Axle clonk

[alanworland]

I had an annoying clonk coming from the rear upon power take up and over run, had a look tonight and found the axle 'U' bolts not that tight so nipped them up with their locknuts.
I recently removed two spring leaves to improve suspension and I can only think that the assembly has 'settled down' - seems ok now!

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Its always nice when these things are easily sorted out

[alanworland]

Yes, it happens occasionaly! I don't like doing these 'U' bolts up too tight for fear of crushing the axle! or am I worrying too much?

[mike.perry]

Have you got the 7 leaf Traveller springs (minus two)?

[alanworland]

I don't know if they are Traveller springs,but they are 7 leaf ones which I have removed 2 leaves from!
(much better ride)

[mike.perry]

Original Series MM seven spring leaves are thinner than Traveller spring leaves
MM = 7/32 in, 5.56mm, Traveller & M1000 1/4 in, 6.35mm

[katy]

I recently removed two spring leaves to improve suspension and I can only think that the assembly has 'settled down' - seems ok now!

Is there enough thread on the U-bolts to allow proper tightening after you removed those 2 leaves?
If the U-bolts come loose again you may want to "double-nut" them.

[alanworland]

Yes Mike, I know the early leaves were thinner - but I didn't when I got rid of my originals!
Katy, I did wonder if there was going to be enough thread, but there is! I have the correct locknuts in position and can only imagine it was caused by an 'initial' settling after I had disturbed it all.

[sevrien]

So the length of the rear springs is the same as those from later series?
I'd like to change them, but i wan't to make sure they'll fit.

greetings

[mike.perry]

You can swap the original 7 leaf springs for M1000 5 leaf springs or you may be able to get the original springs re set.
Apart from giving a harsher ride, Traveller springs make the back of the car sit too high, accentuated by the high cut of the rear wings.