spring advice

Hi all, got a 109 series 3, noticed tonight that front driver's spring has pretty much cracked in half (9 of 11 leaves) under the axle, these might sound a bit weird questions, but I'm new to Landy's so here goes,

Do I have to replace both sides ?, ( the passengers side is ok ), are second hand springs worth it ? (skint at the moment )
Any advice appreciated

With things like springs, yes you'd normally change in pairs. But you could just replace one side. You should also be able to rebuild a leaf pack with replacement leafs. Not sure how you have so many cracked leafs though. But do understand that your vehicle is no longer road worthy in this condition. It you in an RTA/RTI you could be at risk of presecution.

yep, worked on cars before but only coil springs, had always changed in pairs but am unsure about leaves.
car's not on the road at the moment, my uncle's helping me to get it road worthy & historic vehicle registered, it's an old break in spring, well rusted

bit of a long shot but does anyone near Spalding have 1 or 2 front springs ?, mine's an 11 leaf spring

Going second hand, i night be wrong, but can't see a problem replacing just one?
Check the shock absorbers while you're at it

If you do replace just one, remember springs are 'handed' make sure you buy the correct one for the side.

Good practice would be to replace both sides, but on a commercial vehicle you would get just the one broken spring replaced.

Join the series2 forum, loads of them have series 3s, I know they had/have quite a few members up Lincs way.

Maybe a good time to concider converting to parabolic spring.....much better with a big weigh saving.....dont by imported or rocky mountain.

Just trying to get it road worthy, safe & reliable at the moment, upgrades to brakes, suspension, lights, engine will hopefully come as I can afford it in the future.

Don't forget because they are handed and the drivers side front is stronger than the others if you do get just the one new spring it might sit a lot higher at that corner until it settles in. Especially as all the other springs will be well worn.
I've replaced all my springs and even with doing them at the same time the drivers corner is way high. I've not got everything back on yet so i'm hoping that as I add more parts back it settles a bit. Looks properly wonky at the moment though.

I've not heard good things about parabolics

I must say when I took off the rusted up, manky old springs and put good quality standard spec ones back on I couldn't believe how bouncy and flexible they were. It was a bare chassis and didn't have the shock absorbers attached but it was still hours of fun for me and my son to jump up and down on.

kermit_rr said:

I've not heard good things about parabolics

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I drove an 88 years ago with parabolics, it actually scared me, shortest test drive ever!

lynall said:

I drove an 88 years ago with parabolics, it actually scared me, shortest test drive ever!

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What was it like? Too bouncy?

LincolnSteve said:

What was it like? Too bouncy?

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It was like the steering column had been cut in half and a piece of rubber hose fitted between the two halves of the shaft, bloody thing was all over the road.
I went to see it with a view on buying it, I doubt all parabolics are as bad, well I hope they are not!

Soft, more body roll. Better with some weight added, just like regular ones in that respect

nickjaxe said:

Maybe a good time to concider converting to parabolic spring.....much better with a big weigh saving.....dont by imported or rocky mountain.

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Why not?

Never had any issues with the rocky mountain springs I had. The originals would be Heystee, which would be an import. Meant to be very good, but pricey.

lynall said:

It was like the steering column had been cut in half and a piece of rubber hose fitted between the two halves of the shaft, bloody thing was all over the road.
I went to see it with a view on buying it, I doubt all parabolics are as bad, well I hope they are not!

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If it was a steering issue, then fack all to do with the parabolic springs...

kermit_rr said:

I've not heard good things about parabolics

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Mostly old wifes tales, urban myths or just plan bad info I suspect.

Also largely because most people converting or buying parabolics have no clue at all and end up getting completely the wrong spec and spring rate.

What have you heard BTW? As in most regards they should be superior to a regular leaf.

300bhp/ton said:

If it was a steering issue, then fack all to do with the parabolic springs...

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Maybe I explained it wrong, the car was so bouncy as to be almost uncontrollable.