Broken lef springs on HZJ75

[smudge]

For the first time today I carried some weight in my truck.
Just over 1/2 ton of gravel/sand mix and 5 small bags of cement.After driving gently home on normal roads, I noticed both rear springs have broken leaves in them!
2 in one side and 1 in the other. Any ideas why this should suddenly happen? Surely the weight of less than 1 ton was not excessive, my mates L 200 carries 1 1/2 ton regularly.
I think mine also has heavy duty springs 8 leaves with very thick leaf second from bottom

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by smudge

For the first time today I carried some weight in my truck.
Just over 1/2 ton of gravel/sand mix and 5 small bags of cement.After driving gently home on normal roads, I noticed both rear springs have broken leaves in them!
2 in one side and 1 in the other. Any ideas why this should suddenly happen? Surely the weight of less than 1 ton was not excessive, my mates L 200 carries 1 1/2 ton regularly.
I think mine also has heavy duty springs 8 leaves with very thick leaf second from bottom

Depends on the life they have had but more importantly,the quality of the spring steel.
We use to get some cheap springs in oz made in India and they would often snap without much of a load.
Some spring manufacturers in oz would use one or two Indian leafs in the pack with quality leafs to save money.

And welcome to the BIG landcruiser site

[lynchmob]

8 Leafs doesnt sound like a very heavy pack. My stock BJ75 has 11 leafs. Like Rosco says, maybe they are some cheap replacements?

[smudge]

Thanks for the replies. I think I shall be spending more time on this site. No one knows what a HZJ 75 is back here in the UK.
Off to see about some Ironman springs,think they are the only ones I can get here that will fit.Unless someone knows better......

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by smudge

Thanks for the replies. I think I shall be spending more time on this site. No one knows what a HZJ 75 is back here in the UK.
Off to see about some Ironman springs,think they are the only ones I can get here that will fit.Unless someone knows better......

I think Dobinsons and a few others have representaion in the UK but Ironman are ok.
Have you tried Frog Island 4wd?
If you sent emails to aussie spring companies they could tell who their distributor's are.

Rear springs for 75 series are about $180 each here.

[Hulsty]

I got ironman springs under my middy, no idea how old they are, but seem ok. Have been across the nullabor twice fully loaded, and been beaten around by me for over a year.

$180 per leaf! wheres that at! I need to get some customs made up for my middy and they were about that just for the main and wrap leaves

cheers

[smudge]

Price here in UK looks about 100 GB Pounds per side with tax.
Much of a job to fit, truck is heavy so I would think I need to prop it up well? What about shackles I guess they have rubber bushes with steel tubes that will be rusted solid!

[smudge]

While I am on.
Any one got any experience with running the 1 HZ on a part SVO/ Diesel mix? I have heard various reports of seal problems etc but nothing from anyone whose done it over a long period.
Too cold in UK for 100% veg oil without pre heater extra tank set up etc. Just wondered if the odd shot of New chip oil would do any harm. Any ideas?

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by smudge

While I am on.
Any one got any experience with running the 1 HZ on a part SVO/ Diesel mix? I have heard various reports of seal problems etc but nothing from anyone whose done it over a long period.
Too cold in UK for 100% veg oil without pre heater extra tank set up etc. Just wondered if the odd shot of New chip oil would do any harm. Any ideas?

The Diesel forum here has its own sub forum for alternative diesel.
We use this forum for 70 series body and transmission type problems,well we are supposed to

There is some mad brits doing oz running on chip,right now
Around Oz on a Battered Fish

Originally Posted by smudge

Price here in UK looks about 100 GB Pounds per side with tax.
Much of a job to fit, truck is heavy so I would think I need to prop it up well? What about shackles I guess they have rubber bushes with steel tubes that will be rusted solid!
]

Most owners use a combo of heat to burn the rubber while an assistant bashes them with a big hammer. You may want to put greasable shackles on but the standard ones last ok

[smudge]

Got some Ironman springs from supplier in UK. The shackle bushes seem free (phew) so will fit them over the weekend.
Or would have done had they turned up!
Seller says courier 'lost' them?

[smudge]

Springs finally arrived and now fitted. (Toyota UK wanted £450 plus tax per side)
Think originals may have been broken a while as the metal on breaks does not look 'fresh' . Putting the weight in the back may have shaken the mud off the broken area exposing breaks.
Anyhow all done!

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by smudge

Springs finally arrived and now fitted. (Toyota UK wanted £450 plus tax per side)
Think originals may have been broken a while as the metal on breaks does not look 'fresh' . Putting the weight in the back may have shaken the mud off the broken area exposing breaks.
Anyhow all done!

How is the ride and flex?

[smudge]

Originally Posted by smudge

Springs finally arrived and now fitted. (Toyota UK wanted £450 plus tax per side)
Think originals may have been broken a while as the metal on breaks does not look 'fresh' . Putting the weight in the back may have shaken the mud off the broken area exposing breaks.
Anyhow all done!

Quite a dramatic change.
Much firmer ride and springs actually feel as if they are flexing as opposed to being solid bars (with cracks in) as before.
Not sure if I should grease the leaves or leave dry I can see advantages/disadvantages of both. The truck is used in a damp UK climate with little dust, not like it's original home.
Chassis was liberally coated with 'Waxoil' last year to help fend off the rust worm.

[crushers]

if you live in a wet climate then take the weight completely off the springs so they seperate and squirt used engine oil between them. this will remove some friction and will help keep the rust gods at bay...
if you have rubber bushings then try not to get oil on the bushings.

[lshobie]

Do what Wayne says but use grease - don't get oil into the middle of the spring pack - you don't want it to get lubed - you can get movement in there and shear the spring pack bolt.

[crushers]

or graphite is even better, you can get it at your local John Deere ...