mightypanda
New member
This thread will cover our task to restore our 4x4 leaf springs. They were running flat so we removed them after the recent peakender trip. Our first job was to identify the original distance between eyes. I measured the distance from the front chassis mounting to the rear shackle (with a slight backward angle). This dimension corresponded exactly to the leaf spring (in a relaxed state out of the car). So it seems the shape/geometry is correct, they just don't have much springiness.
We took the springs to a blacksmith. He said the smaller leafs should touch the larger leafs. With ours, you can see a small gap which indicates the springs are running flat. He will be doing a cold reset next week. A hot reset involves heating to a temperature (about 800 degrees), quenching in oil, then a re-heat (I cannot recall the temperature but its a lot lower). However, he is unaware of the composition of the steel so he is unable to use this method. He said cheap modern spring steel can only be heat treated once, and then you discard. If he were to attempt this method, it is probable that the springs will either go floppy or brittle.
So a cold reset involves dismantling the leaf then re-shaping them, which I understand is bending it so they come up a bit shorter, which will sewttle to an improved position when under load. We will try this first. Next option will be to replace the second largest leaf with a heavier guage. As a fallback option, I will be recording the dimensions and price up the manufactue of new springs.
We took the springs to a blacksmith. He said the smaller leafs should touch the larger leafs. With ours, you can see a small gap which indicates the springs are running flat. He will be doing a cold reset next week. A hot reset involves heating to a temperature (about 800 degrees), quenching in oil, then a re-heat (I cannot recall the temperature but its a lot lower). However, he is unaware of the composition of the steel so he is unable to use this method. He said cheap modern spring steel can only be heat treated once, and then you discard. If he were to attempt this method, it is probable that the springs will either go floppy or brittle.
So a cold reset involves dismantling the leaf then re-shaping them, which I understand is bending it so they come up a bit shorter, which will sewttle to an improved position when under load. We will try this first. Next option will be to replace the second largest leaf with a heavier guage. As a fallback option, I will be recording the dimensions and price up the manufactue of new springs.
do look at the leaf box hangers too if all the bolts arête very tight get out on the road it my just go we had a few creeks and knock for the first 1000 miles after the rebuild of Brian * Steve
