Springs

[jrose]

Morning all, I'm in need of new springs on a series 3 88" 2 1/4 petrol, I want to do a bit of green laning this year and was wondering if it was worth upgrading or just replacing.

 

[LincolnSteve]

I'm going for original spec springs but I know a lot of people love parabolics. I think it's one of those debates that is hotly contested.
All I know for sure is that the front springs are handed so make sure you get them on the correct sides and with standard leaf springs they take a while to settle down. So if you fit new springs and the whole vehicle looks wonky don't panic straight away. Bounce it around a bit and they will hopefully level out.
If it doesn't level out then feel free to panic.
Also get good quality bushes. I got Britpart, cheap as chips ones and they were a swine to fit. (I'm talking about the chassis bushes. The springs come with them fitted)

 

[Rodeo Joe]

I used Britpart bushes and they were fine, the biggest problem you have is getting the old chassis bushes out- unless someones done you a favour and already fitted polybushes to it.

 

[John S]

Just done my front suspension, with standard springs and bushes. The bushes and bolts are cheap, springs around £70 each. Replace the spring hangers as well and the shocker rubber bushes. The whole job is bish bash bosh cutting burning and driving out the chassis bushes; right bastard of a job but worthwhile. Ream the bush holes and heat before driving the new bushes with plenty copper grease. You'll need four axle stands.

 

[scottonthefen]

What did you ream the bush holes with John? I got my front chassis bushes out quite neatly with a tool I made up but the rear ones left the outer sleeves in so I've cut them out and there's some scoring I'd like to remove..

Was thinking about a round file and then something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-abrasive-flap-wheel-60g-60-x-30mm/61401 but don't know if it's abrasive enough - maybe would only shift rust..

?

 

[scottonthefen]

I might give one of these a try: https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Bosch-2609...nk-60-Grit/2134488458?iid=223001461290&chn=ps

 

[LincolnSteve]

How big do adjustable reamers go? Up to about 20mm seems easy enough to get but i don't know about any bigger.

 

[John S]

What did you ream the bush holes with John? I got my front chassis bushes out quite neatly with a tool I made up but the rear ones left the outer sleeves in so I've cut them out and there's some scoring I'd like to remove..

Was thinking about a round file and then something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-abrasive-flap-wheel-60g-60-x-30mm/61401 but don't know if it's abrasive enough - maybe would only shift rust..

?

32 mm but be careful, only one turn in and out and then finish with a file and then give it a jolly good clean to get swarf and filings out. Don't repeatedly ream it; just to get it round and smooth.

 

[John S]

I burn out the bushes and then cut the outer skin with a hacksaw, that's the tedious part and then drive it out. It usually comes out after half the depth is hacksawed. Even describing this makes me whince cos I did it on the ground in the open in sheite weather.

 

[scottonthefen]

I might give one of these a try: https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Bosch-2609...nk-60-Grit/2134488458?iid=223001461290&chn=ps

This worked well for me today. It took the scuffs I'd made out so everything felt smooth again before winding the new bushes in. And still a good tight compression fit.

 

[rob1miles]

I pull mine out with some M12 high tensile stud and a stud joiner (long) nut plus an assortment of large sockets and large square washers (the 6mm thick ones) It works great but it takes a lot to get the bush moving, a mild steel stud/nut would strip. Once its moving its fairly easy. M12 just fits through a 1/2" drive socket If you can't get HT stud an assorment of different length cap heads will do.