Parabolic springs

[skyedriver]

Allright I am probably being stupid here, but (and I understand what a parabola is etc)How do I recognise a parabolic spring conversion on a Series Landy?

Why are they better than an ordinary leaf spring?
Tony H

[100srv]

Parabolic springs have leaves that are parabolic in profile (as a pack the spring leaves do not touch each other anywhere other than at the ends and centre) whilst standard springs are elliptic in profile and touch most of the pack length (depending upon the load applied).

The lack of inter-leaf friction is the primary reason for parabolic springs giving a better ride; it also means that you need better dampers to control the axles.

I don't think that the rates of the parabolic springs are any different to those for the elliptical type.
Hope this helps...

100SRV

[Church]

Got parabolics on my 1955 Series 1 Landy and it rides much nicer. As mentioned less springs so you can spot them by counting the number of them. My parabolics have 2 leaves on the front and 3 on the back. Standard is 9 leaves on Series Landys other than diesel which have 11.

[bluespanner]

My series 2 has 2 leaf fronts, and 3 leaf rears, because i tow.
I use procomp extended gas shocks, and home made 8 inch spring shakles. (She sits up well!)

Id reccomend parabolics, they ride much, much nicer than standards.

[skyedriver]

Thanks, now know what I am looking at.

[Huwbertus]

Hi there, just spotted this thread an was thinking of fitting parabolics to my LWB petrol S111.

I have noticed that the price varies from about £200 for a pair to £200 for a set of four. Is there any differance in these or are they all much the same?

Also what's the prefered combination of springs and shock absorbers?