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Post by magnarc on Jun 18, 2023 12:37:43 GMT 10
Just had the beast underslung. Gained 5 centimetres. Hope that this avoids the cost of replacing the pads on the rear supports when exiting servos driveways. It took me a while to work out that if you drive out at an angle it does help. The last time it happened it broke the weld and took the whole thing off and, since we have hydraulic stabilisers, it was more than a bit expensive! I was a bit worried that the lift would affect the stability of the van but I was assured that was not the case. Can't wait to see if they are right on the next trip. Has anyone on here had this done? Phil.
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Post by Mike Harding on Jun 18, 2023 15:36:27 GMT 10
What is underslung?
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Post by arewelost on Jun 18, 2023 17:01:45 GMT 10
Refitting the axle(s) on the underside of the springs. So you gain extra clearance by the thickness of the axle and the springs. I would have thought this would give more than 5cm. The stability would be slightly affected but not significant. My van is the opposite with quite high clearance so I use a drop hitch but pointing up. The floor is flat with no wheel arches. Still uses 16 inch Land Cruiser wheels.
Phil, I can imagine you will appreciate the extra height now.
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Post by magnarc on Jun 19, 2023 9:15:58 GMT 10
Refitting the axle(s) on the underside of the springs. So you gain extra clearance by the thickness of the axle and the springs. I would have thought this would give more than 5cm. The stability would be slightly affected but not significant. My van is the opposite with quite high clearance so I use a drop hitch but pointing up. The floor is flat with no wheel arches. Still uses 16 inch Land Cruiser wheels.
Phil, I can imagine you will appreciate the extra height now.
Hi All, the van did have a fair bit of height and we could have gone higher but he was worried about the Simplicity independent suspension and didn't want to cause instability. I would have included a pic but the van is in Geelong and I am in Melbourne. |
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Possum
New Member
Military, Law Enforcement, Engineering background - Right Wing views.
Posts: 15 
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Post by Possum on Aug 7, 2023 12:20:45 GMT 10
Unfortunately there a many service stations that have virtual gully drains across their entrance - you need to fold stabilisers forward rather than rearward. I believe that if an eagle eyed Mr Plod notices that it will be a ticket. ie no item or attachment is permitted allowing a person to get caught. Mind you after three and half tonne van has passed over, I know it wouldn't matter.
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Post by yobarr on Sept 4, 2023 18:05:28 GMT 10
Just had the beast underslung. Gained 5 centimetres. Hope that this avoids the cost of replacing the pads on the rear supports when exiting servos driveways. It took me a while to work out that if you drive out at an angle it does help. The last time it happened it broke the weld and took the whole thing off and, since we have hydraulic stabilisers, it was more than a bit expensive! I was a bit worried that the lift would affect the stability of the van but I was assured that was not the case. Can't wait to see if they are right on the next trip. Has anyone on here had this done? Phil.
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Post by yobarr on Sept 4, 2023 18:19:49 GMT 10
Hi Phil, Just to avoid confusion for members could I point out that the vast majority of (all?) vans are manufactured with UNDERSLUNG springs.
What you have done is move the springs so they're on top of the axle, referred to as OVERSLUNG.
As for your concerns about instability, you will have no problems provided the springs have sufficient leaves, and preferably shock absorbers.
My van weighs 3500kg with 16” wheels and 700mm ground clearance, but NEVER steps out of line, even when overtaking or being overtaken by Roadtrains.
Have pictures that explain what I've posted, but need advice on sure how to include them on a post. Cheers
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Post by yobarr on Sept 4, 2023 18:26:46 GMT 10
Hi Mike. Underslung means that the springs are mounted under the axle, which means that if the 'U' bolts break the axle still is contained within the area between the spring and the chassis. If the van is oversprung and a 'U' bolt breaks the axle very quickly will end up leaving the van entirely, with a very sad outcome for both the van and the owner! Cheers |
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Post by Mike Harding on Sept 5, 2023 12:28:40 GMT 10
Thanks Yobarr and others.
Which begs the question: why aren't caravans always manufactured as underslung?
Do the Australian Design Rules apply to caravans? Probably not. Are there *any* formal design rules for caravans?
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Post by yobarr on Sept 5, 2023 13:59:57 GMT 10
Thanks Yobarr and others. Which begs the question: why aren't caravans always manufactured as underslung? Do the Australian Design Rules apply to caravans? Probably not. Are there *any* formal design rules for caravans? Hi Mike, Seems you've misunderstood as, from my observations, almost all vans are indeed underslung, meaning that the springs are under the axle. Cheers P.S It would be great if we could see a picture of the OPs van as leaf-spring Simplicity suspension is a whole new kettle of fish. Cheers |
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