JP 90 Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 Hi, I thought I was already a member of this forum but computer says no. So, thank you for letting me join. i have a 1993 200tdi Defender 90. i have just started refitting my new galv chassis, replacing worn out bits as I go. I’ve already hit a hitch whilst re attaching the front axle. Both radius arms are fitted, I’m reusing the coil springs as they’re in good condition. However, they don’t appear to seat onto the lower seats properly, it’s almost as if the axle needs to turn a few degrees. Ratcheting the chassis to the axle seats them better but the springs then appear arched. What am I doing wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 I doubt the engine is fitted yet ? Get some weight on it and see how it looks. HTH Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 They will sit on the seats once the engine & transmission are dropped in place & the weight will move the diff nose down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP 90 Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 Ah right! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigi_H Posted February 28, 2020 Share Posted February 28, 2020 On 2/23/2020 at 9:53 PM, JP 90 said: If thats the spring you are talking about, it is not in good condition but broken. The lower part is missing. It must be to short Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Member Posted February 28, 2020 Share Posted February 28, 2020 I agree, the spring looks broken from this photo. Take some photos from further back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigi_H Posted February 28, 2020 Share Posted February 28, 2020 Take a look at the other end of the spring or other springs and you will see, how it has to look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP 90 Posted February 29, 2020 Author Share Posted February 29, 2020 I don’t think they’re broken. They look the same on one end as they do on the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP 90 Posted February 29, 2020 Author Share Posted February 29, 2020 But something is amiss because I cannot even pass the shock through the lower mounting plate enough to get the nut on. No thread visible. It seems to be because of the angle the chassis is at compared to the axle spring seat. I’ve tried it with and without turret fitted. I’ve tried ratcheting the chassis front down to the axle but I cannot ratchet it down enough and in any event, it just makes the springs arc under load. Not really sure what to do to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigi_H Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 (edited) As you see on the pics with the springs, the end is flatened and the cut of the wire is straight. I marked the situation on your spring green. This seems not to be a cut, but broken Edited February 29, 2020 by Sigi_H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Murphy Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 This is common query on rebuilds, get the engine and box in and then see how it looks. Mo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 I don’t think they're broken, perhaps just not a very neat trim at the end. They look aftermarket, which generally means they’re quite stiff as for some reason people like to put hard springs on Land Rovers. This means that the issue you are experiencing will be more pronounced than with normal springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JP 90 Posted February 29, 2020 Author Share Posted February 29, 2020 Ok, just to clarify. They’re not broken and they’re standard springs. As others have said, it’s no doubt a load issue. I added some spring compressors and then ratcheted down the chassis to the axle and hey presto! They seat fine. I have just ordered a heavier duty ratchet strap though. should I leave the bottom damper nut till last? Once the engine etc is back in? I cannot seem to get enough thread through to attach a nut once all the washers and bushes are on. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 Yes, it’s normal to have to wait until it’s loaded up properly to fit the front dampers. You should leave all the suspension bush bolts slack as well, then tighten them up when all done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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