Tuning Raised springs for Panda?

[Jumpinjacks]

Hi,
I have a classic panda and I am going to use it for green laning.
Is there anywhere where I you can buy raised springs that will fit these?
Thanks,
Adam.

 

[panda1408]

Nothing off the shelf, you'll have to work something out yourself, raising the suspension by anything other than a very small amount will seriously alter the geometry anyway, going on your other post you only have a 2WD Panda aswell

 

[VmanC]

I seem to remember reading on here that someone used Audi 80 front springs and another used Skoda Fabia front springs, but without actually trying them there's no saying they go straight on. This was on a 4x4 Panda, I assume that's what you have.

Longer springs are just going to push the strut beyond it's limit so it's not the best way to raise a car, unless you can fit matching struts.

 

[Jumpinjacks]

Hmm maybe not worth it then. Yes it is a 2wd panda, much more fun around here. The other cars we will be going with are the same. Its a 1993 panda 1000 clx. Out of interest what plugs would you recommend for said car Panda1408? As I see you have the same.

 

[VmanC]

As you've got a 2wd you could use 4x4 front suspension, the rear springs are still down to experimentation.

 

[panda1408]

Same as dave said on your other thread, no need to put anything different to what Fiat specified.

You could fit a complete set of 4x4 front suspension which would lift the front abit, probably get away with some spacers under the rear springs, 4x4s have leaf springs on the back so no use on a 2WD.

Not sure why you would want to go Greenlaning in a 2WD Panda, surely you will just end up hopelessly stuck with a completely caved in underside. I've taken my 4x4 down a few gentle lanes and you have to be very careful not to do any damage even in that. Not much fun at all if you ask me, why I have an old Land Rover for doing such things in.

 

[VmanC]

Not sure why you would want to go Greenlaning in a 2WD Panda, surely you will just end up hopelessly stuck with a completely caved in underside. I've taken my 4x4 down a few gentle lanes and you have to be very careful not to do any damage even in that. Not much fun at all if you ask me, why I have an old Land Rover for doing such things in.

Oh Freddy you have little faith.

I had the knobbly tyres on my clx two christmas's ago and went green laning, it was brilliant! If you can't stretch to a 4x4 £120 for some offroad tyres is a very good second best.

 

[Jumpinjacks]

Oh Freddy you have little faith.

I had the knobbly tyres on my clx two christmas's ago and went green laning, it was brilliant! If you can't stretch to a 4x4 £120 for some offroad tyres is a very good second best.

Exactly, I have owned various vehicles for green laning, including SJ's and land rovers. And a 2wd car has always been the most fun, you would be surprised where they can go.
Vmanc: What tyres did you go for?

 

[panda1408]

It not traction so much as ground clearance, perhaps its because all the greenlanes around here have huge great rocks all over them, even my friends Jeep Cherokee was struggling for clearance on some, a Panda would have no chance!

 

[Jumpinjacks]

Might be worth a bid on this then: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180998906349?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[Jumpinjacks]

It not traction so much as ground clearance, perhaps its because all the greenlanes around here have huge great rocks all over them, even my friends Jeep Cherokee was struggling for clearance on some, a Panda would have no chance!

Fair enough, its more mud than rocks here

 

[panda1408]

You'd have the full kit to convert to a 4x4 there, if you're very handy with a welder that is. Go as far as you can in 2WD then engage the 4WD to get you out of trouble

 

[Jumpinjacks]

It's very tempting, but a fair bit of a project.

 

[panda1408]

Yes, probably easier to weld up a rotten 4x4 when you think about it.

 

[VmanC]

Exactly, I have owned various vehicles for green laning, including SJ's and land rovers. And a 2wd car has always been the most fun, you would be surprised where they can go.
Vmanc: What tyres did you go for?

I went for these........http://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/shop/product-info.php?prodname=&id=16658

Doesn't look like they have any at the moment but when they do they're about £30 each.

You're right Freddy, because of the ground clearance issue you do have to pick your route through the rocks and rutts.

 

[Jumpinjacks]

They look nice and beefy, shame they aren't road legal though.

 

[VmanC]

They look nice and beefy, shame they aren't road legal though.

WHAT! I've been driving on them for the last two years!

Just re-checked the ad., they didn't used to have that info on there.

 

[4WDPandamonium]

I went for these........http://tyresdirectuk.co.uk/shop/product-info.php?prodname=&id=16658

Doesn't look like they have any at the moment but when they do they're about £30 each.

You're right Freddy, because of the ground clearance issue you do have to pick your route through the rocks and rutts.

I take it that those tyres aren't road legal?

 

[VmanC]

I take it that those tyres aren't road legal?

Apparently not

 

[4WDPandamonium]

Sorry for repeating what Adam said, I didn't see page 2 on my phones tiny screen!

Vern, are these the tyres you had on the white 4x4 you've just released?