Forum:
Fourtrack buying dilemma.
Hi guys,
I'm thinking of buying a fourtrak to use off road at the weekends, it would also be my daily driver though. I am unsure whether to get a leaf sprung or an independent. Obviously the independent is better on the road but how good is it off road compared to the leaf sprung? Is it easier or harder to work on than the leaf sprung (Im looking to do a suspension lift and put larger wheels/types on, the usual offroad stuff)?
Sorry if these are stupid questions but I want to make the right choice when I buy.
Thanks in advance
Dave
Leafy
Hello there, my personel preference would be an older alround leaf sprung motor, they are easy to work on, there is all sorts of different leafs out there for em - look on internet etc and the benefit of having an older vehicle is there is less to go wrong, no electrical problems, doesnt matter if you bash it, scratch it you can add bits and bobs to em, cut holes in em, there cheap, endless supply of second hand spares, they are basic engineering at its best, and i tell ya what - ive peed on alot of assorted land rovers with em to, of course being leaf sprung you do just have to drive them a bit faster cos you aint got the articulation, but they are as hard as nails. Now, on road they are a bit rough, to ease this you are better off using polyurethane bushes everywhere, change dampers for good quality ones, run tyres around 20 -25 psi mark but you cant beat fitting new springs all round - plus suspension lifting on these are easy peasy.Hope this helps
Full of ideas but no time to do them!!
www.bloodredoffroad.com
www.milneroffroad.com
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youtube: Redfourtrack
Saggy Bottoms
Go for the leaf sprung model, the independent tends to snap the ends of the coil springs under heavy use, save your old engine oil and paint your leaf springs with the oil for longevity.
Replace the suspension bushes with polyurethane bushes for an improved ride, and fit these using a smear of silicone grease.
Larger wheels are not necessary, buy a secondhand set of wheels and fit good offroad tyres to them, fit these when going off road.
Leafy it is then.........
Leafy it is then......... unless anyone else can come up with a reason not to?
To be honest I was leaning towards the leaf sprung anyway because theyt are cheaper to buy and easier to work on.
Cheers Guys.
Silly Questions
Dave;
Never be afraid to ask what you percieve as a silly question, there are always people out in the world who know more about a subject than you or I. This is how we learn, I might have an engineering degree, and also served a full engineering apprenticeship; but I never forget this. This is how we all start, and accrue knowledge.
There is no substitute for experience, and it certainly cannot be bought; if in doubt, ask; there are still a good number of people willing to help, and impart their expertise and knowledge.
Good luck with the leafy, and have as much fun as many of us have had over the years..