why not use leaf springs?

[flippy]

I am reading all of the springer suspension posts and I am impressed with the work.One thing I wonder is why the use of independant suspensions?I understand it is better but the cost and materiel is more than using a simply leaf spring set up.Our machines are skid steer and control arms and independant suspension has always been used for steering axles spindles etc.I have not designed anything yet hut it seems a flanged bearing could be mounted to an outer axle attached to the machines inner axle with a u joint then the bearing mounted to an individual leaf spring mounted to a bracket attached to the side of the machine.I am thinking of making my machine a springer while I have it torn apart for sprockets and bearing upgrade from#40 to #50 chain.leaf spring suspension has been around since roman chariots and stage coaches it seems like it could be a simple suspension solution for our machines at a reasonable cost.Any thoughts on this?

[Noel Woods]

Flippy:
I have thought the same thing for years. Independent suspensions are great and smooth riding but I agree its overkill for an amphibious atv. A simple buggy spring was more than adequate for automobiles even now in production so why not utilize the same concept mounted to the outer bearing extension? The bearing extension comes standard on several machines, so a steel or fiberglass spring could easily be added, especially for a machine with tracks.
I am also working on an air suspension for the seat assembly using a system design for ZTR mower seats.
Maybe we should build a machine or two to show the manufacturers how to do it. It could be a neat trick to smooth out the bone jarring ride.

[Dozerlarry]

didn't I read on here somewhere that when you spring them they don't float right anymore? If it didn't affect the water performance I'd sure be interested in some springs on mine.

[flippy]

thanks for the reply,I am glad to realize that I am not the only person thinking their has got to be a simpler way .I for one am sick of the bone jarring ride and anything is worth trying.A pillow plock bearing with the axle shaft going through a small axle tube mounted either over a leaf spring or under,I am a former jeep cj owner of the cj8 cj5 cj7 and I have seen and done so many differen suspension mods that it is mind boggling.Maybe I can fab something up one day,it might be redneck or homemade but if its an improvement and works than why not? I know their are people smarter than me that could figure something out,I am always on a budget so it leaves a lot of time to think and imagine or come up with idea's because thoughts are free!

[flippy]

floating is not a big concern for me,after going down a canal and seeing how slow it was and then the fact of seeweed and cattails and phragmites stopping me from forward movement,then the tub bottoming out going up the muddy embankment and getting stuck I have just decided to like my 6x6 for the fact it keeps me dry and clean from the mud wnd is likeca tank on land,I have decided to just use my boat in water .I dont think leaf springs will change a thing in deep mud or water logged trails,the springs could even be mounted as high as the body tub band and with the right lift blocks you could have unlimited travel,Of course i could care less about floating I just want some suspension and maybe 3 or 4 extra inches of ground clearance .

[Joe H]

It has already been done, (40 years ago) I know of two machines with leaf spring suspensions. One is a RIM racer and the other a Gotcha.

[flippy]

are there pictures somewhere?I would like to see how it was done I cant seem to find any.

[kghills]

are there pictures somewhere?I would like to see how it was done I cant seem to find any.

The RIM racer may be at Ashtabula this weekend. Maybe someone who is there can snap a picture for you.

Keith

[flippy]

in 40 years only 2 machines have been known to be leaf spring conversions? Brand new 20 inch length 3 pack leaf springs with 850 pound rating are only $22 each,It seems the 1 1/4" keyed u joints at $53 a piece and needing 2 per axle seems to be the expensive parts,Maybe it just is not worth it.Maybe a trip to the u pull it yard to look at some small fwd cars probably cheaper to just sawzall a whole suspension off not sure yet.

[countrybumpkin]

Here is a shot of my Gotcha springer.

[flippy]

thanks for the picture,I found some more of your gotcha and that is a impressive machine.You went a way with the suspension in such a way that never even occured to me.Great idea and now I have new thoughts myself.Did you use 1 universal joint per axle or 2?It is hard for me to see in the pictures,once again thanks for taking the time to post your pics,a picture is worth a thousand words.

[George]

RIM racer at the 2011 Ashtabula races.

[LittleG]

Dang George giving out secrets you told me those pictures you took was of all the racoon poop inside from 25 years of vacation.

[Noel Woods]

Its got a suspension, but the gaps in the body where the springs come in would be problematic. Think it would have worked better to mount a spring parallel to the sides. Or maybe just use coil over shocks as these shocks are mounted.

[George]

Dang George giving out secrets you told me those pictures you took was of all the racoon poop inside from 25 years of vacation.

Ooops...sorry G