Leaf Springs: What I've Learned

[OldLRRP]

I am the proud owner of PFPatrol, purchased from Eric. I love the vehicle!

Thant said, when I went to have it inspected, here in NH, the challenges began: first, the spring bushings were shot - Eric had been good enough to include a set! Next, in replacing the rear bushings, it was discovered that the leaf springs were broken! Some digging on this site led me to Alcan, who quoted over $600 for the rear springs, with a 4 week turnaround time. I filed that and continued to look.

I found a listing online for a set of springs, new (OME) and ordered them through Mainline Overland (after cancelling an order with a different consolidator). We got the springs in just a few days, by which time it was further discovered that the fronts were broken, as well - BOO! About the time I was ordering the fronts, I got a call from my shop, saying that the rears were 10" too long!

ARGH!

Meanwhile, we located a local operation, http://www.donovancompany.com/ Donovan Equipment Company in Londonderry, NH who fabricates specialty springs. I bought all four from them, for less than the Alcan quote for only the rears!

So, now I have replaced them all. The Patrol is riding significantly higher, even though they patterned the new directly from the old leaf springs.

I'll take it!

Now, due to a chip in the windshield, I need to find a source for a windshield gasket - any input appreciated!

[mdawg4x4]

After reading all the issues with leaf spring length, I'm going to do the same. I've been told there is a company here local to me that can make them.

[Esteban]

Great to see that you've done a lot of progress with your Patrol. Sorry to see some frustrations in this process. We certainly will benefit from it with your new found source for springs. Thanks.

Regarding the rubber, member chrisvoinche found a very good rubber profile. He details his find in the following thread:

http://www.60patrol.com/forum/viewtopic ... 015#p33015

His find for the windshield rubber:

http://www.steelerubber.com/master-numb ... 60-0728-99

Is there a chance to register as an Antique in your State? If so, any reasons for not doing?

[OldLRRP]

Thanks for the replies!

Yes, I'd suggest going the fabrication route. I'm hoping these selle in a bit - she's riding pretty high!

Esteban - thanks for the link. I'll be ordering this weekend. As for antique registration - yes we can, but your driving is limited to 50 miles from home. We went with regular, cause ya just never know!

[Peter60]

Re windshield/windscreen rubber.

About 18 months ago I had my windscreen replaced. The fitter cut the glass on the spot using the old windscreen as a template. He also seemed to be able to get a windscreen rubber without too much trouble. Cost was about $AUD300 for glass and fitting and $AUD100 for rubber.

Rubber seem to be available on ebay.com.au. Search for windscreen!

See http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NISSAN-PATRO ... SwEzxYcx9d
Still about $AUD100 but not sure of effort/cost to get it posted to the US.

[L60Boerne]

The Columbian supplier has plenty of windshield rubber. I've ordered two sets.
L60Boerne

[OldLRRP]

Thanks for the input! Who is the Colombian Supplier?

[L60Boerne]

He is on www.ebaymotors.com. Just type Nissan 60 Patrol and scroll down until you see it. I've bought quite a bit from him. Delivery is about a month unless you pay extra for DHL.
L60Boerne

[RiverPatrol]

The stance looks good with the new springs. It is pretty high though, you're probably wishing you had side steps.

The Colombian supplier is user Anapira on eBay. Here is his store: Anapira. He doesn't have any windshield weatherstrip listed currently but send him a message and ask.

[ctcruiser]

I am the proud owner of PFPatrol, purchased from Eric. I love the vehicle!

Thant said, when I went to have it inspected, here in NH, the challenges began: first, the spring bushings were shot - Eric had been good enough to include a set! Next, in replacing the rear bushings, it was discovered that the leaf springs were broken! Some digging on this site led me to Alcan, who quoted over $600 for the rear springs, with a 4 week turnaround time. I filed that and continued to look.

I found a listing online for a set of springs, new (OME) and ordered them through Mainline Overland (after cancelling an order with a different consolidator). We got the springs in just a few days, by which time it was further discovered that the fronts were broken, as well - BOO! About the time I was ordering the fronts, I got a call from my shop, saying that the rears were 10" too long!

ARGH!

Meanwhile, we located a local operation, http://www.donovancompany.com/ Donovan Equipment Company in Londonderry, NH who fabricates specialty springs. I bought all four from them, for less than the Alcan quote for only the rears!

So, now I have replaced them all. The Patrol is riding significantly higher, even though they patterned the new directly from the old leaf springs.

I'll take it!

Now, due to a chip in the windshield, I need to find a source for a windshield gasket - any input appreciated!

I am thinking of replacing the rear leaf springs since it drops as two people sit in the back, can you give me a call at your convenience, have some questions on the U-bolts and shackles.

Rodney - cell 203.2318765