Broken leaf suspension (one out of 10!).

[Troopie59]

Hi I am new here, reading the forum for several years but this is my first post.
I own a Landcruiser HZJ75 from 1998 with an aftermarket rear suspension (leaf springs with about 5 cm lift, maybe OME but I am not sure because I am not the original owner) Each side contains 10 leafs which seems a lot. Now, on the right side one leaf is broken in the middle. This is the 8th leaf counted from top to bottom. This broken leaf doesn't have any effect on ride quality and stays on it's place but I know - at least for safety - I have to do something about it. First comes in mind to replace both leafs springs (left and right) completely because I don't think leafs are sold seperately. This will be costly.

The question is: is het possible simply to remove that broken leaf (including the good one on the other side)? I know sometimes a leaf is removed from the set for a more comfortable ride. Or is that a bad idea? Maybe the maximum load will be a little bit less but that's no big problem for me.

John

 

[SNLC]

If it is the leaf with the military wrap, I sure wouldn’t remove it.

Cheers

 

[Troopie59]

Thank for your reply.

I just took a picture of the leaf (broken leaf not visible on this picture). I this the so called military wrap? Can you explain why it's not wise to remove the broken leaf in that case?

John.

 

[coldtaco]

Third one up from the bottom? I have removed this one after asking the manufacturer, this leaf was ok to remove.

 

[Troopie59]

Yes, the third one up from the bottom. That's very good news, that I can safely remove them. BTW, it looks indeed like the "military wrap" but those (two) main leafs are oké and I don't see yet what it has to do with it. SNLC?

John.

 

[coldtaco]

Military wrap is on the first or second leaf on the top. It is a safety feature.