series 3 parabolic spring question

[transalpian]

My series 3 has parabolic springs but has a pronounced "lean" to the left (driver's side). Is there a way to adjust the trim on these, or should I replace the springs? Spring mounts and frame are solid (new galvy frame).

Thanks

[jac04]

How pronounced is the lean? IIRC, factory specs are within 1" side to side, which is noticeable. You can make sure that the bushings aren't 'binding' or preloaded by loosening the front hanger & rear shacke bolts, settle the suspension by jumping up & down on the front & back a few times, then re-tightening the bolts.

The other option would be to switch the springs side-to-side. Spring geometry & rate can vary from one spring to another. Switching them might solve your issue.

[transalpian]

I'll measure the lean tonight. Its enough that my wife complains when getting in the passenger side. I've also seen the right front wheel geometry look a little hinky.

I like the switch idea. With my "girth", it would probably ride pretty level!!

In typical rover fashion, anything I should do to the springs/bushings/etc "while I'm in there"?

Jeremy

[stomper]

If you switch the springs, Depending on how old your U-bolts are that hold the axle to the spring ought to be switched out. Perhaps new bushings, but I doubt it. Give the front flex lines for the brakes a good inspection. nothing else I can think of.

[Broadstone]

I gave up on mine. Though all new and original suspension used I still have the driver side lean of about 1-1.5". I swapped sides front and back and it made no difference. The only thing that worked for me was compressing the suspension on the high side and making a new hole in the checkstrap to get it to sit the same as the drivers side. Everyone tells me who cares but it bothered me a lot until I exhausted all possible solutions, now "who cares"

[cedryck]

swap out springs!

Same here, did not make a difference at all. Truck still sits about 1.5 inches lean to the right. Just the way it is with 2 leaf para's. No more good advice there,

[SafeAirOne]

The factory springs were built so that the driver's side springs sat higher than the non-driver's side so that with driver and fuel, the truck sits level.

Is this the same for paraboics?

[SalemRover]

The factory springs were built so that the driver's side springs sat higher than the non-driver's side so that with driver and fuel, the truck sits level.

Is this the same for paraboics?

When I bought my RM parabolics about 9 years ago they were not sided.

[transalpian]

OK, so with a tape, I've got 1.5" of lean. Here, I think, is my problem (the lhs spring):





compare that to the rhs spring (pic not as good):



Based on the differences in the profiles, me thinks I've got a bad spring? What say ye?

[siiirhd88]

I've got RN parabolics on my 109, two leaf front and three leaf rears. Within a week of driving it was leaning to the driver's (right) side with a visual side for side difference in both F & R springs. I swapped both side for side, and within a few days it was once again sagging to the driver's side.

Oh well, I figured it was just going to sag due to my heavy self and it is still that same way a few years later.

Bob

[albersj51]

I dont have an answer to your question, but after speaking with a Rover vendor, they convinced me to rebuild my factory springs (HUGE PITA!) due to new springs not being "sided", which can result in unwanted lean.

Best of luck

Jason

[jac04]

OK, so with a tape, I've got 1.5" of lean. Here, I think, is my problem (the lhs spring):





compare that to the rhs spring (pic not as good):



Based on the differences in the profiles, me thinks I've got a bad spring? What say ye?

Yes, I think you have a spring problem. Not sure who made your springs or when, but here is some interesting reading regarding improperly made parabolics:

http://www.parabolicsuspension.com/colaert/colaert.htm

[transalpian]

Ok, loaded question. What do I replace them with?

[albersj51]

Our hosts sell them as does rocky mountain parabolics in canada. Ive heard great things about Alcan Springs as well.

[jac04]

If you purchased them new and they aren't too old, I would go back to the manufacturer or vendor and see what they can do about replacing them. Otherwise, look into the Rovers North parabolics. They are (at least double-check that they still are) made by Woodhead http://www.woodheadsprings.com/parabolic-springs.htm . I installed them on my Lightweight and they seem to be of good quality.