 1".

On the front I've moved the chassis mount back 4" redrilled the perches to move the axle forwards again and made bolt on extensions for the chassis moving the front shackle hanger forwards.

Do you know the spring rate of the L200 springs?

[Richie]

Can u explain rear pinion angle and front caster angle so if i do this conversion i dont ball's it up.
im not sure about the spring rate, they are 3 +2 if that helps?

[dan_2k_uk]

To put it simply its keeping the axles mounted as close to the angles they are mounted at as standard.

Obviously if you were to mount them further along the spring they will be at a different part of the bend and the diffs will point up or down. steering wont center properly. etc.