Leaf Springs - how many leaves to remove?

[L60Boerne]

Greetings Patrollees Worldwide,

Alcan Leaf Springs installed on 63 Patrol - Just a note to say the "softened" leaf springs I purchased from Alcan seem softer than OEM springs but my driver's side rear leaf springs flattened out almost immediately thus unleveling the vehicle. I have emailed Alcan to see if they will replace that one leaf spring set (set of 5 leaves) under warranty.

If I had do it again I WOULD NOT derate the leaf springs. The "softened" leaf springs significantly reduces payload capacity. If they will replace the one under warranty I may buy another and return the rear leaf springs to full strength.

I'll keep you updated.

Patrolling with limited pounce,
L60Boerne

[L60Boerne]

Update on Alcan Spring, Grand Junction CO

I purchased a complete set of derated leaf springs from a couple of years ago.The arch was/is their special "soft" recipe made specifically for vintage Patrols.

Field Report - 2 Years Later

- The driver's side rear leaf springs failed within a few months of installation.
- The derated leaf springs almost eliminates the Patrol's ability to pull a loaded utility trailer with any tongue weight.
- I really can't tell a softer ride as compared to my stock Patrols.

Lastly, Alcan doesn't stand behind their work. For about $500 they will rework my failed leaf spring.

I would not recommend Alcan or the derating of the OEM leaf spring based on my experience.

Patrolling when possible,
L60Boerne

[r1lark]

L60Boerne, thank you for the assessment based on 'real world' use of these springs. Also, thank you for the honest and factual vendor review.

[Peter60]

Currently it's summer in Oz although a bit hotter than normal. This week it will be between 35-40c (95-105f). But I now have time to work on my Patrol's rear end.

I have just removed my rear springs on a LWB patrol. These springs are heavier that an MWB G60. They are wider, thicker and more leaves. I think they are 70mm wide, 7.5mm thick and there are 9 leaves.

The springs seem in reasonable condition.

IMG_5894.JPG

IMG_5895.JPG

IMG_5896.JPG

Unfortunately the rebound clips aren't shown and I can't remember exactly where they are. I think they are on leaf 2 (second smallest leaf), leaf 5 and maybe leaf 7. Will check tomorrow.

So starting with the shortest leaf as '1', I am planning to remove Leaf 1, 3, 4 and 6. Leaving 5 leaves. I'm leaving all the leaves that have rebound clips.

I'm looking for a softer ride.

Is there any significance /advantage in removing short or long leaves?

WARNING: When you remove the bolt that is thru the leaves and holding them together, do so with care as they do fly apart with some force! So the second spring I used a G clamp and slowly released the pressure.

[RiverPatrol]

That's quite the stack of leaves. Obviously intended to support quit a load.

[Johnny Roadkill]

From what I've read the short leaves are the ones that increase load carrying ability and increase the spring rate with bump travel, and the long ones provide flex...seems reasonable but I suspect it's a little more complicated than that.
Certainly the rock crawling hiluxes I see have maybe 3 long leaves only and heavy load carrying 70 series utes have heaps of short leaves in the back.

Cheers,
D

[L60Boerne]

Greetings,

As reported I was not satisfied with my "Reduced Duty" leaf springs made by Alcan in CO. Aside from the collapse they almost any eliminated the ability of my Patrol to carry any tongue weight on the hitch.

Here is the latest. Eddy the Eagle has removed the rear leaf springs. Upon inspection both rears were bent, one more than the other. The bending was a result of my field test, which is legit, compounded by improper installation. Eddy explained to me that Rafael had included some washers to "tighten" them up. The addition of the washers eliminated the "play" they need to bounce and release.

Lesson - Examine the OEM "play" in the relationship between the shackles and leaf springs and make sure it is still there after your new leaf springs are installed

At the moment Eddy is making new rear leaf springs so it will be capable of trailer and off road duty.

Patrolling in everyone's parts,
L60Boerne

[mad4hws]

interesting, so do you think the failure was a result of bad installation? I understand that leaf springs can be re-arched, would that be a possibility of getting them back in shape?

[L60Boerne]

Greetings Patrollees Worldwide,

My white 63 Patrol now has new rear leaf springs replacing my new derated leaf springs made by Alcan.

Actually, the only new metric leaf springs made by Ace Spring in San Antonio are the two longest.

The OEM leaf spring arrangement shows only one leaf spanning all the way to the shackles. Eddy the Eagle studied the failed derated springs and specified that my needs were best served by having two leaves span the compete distance. See picture.

I approve, the ride is very smooth. Total of five leaves.

Patrolling over potholes,
L60Boerne

[Peter60]

Thanks for the update L60Boerne

Just a general question. When looking at the shackle in the posted picture, should they lean towards the front, lean towards the rear or be vertical? All when the patrol is unladen.

I just read somewhere that they should be at 7 O'clock. I assume that means the bottom of the shackle leaning towards the front slightly.

In your picture the shackles are leaning slightly to the rear.