An open forum for all enthusiasts of the classic 60 series Nissan Datsun Patrol to gather and share information and gain knowledge. Members share off-road stories, restoration advice, modification ideas in an atmosphere free of a single controller. The fo
So I'm starting to dig into Plow Patrol a bit and realize that I will certainly have to attack the spring issue sooner than later. Years of carrying a plow around has left the front flat if not inverted. I plan on a turbo diesel transplant however the engine weights are quite similar. The plow will remain but will be controlled via winch. I'd prefer to stick to stock height. A small lift would be fine if necessary but I'm not looking for that from the get go.
I am aware of the following options however wonder if anyone has experience with others.
Alcan Springs New - Appear to be about $450 at the moment.
Rearch - I'm not convinced that this would work long term or at least as long as a new set of springs would last and the prices in my area aren't impressive either.
S10 Springs - I couldn't find reference to this so I'm not sure it is even possible.
I'm with you on the re-arching, they do not have a history of lasting very long. I would be very skeptical of the S10 spring route - I followed that thread at the time and there was a lot of compensating. The end result was a very unstable ride. The Alcan prices are pretty amazing right now, that's about half of what they've been in the past. I think ultimately that is your best bet.
Normally you don't want to go with any more than a 2" lift, otherwise the shackles will invert. This actually happened to a guy in Idaho that got some Alcan springs and was talked into a 3" lift - posted back a few months later that the shackles inverted while doing some off-road. But, in your case I think a 3" lift would actually benefit you simply because of the weight of the plow. Stock springs weren't meant to support that kind of weight continually.
Here are some spring specs I put together a while back when I was investigating the same situation:
spring_specs.doc
Don't ask me where I found the stock springs specs, I don't remember. I could probably find it again if I had to.
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I think I'd rather stay stock height if possible and add a leaf. Maybe a 6 leaf pack instead of a 5 leaf pack. I know it would stiffen things up but I think that would be a decent trade. Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and go with the Alcans. I wish there were something out there that would basically drop in.
If I had a better grasp, I'd consider swapping to coils but that would be a complete re-engineering job. I had also considered swapping to 80 series axles at one point but I don't remember all of the information I ended up with. I know there was a difference in width for starters.
MadTripper wrote:I think I'd rather stay stock height if possible and add a leaf. Maybe a 6 leaf pack instead of a 5 leaf pack.
Yeah, then you don't need side steps to get in. Keep in mind that even going to stock height will raise your Patrol about 3" from the current height on flat springs.
Rearching is a nice thought... and that's about it. Think about the decades of use and abuse....the hairline fractures due to metal fatigue...go new...go big... ....but stock height. I believe the price has always been about 450-480 per axel from alcan (sounds like a dogfood!). I will afford it too...damnation
MadTripper, I recall that alcan asks the type of questions about usage that will customize them for your plow weight (eventual sd33 turbo), not only height and weight but usage type, % of dirt vs pavement, how you want it to ride with extra weight...second guessing him may be bad. Did you see the questionnaire? It is elaborate for a reason. What is hard to believe is there is not much competition out there and what there is was not as impressive so it is the deal for me.
Some other spring makers: http://www.eatonsprings.com/, http://www.bettsspring.com/leaf-springs-process , http://northcountyspring.com/custom_leaf_springs
No SD33 going into her. I have a 4BD2T by Isuzu mated with an NV4500 tranny.
I think new springs is the only way to go. I haven't looked at the questionaire yet but if I can sell off a few other "projects" then perhaps I can gather some more parts. The plow setup I'm manufacturing is the real reason that lead me to look at springs. I want to make sure that the mount is appropriate for the height and so on although I did come up with an idea for adjustment.
Going to borrow a plasma cutter withing a week or so and start pulling things off. While the current plow mount is beefy...it's really awkward and limits access to things.
That plow mount looks just like the one that was on a Patrol I got out of CT. And you're right - it really limits access to everything. Togo's plow mount was a little different, maybe because it was hydraulically operated.
plow_mount.jpg
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The original hydraulics were pulled although I wish I would have kept them. The meyer setup was from Mystery Patrol.
The person that did the installation for the mount was arc welder happy...it's going to take some work to get it off clean. Especially trying to save the bumper. I'm going with my own design for the bumper but I know it would be worth saving as long as it's feasible.
Leaning towards the Alcan springs if I can swing it. If not, I'll run the existing springs a while longer.
The plow mount on the CT Patrol was welded on also. I don't remember where it was welded, just that it was real difficult getting to the bumper bolts. Good luck with that process. Angle grinders work well for cutting welds.
Fabbing a good front bumper is almost a necessity for a Patrol that is going to be used much at all. I can recall being pleased that I didn't have the flimsy stock bumper when I've run into a tree, or a Jeep... Actually, the Jeep ran into me. He didn't have a choice because he lost traction on the ice and was sliding backwards. I stopped him, or I should say the Patrol stopped him.
Bumping this, Did any one come to a conclusion if FJ40 springs will work? I've read of FJ40 axle installs and using the springs also? If that's the case can't we just use FJ40 springs?
The patrol springs are 2.75" wide I know the 40's are not that wide but shouldered bushings can be found. But the "pin" location I'm guessing is the issue? I just can't swing $1000 for springs. I found a set of 40 springs for $150, I realize nothing is impossible with enough time and money.. I'm fairly lazy and I'm just looking for a bolt in..
Keep in mind that even going to stock height will raise your Patrol about 3" from the current height on flat springs.
....but stock height. I believe the price has always been about 450-480 per axel from alcan (sounds like a dogfood!). I will afford it too...damnation 
Actually, the Jeep ran into me. He didn't have a choice because he lost traction on the ice and was sliding backwards. I stopped him, or I should say the Patrol stopped him. 
