Ironman springs, or an alternative, for L400

[Airgonzo]

Greetings Folks,

I'm a new Delica owner and new member of this site. I've spent a lot of time here recently, both before and after my purchase, poring over the wealth of knowledge in these forums. It's great to have a resource like this and a community so committed to this vehicle - it lends a lot of confidence to buying a Delica.

I just bought an L400 and I'm stoked. Really happy with my van so far but I do want to upgrade the stock suspension. The rear coil springs seem pretty tired and the suspension is a bit mushy in general.

I'd really like to put some Ironman springs in the back - they seem perfect for what I want: tighten things up and add an inch or 2 of lift. Unfortunately, they are an Aussie product and hard to get. Already checked with the only North American retailer, Camel 4x4, and they are out of stock. They said at least 3 months to get them.

Does anybody know where else I could get them or an alternate and comparable product? I'm in Vancouver and I called a couple spring shops but the price to get a pair made is about the same as the Ironman product and I'm not sure whether the quality would be comparable.

If I do get springs made I need: the bar size, either the outside diameter or inside diameter of the spring, the spring length and the end type (3 different end types for automotive springs apparently). Does anybody have this info?

Cheers

[Mr. Pistachio]

Hello Airgonzo!

In all your research, have you read about the Lovells? If so, they are the direct competitor to Ironman (I think) in Australia. I've ordered a pair of Lovells RFR-20HD and they exactly do want you want. 2'' higher and stiffer. I expect them to arrive next week.

Antoine

[jessef]

Take your van into a local spring shop and have them fab up a set for you.

Be sure to tell them how much additional lift you would like and additional load as well.

The Ironman/Lovell/JAOS 2" lift springs are good but they are not uprated for additional GVW/weight.

If you are camping or carry additional weight in the back, the best option by far is to have custom springs made for your specific van/weight needs.

Also if you lift the rear 2", you'll need a brake bias spacer, drop down spacers for the swaybar.

[Mr. Pistachio]

Airgonzo,

You might be interested in the post:

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9750&

Cheers

[Airgonzo]

Thanks for the quick responses, folks.

Does anybody know a spring shop in Vancouver that they could recommend? I've tried several already and they weren't very helpful.
I need to either take them one of the springs or give them the measurements I listed above, which would also involve removing one of the springs, in order for them to fab one and then the van would be out of commish for a lengthy period of time while I waited for the new ones.

cheers,

Z

[fexlboi]

I used http://www.canadaspring.com/ for our leaf springs. The service was so so, but unfortunately there are not many local places around who do this kind of job.
Why not get a spring from one of the parts l400 from Amazing Auto or Rising Sun?

[Airgonzo]

Thanks again, everyone.

I've decided to go with the Ironman coils, and to suck it up and pay the shipping. I was mistaken, originally thinking the cost of the coils were $165 per coil, whereas they are actually $165 per pair. With the cost of shipping that brings total cost to about $360 Aus. The local quotes I got to have them made were about $350 and would have taken longer and been a bigger headache. This way I'll have them within 10 days hopefully, get the lift I want, and 20-30% more load carrying capability.

Now I just have to find some fender flares. Also, got some BFGs and mags with nice offset from a forum member after blowing one of the original tires on our first camping trip. Van is really looking great now and more off-road capable. Thanks Lauren! Can't wait to get the springs in.

I'll get some photos posted when its finished.

Cheers,

Z

[Mr. Pistachio]

Hey Airgozon!

360$ ?!?!!? I got my Lovells for 240$ shipped. If you take time to read the post on the UK site, you'll realize that they're better ratted!

Check it out!

Antoine

[jessef]

when you install the brake bias spacer, be sure to adjust it after driving so the rear brakes don't lock up and use grade 10.9 hardware for the rear sway bar spacer

[Airgonzo]

Antoine,

where did you order your Lovells from? I didn't have much luck finding a supplier so I didn't follow that angle very far. Maybe I didn't pursue it as far as I should have. . .

Thanks for the advice on the install and lift, Jfarsang. I might pick your brain a bit more when I'm closer to doing the job.

Cheers,

Z

[Mr. Pistachio]

Hey Airgonzo

Andy Kollar at Kollar Raicing Products

http://www.kollarracingproducts.com/servlet/StoreFront

email: mred3555@hotmail.com or sales@kollarracingproducts.com

241$ shipped to south of the border (Point Roberts for you)

Cheers Mate

Antoine

[Airgonzo]

Antoine,

for the Lovells did you get the RFR-20s or RRR-2s? Were they for a SWB or LWB?

Kevin