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Parabolic spring advice.

chris_debian

chris_debian

Trekker
Hi,

I have been doing some research on restoring my Landy:

http://www.glencoyne.co.uk/upgrade.htm

One thing that looks particularly useful, is the parabolics upgrade.

My Landy is used on the road 99% of the time, as a dog mobile, so doesn't spend it's life forging deep rivers, or climbing mountains (unlike the ones in magazines).

I have looked at the array of parabolics in the Landy mags, and am now thoroughly confused.

Has anybody bought any parabolics, or have any advice?

Many thanks,

Chris.
 
a little search works wonders ...

check further down the thread "parabolic springs?" by scootlife ... loads of for and against. this parathingy thread keeps popping up so keep searching and you'll find loads ;)
 
Swifty,

Do you mean, standard replacement parts? I'm happy to do this, as like to keep Landy standard. it just seems that everyone raves about parabolics.

Thanks,

Chris.
 
I fitted parabolics to improve the comfort of the vehicle in general, and not for any other reason. These springs don't improve ground clearance (only bigger tyres/rims will do that). In my opinion parabolic suspension greatly improved the vehicle.
 
There are only two choices of what to do.
1) Leave it parked in your drive and admire it.
2) Drive it.

If you opt for number two, then the put parabolics on it. You also have to mount the proper shocks for the parabolics. I have only used Rocky Mountain and their shocks and find them fabulous; can't speak for any other type. The other types must be the ones there are negative comment about.
 
Its a simple decision, parabolics are more comfortable but cost say £400 for a tidy set with dampers. If the ride isn't bothering you don't upgrade, if you want a smoother ride and can afford the springs then go for it, you won't be disapointed.
 
I haven't put them on my SIII. I have them on my Santana. They are great, it is also fitted with anti-roll bars so it doesn't roll. But I wouldn't put them on my SIII 109. I'd rather keep it original as much as I can (apart from the V8 conversion :D ). I was interested in them after reading about them, before I got the Santana, but I never did it because I was too tight. My advice would be a good set of new leafs, which actually makes a considerable difference.
 
adrianandkate said:
I haven't put them on my SIII. I have them on my Santana. They are great, it is also fitted with anti-roll bars so it doesn't roll. But I wouldn't put them on my SIII 109. I'd rather keep it original as much as I can (apart from the V8 conversion :D ). I was interested in them after reading about them, before I got the Santana, but I never did it because I was too tight. My advice would be a good set of new leafs, which actually makes a considerable difference.
Click to expand...

I have thought for some time that parabolics with anti-roll bars would be an ideal combination, I hadn't realised that was the Santana set-up. For road use I certainly regret not having fitted the heavy duty rear springs.
 
I have standard springs on mine and I find it perfectly comfortable. Some of the improvement folk see from fitting parabolics is because they are going from rusted solid old springs to ones that work. Nothing against parabolics either though.
 
I noticed a massive difference when I greased my old rear springs.. They were not sagging but were a bit dry, soaked them in grease and wow, what a difference.. But there was still a noticable difference when I changed to parabolics... Could have been the new shocks tho!
 
But there was still a noticable difference when I changed to parabolics... Could have been the new shocks tho![/quote]

=============================
What is this rubbish about Shocks??? Shocks do nothing to change the ride or softness of the suspension, thats what the springs do! All a shock does is dampen the spring on rebound!!!
This is the biggest problem I have with parabolics, the need to subscribe to the MAX POWER faternity and start quoting how amazing your new shocks are!!!
Parabolics have the advantage of being of a more varible rate than standard springs. They're able to absorb light shocks and to be more progressive with absorbing firmer loads.
They are very impressive I have to say, but if I was using the vehicle just for road use, there would be no great advantage in having them, although saying that, if you were to hit a drain cover at speed with your standard springs, you'd feel the jaring and shock come straight into the cab. With the parabolics, you'd not really notice and the shock would be absorbed.
Nothing to do with the band of shock absorber you've fitted though!!!

Hence why if you greese your standard springs and they slide smoothly, they'll react quicker to lighter shocks
 
SO Tony, you know for a fact that my shocks werent siezed or something do you.

No need to be so bleeding agressive!
 
Sorry, I was being a little OTT..
But "shock absorbers" wind me up so much!!!

Im going off for a course of stress relief........
 
tony109 said:
They are very impressive I have to say, but if I was using the vehicle just for road use, there would be no great advantage in having them, although saying that, if you were to hit a drain cover at speed with your standard springs, you'd feel the jaring and shock come straight into the cab. With the parabolics, you'd not really notice and the shock would be absorbed.
Nothing to do with the band of shock absorber you've fitted though!!!
Click to expand...

Hi Tony - hope you have had your stress relief of whatever type as I am just about to disagree. On our (not ours personally just one we use for the shopping run) normal track there are three or so drain covers sticking up above the dirt road a min of 3 inches. Adrian does not drive fast at the best of times (groan, old dodderer). If he hits them the wrong way it still jars. If I have a bad back - he has to go on the tarmac and avoid all rutty tracks as it just jars too much. Have to say I don't remember the series III being any worse, or to be honest, jarring at all. But there again, my memory is going a bit.:rolleyes: or it could be the one ton springs....;) Why would you be hitting the drain cover at speed by the way? Kate
 
Tested my springs yesterday on a rat run.. Hit a mini round about a little fast (empty road) and bounced all over the place.... but that was my bad :P

Fun mind!
 
The paras are more comfy........yes?......Agreed! Better articulation off road.......Yes. If you put Paras on for comfort but dont do serious off road standard shocks are fine. Mine had that set up for 3yrs.....no probs and good ride.

One downside to them is that they lift the body of truck. Generally you lift the body to get bigger wheels on. With a LWB you already have 33" wheels so IMO no need to lift body........it just makes it harder for the dug to jump up and into the back:D

Alex
 
again to be faceatious.

Para's More comfy? maybe. More articulation? maybe / maybe not.

the para's off road only advantage is that they do react to lesser bump forces, and react quicker so comforming to the terrian. i.e. going fast up a bumpy slope.

So i wonder if it is the spring maufacturer them selves who exaggerate such minor things to make para's sound just as good as coiled springs. If you want that much comfort get a 90 / 110.
 
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