series 3 question bout suspension

[bilko2]

Why is it that most of the series land rovers i see are sagging at the back? Does it mean they need new leaf springs?
I saw a lovely 109 IIa with Cadbury written on the side in covent garden the other day and the rear of the wagon was slightly higher than the front. I looked and the springs were definitely not new. It just looked so much better like that.
Thanks

[100SRV]

Hi,
correct, the leaf springs have taken a "set" or sagged either due to the vehicle being overladen or always being laden. Also the leaves become rusty which makes it difficult to slide against each other so the spring tends to remain in a set position. The best remedy is to remove the leaf springs and either fit parabolic springs (where the leaves only touch at the ends and in the middle OR, cheaper, dismantle, descale with a wire brush, grind a radius on the end of the lower leaves and reassemble with chain lube smeared on the mating face of each leaf. Be sure to check for notches where the lower leaf has worn the leaf above - if you find these it is best to replace the leaf. When the pack is reassembled leave the leaf clamps open as it will allow the leaves to slide more easily as they are not clamped together.

HTH

100SRV

[schmalex]

As above. Don't let it put you off if you want one, though. New leaves all round is not an expesive job (unless yo go for RM handed Para's, which are about double the price of everything else.)

[bilko2]

Thanks for the replies.
Good to know its not an expensive job.

[mrdelmonti]

Not an expensive job at all and fitting parabolics was the best thing I've done to my series in terms of handling on and off the road.

[pugwash4x4]

santana still fit parabolics in place of coils!

[300bhp/ton]

mrdelmonti said:

Not an expensive job at all and fitting parabolics was the best thing I've done to my series in terms of handling on and off the road.

Depends which parabolics though and if you replace shocks and shackles too. The quality of para's seem to vastly vary and the best in the business can easily set you back £1200-1500+ in parts alone.