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Post Info TOPIC: New suspension on an old (er) van
harrydiculous


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New suspension on an old (er) van
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Hi

Wondering about upgrading the suspension on the 2003 Millard Weekender.

 

Specs are:-

Specs are:- 2003 Millard Weekender 15ft.
ATM 1220 kg. GTM 1105kg Tare 900kg, Tyre size 185 R14 LT, Axle Load 1450Kg
Axle Diameter = 60mm (Measured)
Clearance between Tyre & Wheel Arch = 110mm
5 leaves (Leafs??) . There's some corrosion here.
 
 
Use - We don't need to go up "Big Red" at warp speed, Outback Roads with maybe a shallow rocky river crossing would be the limit.
 
I've checked with Pedders & they suggested that I try a trailer manufacturer. 
 
I know that the superstructure isn't designed for off road use but being aware of that would mean that I'd be taking it easy.
 
Possible?
 
Thanks
 
 
 
 

 

 



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peter67


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Is it possible that the leaf springs are welded together by rust and just need to be stripped and cleaned, maybe a grease up as well?

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yobarr


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peter67 wrote:

Is it possible that the leaf springs are welded together by rust and just need to be stripped and cleaned, maybe a grease up as well?

 NEVER put grease between leaves of  leaf springs.Cheers



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Peter_n_Margaret


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yobarr wrote:
peter67 wrote:

Is it possible that the leaf springs are welded together by rust and just need to be stripped and cleaned, maybe a grease up as well?

 NEVER put grease between leaves of  leaf springs.Cheers

 Correct.

Why do you think you need an "upgrade?

A worthwhile improvement may be to add shock absorbers.

Cheers,

Peter



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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
Aus-Kiwi


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Springs have sagged . Its lost its supple ride height . Progressive spring . Now its ridding on ALL leaf springs at ounce ? Some fit Teflon on outer leaf to allow smooth operation .

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Possum3


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Go to a Jayco dealer/repairer and get a set of Discovery leaf springs - Slipper springs will handle a little rough stuff easier than fixed eye to eye.

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PeterD


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If you are going off the bitumen then get shockers fitted. That's all you need, that will give the body of your van a better ride. If you are going to upgrade your suspension to handle rougher roads then you need to restructure the body to match the suspension upgrades.

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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 
KJB


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No matter what you do with the springs , it is so important to use  Shock Absorbers as well  ...otherwise the springs act like a PoGo stick .......



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Aus-Kiwi


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Yes . Leaf springs dont pogo too much . Yes agree shock will help ! Also a better bump stop ! May not even have any fitted ?Built to a price ., ( but the manu spend thousands !!! Pffft ) Long bump
Stops actually act as bump
Control . Only thing to be aware of fitting shocks ? Is to make SURE the attachment is STRONG !!



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harrydiculous


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Yep well, Thanks. Shockies it is. I was thinking of larger diameter wheels to give a bit more clearance. That will waste the new tyres that I've recently fitted, though, so I'll see how I go. We've a trailer manufacturer local so I'll give him a buzz.

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Peter_n_Margaret


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Larger diameter, higher profile tyres will also help on poor surfaces.
Cheers,
Peter

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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 
PeterD


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harrydiculous wrote:

We've a trailer manufacturer local so I'll give him a buzz.

 I reckon your trailer manufacturer will try to talk you out of fitting shockies. They tend to take the Neanderthal view on shock absorbers. These people still sell off-road camper trailers with leaf springs and no shock absorbers. The owners then wonder why their wheels fall off when they go outback.



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PeterD
Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top
Retired radio and electronics technician.
NSW Central Coast.

 
Aus-Kiwi


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The vibrations from the heated black top is bad too !!

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