Front Axle Conversion Fixings

I have just bought a set of 109 diesel front U-bolts for the axle conversion.  These are the longest U bolts and the three plain ones fit the 3-leaf parabolics (thinner than standard diesel multi-leaf springs) and taller spring saddles perfectly.  The taller slightly squared bolt is too short and was the wrong shape to accommodate the inclined diff housing of the coiler axle, but was used to make a pattern.  It was bent into a shape that works and measurements were taken to allow an engineer to make up two new bolts (one as a spare, given that a replacement would be unobtainable in a hurry or down-route) of the correct shape and length.

I was able to measure Helena’s Lightweight to confirm that using 88″ rear spring plates under the springs will allow the dampers to move forwards enough to be clear of both the axle and track rod, so I don’t need to fabricate any new parts there.  A pair are on their way from PA Blanchard, along with the double-battery tray for the seat base of 24V vehicles – I intend to fit one to the 109’s seat base to store all my winching kit and some basic tools and necessities, freeing up the cubby box.

I have also dropped off the Salisbury axle’s half shafts and drive flanges at the engineers to slightly shorten the nose of the flanges and the shaft ends and TIG weld the outer ends of the splined joints (as is commonly done in Africa to make a stronger joint) so that the axle can be used without the plastic end caps, allowing the fitting of the alloy wheels with their decorative centre caps.  The engineering shop I am using for this and the U bolts is Hogarth Engineering in Bedford, aka Patriot Roof racks.  They should be ready in a week or so.