Add-a-leaf, front Astra GTE and rear series 3 swb shocks

Post your questions about your suspension and steering problems here!
Post Reply
User avatar
Phillips321
Got muddy boots
Got muddy boots
Posts: 72
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2016 5:40 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Add-a-leaf, front Astra GTE and rear series 3 swb shocks

Post by Phillips321 » Thu May 05, 2016 4:24 pm

Hi guys,

I've ordered the following:
  • Add-A-Leaf from llama 4x4
  • Front Astra GTE oil shocks
  • Rear LR Series 3 SWB shocks
Thus all this should be going on my vehicle next week.

I've done as much reading as possible, but wanted to know any quick tips. As i'm not replacing the bushings i presume i can do all of this without taking the leaf springs out? I'm under the impression i can lift the body and support the frame, then jack the axel and do a side at a time? Is it okay to do all of this with the wheels off? It'll make changing the shocks easier.

Thanks in advance.

User avatar
Jordi
Bow down before me
Bow down before me
Posts: 7529
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:35 pm
Location: Darlington, Co. Durham

Re: Add-a-leaf, front Astra GTE and rear series 3 swb shocks

Post by Jordi » Thu May 05, 2016 8:15 pm

Jack it up on the chassis and support it on the chassis.

Wheels off and remove the shocks and the plates they are attached to under the axle. This may require new U bolts as the add a leaf makes the spring pack thicker / U bolts may be knackered anyway.

Slide the axle away from the middle of the spring and remove the bolt that goes through the middle of the spring pack. This again will need replacing with a longer bolt to suit the thickness of the new spring pack.

Bolt it all back together. Rough guide.
1988 Samurai - Truck Cab & Tray Back - 1.6 8v & HIF44 - Snorkel - Stack Exhaust - PAS, YJs & 33s - Trussed, Gusseted & Pumpkin Capped Axles - 4.3 R&Ps - 4.16 T/Box - Rear Air Locker - Full Float Back Axle & Discs - RCV Front Shafts - X-Eng Handbrake - Custom Fuel Tank

User avatar
ROBBIE
I spend far too much time on here
I spend far too much time on here
Posts: 4551
Joined: Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:32 pm
Location: Dorset or stuck

Re: Add-a-leaf, front Astra GTE and rear series 3 swb shocks

Post by ROBBIE » Fri May 06, 2016 8:58 am

Might need a G-clamp to squeeze the springs into the add a leaf spring
Sid James gone but never forgotten
Jimny 1.6 not as good as an SJ but still good

User avatar
twiss
SCUK Computer Wizard
SCUK Computer Wizard
Posts: 6110
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2010 2:28 pm
Location: Birkirkara, Malta
Contact:

Re: Add-a-leaf, front Astra GTE and rear series 3 swb shocks

Post by twiss » Fri May 06, 2016 9:05 am

Its probably advisable to use a G-clamp.... on the box my add-a-leafs came in (years ago) it did actually state that you should not use the center bolt to clamp the springs together, but I did anyway... no problems.... apart from the crappiness and rock-hardness of the add a leaf!
Twiss

'93 Suzuki Samurai Sport 1.6 16v SU. Virtual lift, spring under, 31s
'93 Maruti Gypsy MG410

"If brute force doesn't fix your problem, you aren't using enough of it."

Post Reply