Technical Al-Ko Rear Axle conversion to Leaf or Coil - can this be done?

[UFB]

Hi Everyone,
My Al-ko rear torsion axle has failed.
The cost of repair or replacement has made look around for alternative solutions.
I haven't found any!! Does anyone know of a way to cut the Al-ko umbilical??
All I can think of is removing the Axle and fitting a standard axle with leaf springs.
There are still enough Boxer/Ducato/Relay van's around.
Can it be that simple, fixing bolts to the chassis for the springs, clamp to the axle with 'u' bolts, re-position the shockers?
Or can it be left in situ and raised on air?
Any suggestions most welcome.
Cheers,

Paul

 

[chris3234]

As far as I'm aware if you have the alko suspension that means you have the alko chassis that's probably different to the standard fiat one so fitting standard set up may not be that easy

 

[UFB]

As far as I'm aware if you have the alko suspension that means you have the alko chassis that's probably different to the standard fiat one so fitting standard set up may not be that easy

Thanks Chris, good point! I'll get the number of the chassis and see if I can find the spec.
I think I'll find that most folk want easy lives and jobs, so I might have to search very hard for someone who will take this on.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[UFB]

Thanks Chris, good point! I'll get the number of the chassis and see if I can find the spec.
I think I'll find that most folk want easy lives and jobs, so I might have to search very hard for someone who will take this on.

Cheers,

Paul

I have just noticed that they have two axle widths, it will be time to go and see the old Fiat and Citroen, which are near me and do some measuring.

 

[Communicator]

I have never looked closely at an Alko chassis, but several things come to mind.

1. The Alko chassis is designed for a torsion bar supension, and will lack the mounting points for leaf or coil suspension.

2. I may be wrong, but it is my understanding that the Alko chassis is galvanised after construction. Perhaps it is different with modern TIG welding, but I believe that galvanising is not popular with welders.

3. A modified chassis will need to be declared to the vehicle insurers, and may attract a hefty premium even if accepted.

Perhaps better to bite the bullet.

 

[UFB]

I have never looked closely at an Alko chassis, but several things come to mind.

1. The Alko chassis is designed for a torsion bar supension, and will lack the mounting points for leaf or coil suspension.

2. I may be wrong, but it is my understanding that the Alko chassis is galvanised after construction. Perhaps it is different with modern TIG welding, but I believe that galvanising is not popular with welders.

3. A modified chassis will need to be declared to the vehicle insurers, and may attract a hefty premium even if accepted.

Perhaps better to bite the bullet.

Very good points!
The best I can do is suck the bullet, so in the meantime I'll have to live with it and wait for a secondhand axle to appear, though I imagine I'll have to trawl the commercial breakers for an Alko chassis scrapper - and, of course, what're the chances of it being in good order!
Cheers!

 

[HughJampton]

You haven't said who has quoted you for repair, so its worth flagging this company, who've received generally good reports.

AL-KO Axle Repair and reconditioning

Fully remanufactured and reconditioned AL-KO rear axle as fitted to Hymer, Ducatto, Swift, etc

www.fraserbrowneng.co.uk

 

[UFB]

You haven't said who has quoted you for repair, so its worth flagging this company, who've received generally good reports.

AL-KO Axle Repair and reconditioning

Fully remanufactured and reconditioned AL-KO rear axle as fitted to Hymer, Ducatto, Swift, etc

www.fraserbrowneng.co.uk

Yes, Many thanks, I’ll check that out. Cheers.