[Pubic]

hi all,

I'm at the moment looking at doing a front suspension set up for my build.

I spent some of today walking around a wreckers measuring different leaf spring sizes.

I have documented the sizes and hope they help some people with future set ups.


These are only the cars that I came across today, im sure there are many more that people would like to add.

If you would like to add sizes, can you please do so in the same format that i have to avoid confusion for others

[Damo]

Nice work Pubes. Early Mazdas had 50mm leaves too.

I ran some Corolla leaves at one stage. They are very soft. I ended up with a 7 leaf pack and they were still too soft. Flexed like a mofo though.

[Pubic]

do you have the lengths of the mazdas by any chance damo?


question to you all....


is it safe and possible to run the leafs backwards?

if there are any issues with this, what are they?

[Damo]

Pubic wrote:

do you have the lengths of the mazdas by any chance damo?


question to you all....


is it safe and possible to run the leafs backwards?

if there are any issues with this, what are they?

Only thing I can think of is the size of the eyes on the end of the springs are sometimes different (eg, Corolla)

[Damo]

I added in the Mazda info I have.

I think I might have measured mine along the length of the main leaf, not just eye to eye, so that might be why my measurements seem very long. I'd suggest taking the measurements as a guide rather than specs.

[Pubic]

love your work damo.

yeh i measured mine eye to eye in a direct line.

but none the less its a little more info.

[BlueSuzy]

i will measure my ke75 wagon rears in 5mins..

[BlueSuzy]

Ok
dunno how to dowload then upload, or im slack..

Also are you guys measureing the sizes of the bush holes? Or is this just for full custom mounts etc..

[Pubic]

i hadnt thought of bush holes.

would the size matter all that much? or is it possible to just use some bush's to suit the eye size?

if it will matter, why will it?

how will different sized eyes act when flexing?

[BlueSuzy]

well the mazdas were ok
the yotas were ok

But some have seen the holes are larger with the pressed in main bush that mounts to spring hangar. E.g.12-14mm

But i cant remember the detail on specs..

[TZAR]

Pubic wrote:

i hadnt thought of bush holes.

Really???? for how long?

[Damo]

Pubic wrote:

i hadnt thought of bush holes.

would the size matter all that much? or is it possible to just use some bush's to suit the eye size?

if it will matter, why will it?

how will different sized eyes act when flexing?

I don't think bush hole size is really a huge problem. I mean it's hard enough finding a spring that's going to be long enough with the centre pin in the right place. So if you track down the right size spring you just have to make it work. The only thing I wouldn't do is go to a smaller bolt, but if you look at the OD of the bush go to a suspension shop and compare a few, you'll most likely find something off the shelf that works.

[Pubic]

thanks for the advice damo, if the susp joint cant offer a bush to fit then there must be something wrong.

im probably going to use the corona ones in mine, if i leave the rear hanger where it is it will push the diff forward around 7-8" i'll have to look at this to see bad it will push up to the front of the front guard.

[just_cruizin]

Don't forget all the other issues moving the front diff has, drive shaft length, steering geometry, brake lines, shock mounts. These will cause more issues then the internal guard.

[BlueSuzy]

Well i gave you the wrong sizes for when i was playing with my spring s
I have found an old sheet for when i was playing with them.


Mazda 323 Wagons 1105mm ctr to ctr. Holes are Original bush hole sizes
Leaf 6mm thick leaf. Pin is 485 from Big bush

Ke55 Corolla sedan. 1155 ctr to ctr. 1 bush 13mm, Big bush 14mm hole. Leaf 6mm thick leaf. Pin is 500 from Big bush

Ke70 Corolla Wagon rears. 1210 ctr to ctr. Big bush 14mm hole, Small bush 12mm hole. 7mm thick leaf. Pin is 530 from Big bush.


I would have gone with the ke70 if i had the chance. But i did not want to play around with moving the mounts bigtime, and the pin was too offset for anything my tyre size.. I ended up cutting it up to use as a perfect 2nd support leaf.

[Pubic]

just_cruizin wrote:

Don't forget all the other issues moving the front diff has, drive shaft length, steering geometry, brake lines, shock mounts. These will cause more issues then the internal guard.

thanks for the in put


the drive shafts will be custom made, i have to make customs anyhow to suit the t/case being moved back.

shock mounts are gong to be re done to suit longer shocks anyway

i will have most problems with getting the steering right i think.

i have a grinder and welder so guards shouldnt be too much of a hassle!