Team-BHP - Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?

Quote:

Originally Posted by svsantosh (Post 2409925)

25MM -Ve Offset 7J alloyz - WOW, I got -13 and that itself made a big difference. Can you post a pic of it on your thread plz? Would love to see them.

I guess now you dont need spacers, 1 inch itself is too much difference. Good your gypsy can/may take it, a jeeps wheel bearings would go for a toss with so much -ve offset!!

Oh really? I didn't know that. I am learning like I said. So 25mm may be too much for a Gypsy as well then?

I have yet to buy them, it was just a thought. Your feedback Gypsy Guys?!! please:

--Ragul

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragul (Post 2409809)

....
The issue is resolved. The leaves needed to be shifted to the right slightly with the axle centered and this was achieved by widening the hole in the axle through which the centre bolt of the leaf goes through. The inner facing side of the hole was widened using a plasma cutter and the leaf's re-aligned.

Good to know that the issue is resolved. Wish you many happy miles on the Gypsy now.

Quote:

All the worry about scraping the suspension has made me decide to go for 25mm negative offset 7J rims.

If your current setup, with your 215 tyres, is running fine then don't fiddle with it. No need of alloys also and -ve offset rims. Gypsy rims will do just fine.

Drive like this for some time and if you feel any issues of wheel scrapping then decide later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by khan_sultan (Post 2410079)

Good to know that the issue is resolved. Wish you many happy miles on the Gypsy now.

Thanks!

Quote:

Actually ... I originally thought I would maintain my Gypsy in stock condition until .. the Uttarapinakini OTR. After seeing all your sexy Jeeps and Gypsy's I can't hold myself back. the CFLs are errrr... just the excuse I needed for a wider set of rims ... bumper and rocksliders to follow ... lol:

I will chase the topic of choosing rims on the "Offroad rims and wheels" thread (hope you folks will advice on my posts there). By the time I decide on which rims it will be another 500 kms at least anyways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by svsantosh (Post 2409925)

25MM -Ve Offset 7J alloyz - WOW, I got -13 and that itself made a big difference.

... 1 inch itself is too much difference. Good your gypsy can/may take it, a jeeps wheel bearings would go for a toss with so much -ve offset!!

Thinking about it since I am adding 2 inches in the jump from 5J to 7J rims, I guess a 5mm to 10mm offset should also suffice. I will restrict my choice to 10mm or below to be safe.

--Ragul

Edit: @Mods, I forgot to wipe off my Registration number plates in post 264. Can you either remove that pic or do a quick wipe job in paint for me?
Sorry for the extra work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragul (Post 2409809)

The issue is resolved. The leaves needed to be shifted to the right slightly with the axle centered and this was achieved by widening the hole in the axle through which the centre bolt of the leaf goes through. The inner facing side of the hole was widened using a plasma cutter and the leaf's re-aligned. See pic!!

Hi,
I'm wondering a) why this was needed, and b) could it have been solved in any other way?

Regards
Sutripta

Quote:

Originally Posted by headers (Post 2411395)

please do not go for negative offset especially if you wanna do off road / rough roads . You will have problems.

If its gonna be a show piece on MG / Brigade road, then no issues - Get a LOUD exhaust too :)

Problems even with a 6mm negative offset for example? Can somebody enlighten me what kind? Load on wheel bearings? Higher risk of stress induced failure ? On which all components?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sutripta (Post 2412578)

Hi,
I'm wondering a) why this was needed, and b) could it have been solved in any other way?

Regards
Sutripta

Good question. I am very interested in finding out from the more knowledgeable senior members too.

PS: These leaves are much wider than the older front CFLs by about 12mm I think.

--Ragul

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragul (Post 2413829)

PS: These leaves are much wider than the older front CFLs by about 12mm I think.
--Ragul

Centrelines should remain the same.

Re: elongating the holes. I would have thought ten times before doing something which is nonreversible. BTW, what was done? Hole elongated, and a washer welded in the offset position?

Regards
Sutripta

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sutripta (Post 2413866)

Just elongated. I asked if it would create problems when refitting the original leaf springs, he seemed to be confident that it wouldn't.

Adding a metal washer sounds like a good idea but remember it is no longer a perfect circle.

Your thoughts?
--Ragul

Just a thought.

From all the images of failures, the CFL's seem to be breaking where the end forms a eye to attach to the shackle.

Now what if one used a Steel Parabolic spring for for the main leaf including the eye for the Shackle in conjunction with a CFL to replace the additional leafs.

Any advice.

Regards

nnn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragul (Post 2413939)

Meaning? Is there some preventive action we need to take to prevent any kind of sub-optimal mechanical interaction or side-effects?

Thanks
--Rahul

Hey Ragul,

Stay away from CFLs for the moment - There are better positive ways to improve the ride of a gypsy:

Please define:

1. Whether you want to use the gypsy for ONroad use only?
2. Mild offroad once a month and onroad daily drive?
3. H/C offroad only vehicle?

Based on your definitions, we can suggest what is good and what does not work so great!!

PS: I dont intend turning this thread in any other direction - so please delete if the above found inappropriateplease:

Quote:

Originally Posted by headers (Post 2414212)

I would say option 2 with moderate off-roading. What do you suggest?

--Ragul

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragul (Post 2413939)

Meaning? Is there some preventive action we need to take to prevent any kind of sub-optimal mechanical interaction or side-effects?

Thanks
--Rahul

Theoretically, there can now be relative movement between spring and axle.

Normal road use, and properly tightened ubolts, you should be OK. Extreme abuse - don't know.

In any case, this whole thing offends my sensibilities. And I'm still trying to work out in my head as to why it was necessary.

Sound advice by Headers.

Regards
Sutripta