eL Tee Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Since one leaf on my 88 (named "The Boar") was broken, and the other ones were about to break, I've replaced all leafs around, including the bushes, shackles, shock absorbers etc. I ordered (and received) from my supplier the correct parts, all genuine LR (except the shocks, which I upgraded with DeCarbon's). Having installed everything as stated in the workshop manual, I only can conclude the rear sits about 4cm (1.5") lower than the front :? My supplier checked with LR (who takes the leaves from British Springs Ltd.), and they confirmed the used steel/quality is what it is supposed to be... Temporary, I've used One Ton shackles in the rear, which makes the car back level. Unfortunately, I can't (and don't want to) leave it that way, since it is illegal in Belgium to change the suspension of a car. What might happened? How can I solve this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Springs aren't up to the job at the back, or too strong for the front. Axle straps too short. Shock absorbers too short. or chassis broken. I suspect you may need to put more leaves into the spring pack at the back. Is it a hard top or pickup? G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Hancock Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 What front springs were fitted, 109 diesels have a lot more curve than 88 petrols. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoggyN Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 You did fit the springs under the front axle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eL Tee Posted February 7, 2009 Author Share Posted February 7, 2009 It is a swb station wagon safari anno 1980, 2.3 petrol The leafs are exactly what is needed (correct partnrs., I checked like a dozen times) No axle straps fitted, shock absorbers are OK, springs are under the axle :roll: The only possibility I read so far that can cause it: broken chassis. But it doesn't look like that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_P Posted February 7, 2009 Share Posted February 7, 2009 Depending on when you tightened all the suspension bolts up (not including U bolts) can also have an effect on how it sits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicks90 Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 wot he says, loosen all the bolts on the shackles etc and then retighten finger tight only. Take it for a gentle drive round the block - over some speed bumps if you have any and then whilst it is sat on the ground on its own wheels - retighten everything back up to the correct torque. Had this problem on my series 2a, front right was about 2" higher than front left, and the rear was lower than the front. but thats cos i did all the nuts up to the right torque whilst it was on chassis stands. Doing the above sorted it, sat level and square. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeriousIIa Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 El Tee, What kind of setup is your vehicle? stationwagon, pickup or something else. A swb with a stationwagon and a LPG tank sometimes has this problem. Do you still have the standard engine in it? Regards Bowy ps Goed je hier ook eens te zien Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest otchie1 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Temporary, I've used One Ton shackles in the rear, which makes the car back level. Unfortunately, I can't (and don't want to) leave it that way, since it is illegal in Belgium to change the suspension of a car. :o stoopid law Besides the excellent advice above, it's also worth mentioning that some new parts are just wrong. Whether it's a question of mislabeling or a batch error in production or just wrong parts supplied, these things do happen. After it's been bounced about it should sit square and level with no shocks on and everything loose (springs mostly at rest). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eL Tee Posted February 16, 2009 Author Share Posted February 16, 2009 Bowy, "The Boar" (as I baptised the SWB) is a Station Wagon Safari from 1980, 7-seater, 5MB petrol engine, nog gas/LPG (gas is for cooking, diesel to heat the house and petrol for driving ) and a pretty heavy Brownchurch HD roofrack... Everything original (axles, engine, gearbox, bulkhead, body, etc.) except for the chassis: this is a military one (twin tanks, square rear crossmember, detachable crossmember under gearbox, ...) Nicks90/Rich_P: I'll give it a try!!! Thanks! This is "The Boar": Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeriousIIa Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Bowy, "The Boar" (as I baptised the SWB) is a Station Wagon Safari from 1980, 7-seater, 5MB petrol engine, nog gas/LPG (gas is for cooking, diesel to heat the house and petrol for driving ) and a pretty heavy Brownchurch HD roofrack... Everything original (axles, engine, gearbox, bulkhead, body, etc.) except for the chassis: this is a military one (twin tanks, square rear crossmember, detachable crossmember under gearbox, ...)Nicks90/Rich_P: I'll give it a try!!! Thanks! This is "The Boar": By looking at it, I can understand it's hanging! Looks like a fine though a bit heavy car. Regards Bowy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eL Tee Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 By looking at it, I can understand it's hanging! Looks like a fine though a bit heavy car. Bowy, don't tell me I am the first ever who puts a Brownchurch on his SWB StaWa... By the way: on the picture, you also can see a Fairey PTO winch. Pretty heavy with 45 meter (150 ft. for the POMs) of 11mm (7/16" for the RHDrivers) thick steel cable. And the car is not nose diving... What is not on the picture: the 4 jerrycans, an alloy chest and the rooftent on the roofrack B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Another suggestion would be to bring the leaf springs to a commercial vehicle spring specialist, they can re-temper the steel so that you get extra curvature. I was quoted 100 euro to get both the rear springs on my 109 re-arched. G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eL Tee Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 Thx Gazzar for this... This is a possible solution I also received via another channel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eL Tee Posted February 23, 2009 Author Share Posted February 23, 2009 Last Friday, I've been to a leaf spring specialist with The Boar. His reaction when he saws the rear springs: mmm... typical British: poor quality In fact, it should be forbidden to deliver this quality of springs... The front ones were - considered they are also British - good. I informed my supplier, who called me less than an hour later with the news I will receive for free a couple of new rear leafs Apparently LR/British Springs acknowledges the fact that the supplied springs are not cf. the specs... The saga continues... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eL Tee Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 My supplier contacted LR and showed them pics of The Boar fitted with the new leafs. They sent me a couple of new ones... They look the same as the ones fitted, but better finished... I still have to fit them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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