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

khan_sultan · 12th July 2009, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyobeb

The traction bar/ bam bar prevents axle wrap which is usually a negative effect of an SPOA conversion.

Oh you meant Traction Bar . Sure, it's on the card's and one fine day that also will be done.

khan_sultan · 17th July 2009, 21:29

Here are some pictures that show how the composite leaf springs flex during articulation. Must say that they performed nicely. (picture Courtesy: Rajesh/Shakir)

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1612.jpg

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1624.jpg

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1616.jpg

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1620.jpg

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1621.jpg

Actually, the flex is limited by my shocks. they bottom out quite soon and don't have much travel. Need to plan for longer shocks

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1622.jpg

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1634.jpg

Just look at how the front metal leafs of the driver side is nearly bent the other way...

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1635.jpg

Composite Fibre Leaf Springs: Can they be used for off-roading?-img_1617.jpg

From what I hear is that they have composite leafs for the front also now. They have done enough testing and are now confident of the performance in the front also. They are more stiffer than those at the back.

harjeev · 18th July 2009, 06:03

Quote:

Here are some pictures that show how the composite leaf springs flex during articulation. Must say that they performed nicely. (picture Courtesy: Rajesh/Shakir)

Khan Bhai
Nicely is a gross understatement!!!!

from the looks of it they preformed great!!! I mean look at it!!!
Now definitely my next big expense is bigger better tyres, SpOA and Comp Leaf's!!!

Congrats!!!

This actually should be called a monster gypsy

What size tyres are you running!!!

Blue Thunder · 18th July 2009, 19:09

How is the on-road ride comfort with the CF springs? Is there a marked improvement over the stock leafsprings?

khan_sultan · 18th July 2009, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by harjeev

....What size tyres are you running!!!

Am running 235/75/15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

How is the on-road ride comfort with the CF springs? Is there a marked improvement over the stock leafsprings?

Oh, there is a day-night difference in the on-road ride comfort. The bone jarring ride of the gypsy is tamed to a HUGE extent.

I will be getting the CFLS for the front also now -- have heard that the front one's have been thoroughly tested and now available for installation

chandan · 19th July 2009, 20:32

A doubt: Will the load handling capacity remain the same ? I'm asking this because,I sometimes load upto a ton of stuff.

star_aqua · 19th July 2009, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by chandan

A doubt: Will the load handling capacity remain the same ? I'm asking this because,I sometimes load upto a ton of stuff.

Nope. you need to specify the loading and they are going to fabricate according to. this will make the suspension hard when driven without load. but better than the leaf springs.

Blue Thunder · 20th July 2009, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

...Oh, there is a day-night difference in the on-road ride comfort. The bone jarring ride of the gypsy is tamed to a HUGE extent...

This is wonderful news indeed...i need to plan for this upgrade now.

Parm · 20th July 2009, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by star_aqua

Nope. you need to specify the loading and they are going to fabricate according to. this will make the suspension hard when driven without load. but better than the leaf springs.

i agree on the load in the vehicle to correspond with the CFLS to be ordered!

i can see Khan's gypsy has no rear seats and im sure his gypsy is only for OTRs and not for round the city trips!

so please mention the load capacity of your vehicle (Jeep, gypsy, Gurkha,etc) before you order the CFLS!

swastikviji · 20th July 2009, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by chandan

A doubt: Will the load handling capacity remain the same ? I'm asking this because,I sometimes load upto a ton of stuff.

Hi Chandan

Regarding pay load, i tested with 8 people in my gypsy.

Sha · 20th July 2009, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by swastikviji

Hi Chandan

Regarding pay load, i tested with 8 people in my gypsy.

Add to this Vijay did Mini OTR also with 8 peoples.

swastikviji · 20th July 2009, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sha

Add to this Vijay did Mini OTR also with 8 peoples.

Hi Shakir,i forgot that day when we tested with 8 people you are also there am i correct ?

Now i am planning to fix these in front. waiting for khan sir to test it first.

Sha · 20th July 2009, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by swastikviji

Hi Shakir,i forgot that day when we tested with 8 people you are also there am i correct ?

Now i am planning to fix these in front. waiting for khan sir to test it first.

Yeah i was there. let Khan try first and do some Articulation Lesson on front leaf spring then you buy it.

chandan · 22nd July 2009, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by swastikviji

Hi Chandan

Regarding pay load, i tested with 8 people in my gypsy.

That's reassuring.However,Id like some 540 owners with CFLS to comment.

star_aqua · 22nd July 2009, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by chandan

That's reassuring.However,Id like some 540 owners with CFLS to comment.

Chandhan, SwastikViji is also the owner of a 550 with CFLS. My two cents. I have experienced driving his 550 with CFLS. had driven it with 6 people onboard. it gives the same feeling as if it is not loaded. there is a slight roll when you drive without load, but not to a great extent(feels like you are floating). initially it acts as if the suspension is weak, but becomes more rigid as you load.

17th July 2009, 21:29	#62
khan_sultan Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Noida/Bangalore Posts: 4,925 Thanked: 5,853 Times View My Garage	Here are some pictures that show how the composite leaf springs flex during articulation. Must say that they performed nicely. (picture Courtesy: Rajesh/Shakir) Actually, the flex is limited by my shocks. they bottom out quite soon and don't have much travel. Need to plan for longer shocks Just look at how the front metal leafs of the driver side is nearly bent the other way... From what I hear is that they have composite leafs for the front also now. They have done enough testing and are now confident of the performance in the front also. They are more stiffer than those at the back. Last edited by khan_sultan : 17th July 2009 at 22:43.
	() Thanks

18th July 2009, 19:09	#64
Blue Thunder Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Right here . Posts: 1,657 Thanked: 386 Times View My Garage	How is the on-road ride comfort with the CF springs? Is there a marked improvement over the stock leafsprings?
	() Thanks

19th July 2009, 20:32	#66
chandan BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: sakleshpur Posts: 251 Thanked: 47 Times View My Garage	A doubt: Will the load handling capacity remain the same ? I'm asking this because,I sometimes load upto a ton of stuff.
	() Thanks