Front suspension (Coil springs): Description and operation

Coil springs

Coil springs are fitted to the front axle of the vehicle. The front springs differ between petrol and Diesel variants. Each spring is retained at its base by the lower spring seat. The top of each spring is located in the upper spring seat isolator. The upper spring seat is manufactured from natural rubber , with a bonded metal plate and four bonded studs which provide for the attachment of the damper turret. The rubber isolator reduces noise transmitted to the chassis and body from the suspension.

The coil springs must be installed correctly. The bottom coil of the spring locates in a recess in the lower spring seat. The top coil of the spring is ground flat to locate the upper spring seat isolator.

Coil Spring Specifications – Models up to 03 Model Year The front springs on petrol variants are manufactured from carbon chrome 13.9 mm (0.55 in) diameter bar. The spring has 7.6 coils and a free length of 377 mm (14.8 in). The petrol front spring is identified by a pink and orange stripe painted on a number of coils.

The front springs on Diesel variants are manufactured from carbon chrome 13.9 mm (0.55 in) diameter bar. The spring has 7.6 coils and a free length of 383 mm (15.0 in). The Diesel front spring is identified by a white and purple stripe painted on a number of coils.

Coil Spring Specifications – Models from 03 Model Year The introduction of the 03MY vehicle introduced a range of additional spring fitments. These were introduced to cover the introduction of the 4.6l V8 engine, the fitment of a front mounted winch and to optimise the vehicle trim heights.

The coil springs are manufactured from silicon manganese 13.8 mm or 13.9 mm (0.54 in or 0.55 in) diameter bar. The following spring data table shows the colour codes, number of coils and spring free length.