Need a pick-me-up

M Wehrman · Post by **M Wehrman** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:50 pm

Looking for thoughts / experiences from you guys. The ft end of my 712 sits low...Top of tires tilt in a lot. Measuring down the body,the ft end is 3" lower than the rear. I feel the tire issue gives me more wander than I like,lessens my clearance and will wear the insides more. I suspect weak springs and putting them in would not be a problem, it's the $$ for the springs that bothers me,don't want to spend the money only to find it hasn't changed!
Mark

Jim LaGuardia · Post by **Jim LaGuardia** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:12 pm

Spend the money, it is well worth it.
I replaced my sagging front springs a couple weeks ago, what an improvement in handling

After installation, the front came back up 1 1/2-2 inches

M Wehrman · Post by **M Wehrman** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:55 pm

where did you get your springs?

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:56 pm

Hey Mark, could those wheel adapters that you use for the Land Rover wheels possibly have anything to do with it? I know it puts a little more leverage on everything there. Mike's in the same boat you are. I think the only difference is that you use adapters while he uses widened wheels.
Scott

M Wehrman · Post by **M Wehrman** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:17 pm

Scott,I thought about that,usually an offset wheel will put more stress on the bearings ,but not drastic wheel angle. I would also think if the spacer thing was the culprit my rear tires would straighten right out. I'm kinda thinking that the 35 yr old springs got soft. One way or another the ft has to come up. Maybe I can get some Viagra

,grind it up,make a paste

, and coat the springs!

Thanks for your input and have a Happy Holiday Season!
Mark

Jim LaGuardia · Post by **Jim LaGuardia** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:19 pm

I got the springs from SAV, They also list longer spring pins, but if you have more than 2 coils touching on each end of the spring you will need springs

mjnims · Post by **mjnims** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:28 pm

Mark
I was talking to Patrick at CWR the other day about this very thing. He recomends that I take the truckin and have its front end weighed. I can then order the correct springs to accomodate the added weight in the front of mine. I suspect that with the hard top and AC you are in the same boat I am. I am going to put my 710 springs on the 712 and see what happens. If there is a noticeable difference then I will see about ordering new springs. If they don't help I guess I am back to the drawing board. T-Los had mentioned that the tires leaning in was a sign of a truck that was used offroad alot. I don't see it in the rest of the groups trucks so I am assuming it is more a case of tired springs.

Jan trail run is the memorial run for Donn and hope to see you there.

jgeesen · Post by **jgeesen** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:25 pm

I would suggest checking your alignment before messing with the springs. If you are toed out it will suck the front end down while driving forward. Try driving in reverse on a paved surface and see if the front end rises.
I went airborn with Tom several RMP treffens ago (with Barney in pursuit) and afterwards the truck sat low in the front and easily bottomed out. We thought the shocks got truamatized, but it ended up being the alignment being buggered.
John Geesen

lindenengineering · Post by **lindenengineering** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 7:01 pm

John
"front end buggered" , couldn't have said it better myself.
Well done!
Very best regards & Merry Christmas
Dennis

Profpinz · Post by **Profpinz** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:15 am

I had a new set of front springs made locally....... Sure they are not progressively wound as per the originals but such is life.
The beauty of "custom" coils is you can jack up the vehicle up to what you want and for whatever load, and even stiffen it up a bit if preferred.

I measured the existing loaded height of the coils then jacked the vehicle up to the height I wanted and measured again.
These dimensions were enough for the coil manufacturer to calculate (when he took a compression loading on the original coils) the new coils sizes and properties.

All up I think two new coils cost me about $180 Aus (around $140 US) and he even painted them black

I daresay you have similar places locally in the US.

Twin Pinzies · Post by **Twin Pinzies** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:16 am

Wait a minute.... Aren't the stock springs rather stiff? I have seen some complaints on this forum regarding the "too stiff" springs? Some have even cut a bit off of the springs off to make it sit sit lower and less cambered. I wish that my three 710M's would ride on the outside of the tires less. Either load 'em up or get softer springs if you ask me....

cronapress · Post by **cronapress** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:27 am

Hi folks. 1st post so please be gentle. Like others, my tyres run on outer edges (especially the front). 80% of mileage on tarmac, mostly just driver and no load. Getting cheesed having to pay to get them reversed at regular intervals.

Question: Would shortening the spring support bolts (710.1.54.378.1) by say about 1/4" and restoring ball-end profile result in the axles sitting a little further "up" . Same effect as shortening the springs ?

My 710M is a "civvy" model with very low mileage and has led a mostly sheltered life. I suspect the springs are still almost new spec. ie. as compressable as a blacksmith's anvil !

The above "shortening" seems too simple to work - there has to be a snag somewhere !

Maybe you learned/experienced folk could comment ?

With Thanks.

Mike. 1980 710M.
Ayrshire,
Scotland.

75pinz · Post by **75pinz** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 7:07 am

I think the original poster is saying tilt in, not out like you are describing. If it tilts outs then that would be like every Pinz I have ever seen. I could be wrong though. My wife says i am all the time.

M Wehrman · Post by **M Wehrman** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 12:21 pm

75 Pinz,you are correct, and my springs are squished. If any of you guys would like to trade your too tall/stiff ft springs for a short/soft pair,I will pay the shipping!
With regard to cutting springs,this was a topic concerning the rear coils on the 710s' I would never consider cutting the ft springs as there are only 2 !
Mark

M Wehrman · Post by **M Wehrman** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:26 pm

Well I ordered a pair of custom springs from a place in Kansas, I should see them in about 3 wks.
I'll let you guys know what happens(good OR bad)!Mark