Logic behind OME PS springs vs. DS springs

[tech_dog]

After doing my lift, I've found myself with a half inch of lean, with the driver's side being higher.

I'm wondering about the rule of thumb regarding use of Aussie DS for PS, and the PS for the DS. Does this rule really work?

If the cars were mirror images, then I'd see how this would be perfect, but I can't see how they'd be mirror images. They use the same engine, so the exhaust, manifolds, etc, will still have any weight imbalances on the same side. Only the weight of the steering and other mirrored items will move over.

Any comments? I think this fact (if it is a fact) might be a cause of people's lean after going to OME lifts.

I plan on using a shim to even this out, but want to make sure I understand what happened. I've waited long enough for things to settle.

T.

 

[cruiserdan]

The longer springs always go on the left-hand side (or the long axle side) of the vehicle. Backwards springs create a lean to the left, not the right as you describe.

 

[tech_dog]

But could you really expect the recommended OME US configuration to result in level results? It seems to me that a US LC is not just a mirror image of a Oz LC, so you'd expect to end up with some lean.

 

[cruiserdan]

Let me re-state:

The longer springs go on the left-hand side of the vehicle REGARDLESS of which side the steering wheel is on. The height compensation has nothing what-so-ever to do with weight, it deals with the fact that the spring perches are lower on the long-side of the axle housing.

 

[medtro]

But could you really expect the recommended OME US configuration to result in level results? It seems to me that a US LC is not just a mirror image of a Oz LC, so you'd expect to end up with some lean.

While the US LC axle is not a mirror image of a Oz LC axle, the US LC DS & PS is a mirror image of the Oz LC DS & PS.

 

[Romer]

Let me re-state:

The longer springs go on the left-hand side of the vehicle REGARDLESS of which side the steering wheel is on. The height compensation has nothing what-so-ever to do with weight, it deals with the fact that the spring perches are lower on the long-side of the axle housing.

What he said!

I didn't even look at the A or B when I swapped mine, just followed this rule and it sits perfectly.

 

[Rich]

On my 97 the height of the spring perches above the outboard end of the axles are the same on both sides. As is the height of the spring perches from the ground.

So...here's an opportunity to come up with a different reason for the variation in spring height. Best guess wins. I'd start with unequal weight distribution.

 

[tech_dog]

Let me re-state:

The longer springs go on the left-hand side of the vehicle REGARDLESS of which side the steering wheel is on. The height compensation has nothing what-so-ever to do with weight, it deals with the fact that the spring perches are lower on the long-side of the axle housing.

I understand, but since the left side of a US cruiser won't weigh the same as the right side of an Aussie cruiser, it seems you will surely end up with a leaning vehicle. I'm not sure how much lean, but it seems to me that it's gotta lean.

 

[Rich]

The proper comparison is the left side of the US cruiser compared to the left side of the Aussie cruiser. The long spring goes on the same side for both. I would guess that the left side of the US cruiser is heavier than the left side of an Aussie cruiser, but with passengers in both, wouldn't think the difference to be hughe.

Your lean is very possibly due to variations in OME spring manufacturing. You can always try swapping your springs from side to side and see if you get an improvement.

 

[firetruck41]

I understand, but since the left side of a US cruiser won't weigh the same as the right side of an Aussie cruiser, it seems you will surely end up with a leaning vehicle. I'm not sure how much lean, but it seems to me that it's gotta lean.

It seems like you misunderstood Dan. An Australian labeled "DS" spring will be installed on the right hand side of an Australian LC, and an Australian labeled "DS" spring should be installed on the right hand side of a US LC/LX.

 

[tech_dog]

It seems like you misunderstood Dan. An Australian labeled "DS" spring will be installed on the right hand side of an Australian LC, and an Australian labeled "DS" spring should be installed on the right hand side of a US LC/LX.

It's obvious I'm still not being clear. Let me try like this.

Take an Australian Land Cruiser, and install the OEM springs according to the Australian versoin of the instructions.

Now take the Australian Landcruiser, and take the stearing, brake cylinder, controls, and a few other odds and ends, and move them from the right side to the left side.

I'm guessing there's something in the range of 100 lbs of stuff. If you were level in the aussie configuration, it seems you'd have to be less than level after moving the items that are different between the US and Oz.

That's pretty much what we're doing with our US installations, it seems to me.

 

[cruiserdan]

It's obvious I'm still not being clear. Let me try like this.

Take an Australian Land Cruiser, and install the OEM springs according to the Australian versoin of the instructions.

Now take the Australian Landcruiser, and take the stearing, brake cylinder, controls, and a few other odds and ends, and move them from the right side to the left side.

I'm guessing there's something in the range of 100 lbs of stuff. If you were level in the aussie configuration, it seems you'd have to be less than level after moving the items that are different between the US and Oz.

That's pretty much what we're doing with our US installations, it seems to me.

Agreed, BUT.................


You stated that your vehicle leans to the right. that would be the very same side that the Aussies would increase the spring-rate for.


So,

If the vehicle does indeed lean toward the right (the heavy side in the case of the Aussie spec) how could the springs be backwards? The Aussies specificially state that the "longer" spring goes on the LH side of the vehicle.


The bottom line is you are stating that what should be the "high-side" is in fact the "low-side".

That can't happen in a "normal" vehicle.

 

[tech_dog]

Agreed, BUT.................

That can't happen in a "normal" vehicle.

I'm starting to think it's a problem with the orange dot mod.

 

[-Spike-]

A hundred pounds moved from off-center right to off-center left isn't going to make a noticeable difference on a 5,000 pound vehicle, IMO. Put a child in the driver's seat, go look at the front of the truck, and have the child move to the passenger side- I doubt you'll see the difference.

-Spike