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E series leaf spring differences 

 

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 Post subject: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 6:09 pm 
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Wanting to find out info on the leaf spring differences (mainly ef/el) as I have a fairmont wagon and it has the 4 leaf setup and also have a set of xr wagon 5 leaf springs.

So I'm wanting to know what the difference is between the number of springs?

I'm going to be flipping 2nd bottom leaf so I can remove the illegal blocks but still have the rear lowered but wondering wether to do it with the fairmonts 4 leaf or the xr 5 leaf??

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 7:04 pm 
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The more leafs you have the stiffer it will be I have Xf 6 leafs in my ef wagon

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 7:30 pm 
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Depends on the 'set' of the springs.......some of the leaves aren't weight bearing til it is loaded with a certain amount of weight.......look at 1 tonne ute springs.

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:45 pm 
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Just thinking that with the xr getting better suspension it would sit better with the 2nd bottom flipped rather than the fairmonts?

Any one got pics of a wagon with the flipped leaf to see how it sits??

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:10 pm 
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So how low do you want to go ?? (crucial question)

The XR springs already sit about 1.5" lower than std.
If you do what you suggest with the std springs, you'll drop around 2 - 2.5", but the back will bottom out easily due to the reduced spring rate (as cjh mentioned), as that spring leaf no longer is load bearing.

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 10:46 pm 
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{USERNAME} wrote:
So how low do you want to go ?? (crucial question)

The XR springs already sit about 1.5" lower than std.
If you do what you suggest with the std springs, you'll drop around 2 - 2.5", but the back will bottom out easily due to the reduced spring rate (as cjh mentioned), as that spring leaf no longer is load bearing.


I want to go 2.5-3" which is why I thought using the xr 5 leaf would be better as it would still have some strength in it were if I used the monts 4 leaf it would be really bouncy and bottom out.

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 1:10 am 
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I have XG Ute springs in my EB Wagon.

Well sort of. I used the wagon main spring so I can retain the oval front bush for reduced NVH. And, yes, it did make noticeable difference. In addition, the Ute springs are thicker than wagon ones, and by keeping the wagon main spring, I get a smoother ride over smaller road irregularities compared to a straight ute pack.

The remaining four leaves are the Ute ones, and then I used the smallest wagon leaf and placed it upside down on the pack. This way I got a 1.25" ride height reduction and a compliant yet firm ride.

I also run 1.5" lowering blocks, and use three cut down springs as spacers for additional lowering.

Combined with a rear whiteline sway bar and air bags for heavy load assistance, I get the best of both worlds in terms of handling, and load capability when needed.

Cheers
BenJ

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 1:19 am 
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if you go any more than 2.5" low on 4 leaf spring you with hit the tailshaft on the body 5 or 6 leads make it stiffer and than you don't hit
I had 2" blocks on 4 leafs didn't hit but when I had 1 person in the back seat it did hit the tailshaft but now I have 5 leafs have 150kg of sub box in the boot and a full car and it dosnt hit

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I have xf springs so I don't no how low they got reset

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:34 am 
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Cheers guys :)

Yea I'm running 2" blocks on the 4 leafs and already had rubbing issues with the drive shaft so I spaced the gearbox mount off the chassis and it sorted it out, so that ls why I'll be using the 5 leaf with 2nd bottom flipped which will give it the low I want but be firmer than the 4 to stop the rubbing issue.

Sounds like a go with the ute leafs benj may have to source a set after having a play with the xr leafs and see how the go. Wouldn't have a pic of your leaf setup before they went in would you? Also interested to see how the rear sway bars are mounted as Ill be getting my front whiteline sway bar this week and will be getting a rear down the track so a pic of that would also be appreciated.

 

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 Post subject: Re: E series leaf spring differences
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:09 am 
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Ride: EB1 Fairmont Ghia T5 Wagon

Location: Seven Hills, Sydney
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The sway bar kit should come with flat bar and U bolts for the diff housing mounts.

I used this initially, then Snap welded on the sedan type sway bar mounts onto the wagon diff.

Works great.

Cheers
BenJ

 

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