Coil suspension conversion question

[stevenmd]

When converting to a coil suspension from the leaf spring, how much work is it? Can it be done without replacing the frame? Or do I need a whole new frame, like ECR's coil conversion frame?

How much welding does it take? What else do I need to consider?

 

[KevinNY]

You could weld up the mounts if you really knew your shite,but I think you would be better off starting with a galvanized coil chassis from ECR if they are still selling them. Thats where mine is from. Drive line angles with anymore than stock d90 springs will have you calling Tom Woods for new shafts, a CV shaft for the rear, and either shortened rear links or an A- arm extension. Wheel wells will have to opened up to D90 dimensions as well and flares fitted.

 

[sven]

Im pretty sure ECR no longer sells these "over the counter". So you'd have to get it shipped from Designa in the UK. I plan on going this route some day when the time comes for a new frame.

 

[Gordo]

Just curious how much is a designa chassis for a coiler? It doesnt seem that difficult to build up a D1 or RRC chassis but then if you galvanize it as well, it wouldnt be cheap. Im builing my hybrid on an 89RRC frame. The front outriggers were about 40 bucks a pair from the UK and the rear crossmember was 150 from AB. Other than that just some 2x2 box steel for the tub mounts in the front, chopping the chassis down, some sheet metal to plate the chassis, and fab up some bits here and there. I figure I'll save enough on that to buy a nice Miller 180 welder! Gordo

 

[dieselrover]

vvv

 

[Gordo]

Yup - if you're inclined to fab it up, then that's the way to go - Have you seen the UK series where the guy built a 100" hybrid up from a range rover chassis (A 4x4 is Born)! If not, you should buy a copy. It's well worth the money.

Oh yes! That is a great video. I watched it before I even turned a wrench. Just wish my DVD player would play it (Pal format) but my cpu did fine! I'd recommend it to any body like loves rovers and wrenching on them.

 

[LR Max]

Unless your chassis is in terrible shape (then a wonderful time to convert!!), I would say it would probably be better to have a shop do the conversion. I got quoted 1400 to convert my rear suspension to a 4 link suspension, out the door, everything. That was johnny joints on one end and bushings on the other.

So, a shop could do true 4 link suspension for you, out the door for around 3 grand. Isn't that what a new galvinised chassis would cost you? Just the chassis?

Go search for old leaf sprung jeeps that have been converted. On the rover, it would probably be easy because there is plenty of room under there.

 

[AlohaRover]

Is it on an 88 or 109?

The frame rails on the 109 are taller then on an 88 and work better.
Where the radius and trailing arms mount on the frame, for a stock height/like set up you need to add a box section to the under side of an 88 frame. So in that aspect its easy to cut and shut a 109 frame.
if you can find an old 'free' coiler frame where the frame rails are thrashed but the suspension mounts are in good shape, you can go to town with a plasma and cut all the coilie bits off and weld to the Series frame.
Coiler frames are pretty damn cheep. I picked up one free, no rust, no dents.
Chop it down to your prefered wheel base.