jad Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Currently doing a leaf spring conversion on some axles and its all going pretty well. I am using military shackles on the front so I can use the standard defender/disco caster angle on the front axle and the steering bar can clear the springs. The one thing I am not sure about is the U-bolt on the front axle next to the diff. As we have rotated the axle the extra casing at this part of the axle means the U bolt cant be rotated round to fit into the plate they normally bolt to. Is there a standard solution for this? i have looked round the common threads on this conversion but cant find anything that talks about this directly. Can any one give me a hand or point me in the direction of the conversation I have missed? I was thinking maybe a larger U bolt from another vehicle or cutting a U bolt in half and welding it to the axle casing in the correct location but was not sure about this.... Thanks for your help Jad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon White Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 Make something up to suit..... Do not weld a U bolt to the axle casing thats not the correct solution. You could also consider reversing they way things are done - ie fit the U bolt around the leaf spring and fabricate some mounts on the axle tube so that the threads are at the top of the tube. Have a look at how the guys fit volvo portal axles to their leaf sprung landrovers and it'll give you some ideas. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejparrott Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I believe Nick had to have one made for his 109, have a look at his blog I think he mentions it there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Woodward Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I welded 2 square blocks to the axle case and spring perch. These were drilled and tapped to take studs. The one behind the axle was incorporated into the lower mount for the shock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill van snorkle Posted November 14, 2013 Share Posted November 14, 2013 I welded 2 square blocks to the axle case and spring perch. These were drilled and tapped to take studs. The one behind the axle was incorporated into the lower mount for the shock. PDR_0419.JPG PDR_0421.JPG PDR_0423.JPG Early G60 Nissan Patrols used this method, and when the studs broke they were a real PITA to deal with in the bush. How about welding a bracket onto the axle with shorter blocks with plain unthreaded holes so that nuts and bolts can be used ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jad Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share Posted November 15, 2013 thanks for the suggestions guys. Think I might PM nick as he shouldnt be too far from me. Cheers Jad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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