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Mk3 Suspension

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Mk3 Suspension

Postby Leeday » Sun Jul 29, 2012 12:31 pm

The rear leaf springs on my Mk3 120swb Transit 2.0 petrol (Narrow axle) are tired :( and sitting low..... they are the 3 leafs, and I am going to change them......... The way the van is laid out is 2 front seats and 2 seats behind this and then a bulkhead (just before rear axle) with all my tools in the rear section of the van, which is behind the rear axle therefore creating the effect of the tools being heavier than they actually are, as they are behind the rear axle and not over it (the van is not overweight and the rear axle is not overloaded). As I am now going to replace the rear springs, is it worth fitting uprated ones (single leaf ???) or fitting new standard ones.... I do tow a trailer (up to 1 ton total weight when loaded).... but I don`t want the van to become solid with no bounce..... it will always have my tools in and never be empty.... would like it to sit slightly higher than it does, but not scraping the clouds.........................
any ideas from anyone :D
If different leafs from standard from what van / pick-up should I be looking for?

The front coil springs will also need replacing as they only have about 1.5 - 2 inch travel and then hit the stops :shock: ... but that`s another day :D
DON'T CHANCE IT.......... TRANSIT!
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby AndyG » Sun Jul 29, 2012 1:07 pm

I've had 3 120s in the past including a MK3 (still have a 120 MK5) and none have ever suffered what you're describing :!:
Is it possible that your van has had 80/100 springs fitted in the past :?:

Standard 120 springs will be perfect for what you need in my opinion :)
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby jay » Sun Jul 29, 2012 2:30 pm

120 springs are apparently so my scrap yard say as 100tourneo springs both are 3 leaf springs..dont forget the U bolts as sods law they will snap or be wrong size to your curent springs.
And my 120 dont droop at the back end even when loaded same as you as I am soon in the process of doing a bulkhead like you have done..
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby AlanN » Sun Jul 29, 2012 3:40 pm

I think a new set of 120 springs will make a difference after 20+ years of work :wink: There are 2 types of springs for the Tourneo std and High centre of gavity :wink:
(MK3 Massive Magazine) Readers Rides and articles for Issue 3, now welcome.

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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby Leeday » Sun Jul 29, 2012 7:07 pm

:D Thanks guys :D
Will get some new 120 leafs then, or has anyone got some up for sale?
Cheers ....
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby AlanN » Sun Jul 29, 2012 8:48 pm

Send Fordboynick a pm, he had a new set springs he didnt use, not sure if he still has them or not, but its worth asking. :wink:
(MK3 Massive Magazine) Readers Rides and articles for Issue 3, now welcome.

My project Transit MK3 1989 2.8i V6 Custom Dayvan
Brentwood Classic Workshops. Transit restoration/customising Basildon 01268 727268
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby Leeday » Sun Jul 29, 2012 9:02 pm

:D Cheers Alan :D
You definitely are THE MAN 8)
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby MinorMatt » Sun Jul 29, 2012 10:07 pm

I've got a pair off a mk5 tourneo... (used)
Gaffa tape is like "the force" - it has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

There's nothing that shouts "Poor Workmanship" more than wrinkles in the Gaffer tape.....
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby Leeday » Sun Jul 29, 2012 11:02 pm

MinorMatt wrote:I've got a pair off a mk5 tourneo... (used)


:D oooooooh How much £££ you wanting? :D
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby AndyG » Mon Jul 30, 2012 11:27 am

jay wrote:120 springs are apparently so my scrap yard say as 100tourneo springs both are 3 leaf springs..dont forget the U bolts as sods law they will snap or be wrong size to your curent springs.
And my 120 dont droop at the back end even when loaded same as you as I am soon in the process of doing a bulkhead like you have done..



MinorMatt wrote:I've got a pair off a mk5 tourneo... (used)


Tourneo springs are "100" and are normally "High Centre of Gravity" AND "Soft Ride" too :!:
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Ford Transit 120 TDI EPIC Automatic. 0-60 in a leisurely and smooth 12.7 seconds and 1/4 mile in 19.1 seconds. Now where's all these faster? manual Di s?
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby Leeday » Mon Jul 30, 2012 12:55 pm

AndyG wrote:
jay wrote:120 springs are apparently so my scrap yard say as 100tourneo springs both are 3 leaf springs..dont forget the U bolts as sods law they will snap or be wrong size to your curent springs.
And my 120 dont droop at the back end even when loaded same as you as I am soon in the process of doing a bulkhead like you have done..



MinorMatt wrote:I've got a pair off a mk5 tourneo... (used)


Tourneo springs are "100" and are normally "High Centre of Gravity" AND "Soft Ride" too :!:



Hi Andy,
Thanks for that...
Can you explain the "High Centre of Gravity" bit as I don`t know what that refers to and also as Tourneo springs are normally 100 and soft are you saying they will not cope with the weight I need etc...
Cheers :D
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby AndyG » Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:05 am

HCG springs tend to make the vehicle sit higher off the road and all of these Transits are fitted with a front anti roll bar as standard :!:

And yes, I am saying that 100 springs will not be suitable for what you want, especially as your Transit is a 120 anyway :!:


Put a full load in the back of any genuine Transit 80 or 100 and the van will "speedboat" :!:
Put a full load in the back of a 120 and all it does is level out :)
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Ford Transit 120 TDI EPIC Automatic. 0-60 in a leisurely and smooth 12.7 seconds and 1/4 mile in 19.1 seconds. Now where's all these faster? manual Di s?
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Re: Mk3 Suspension

Postby Leeday » Tue Jul 31, 2012 7:25 am

AndyG wrote:HCG springs tend to make the vehicle sit higher off the road and all of these Transits are fitted with a front anti roll bar as standard :!:

And yes, I am saying that 100 springs will not be suitable for what you want, especially as your Transit is a 120 anyway :!:


Put a full load in the back of any genuine Transit 80 or 100 and the van will "speedboat" :!:
Put a full load in the back of a 120 and all it does is level out :)


:D Thanks Andy, Much appreciated, 120 springs it is :D
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