BajaNomad - Leaf Spring Help for Nomad 'geoffff', in San Felipe?

Leaf Spring Help for Nomad 'geoffff', in San Felipe?

David K - 3-12-2018 at 07:26 PM

Hi there, I am asking this for a fellow Nomad who has busted his front leaf springs on a heavy-duty 4x4 van. He considered coming home only 4 days into his 3 week vacation. I suggested a suspension shop in San Felipe could fix him up.

ANY Recommendations??? I have a connection with him via cell where he is camping. I will ask on the South Campos Amigos Facebook page, too.

[Edited on 3-13-2018 by David K]

TMW - 3-12-2018 at 07:36 PM

Ron Cartwright south of San Felipe near KM43. I'll look for a phone number. He lives near Tunaeater's dad Rudy.

David K - 3-12-2018 at 07:47 PM

OK, Nomads, he said I could say who... it is geoffff who has the 4WD Van (and drone) who posts such great trip reports for us.

He broke the spring on the road to Palomar Canyon and is now south of San Felipe.

TMW - 3-12-2018 at 07:54 PM

David check your U2U

David K - 3-12-2018 at 08:00 PM

Thanks... I sent this info to Geoffff. He is mobile with his field repair, but no serious washboard driving. He drove down from Seattle to do this trip so I hope he can continue!

TMW - 3-12-2018 at 08:04 PM

If he is near KM 43 he is real close to Ron's place.

Paco Facullo - 3-12-2018 at 08:10 PM

Well, it is possible that I may be taking a trip that-a-way real soon.
( within a week )
I'm comin' from Los Angeles and can pick up any necessary parts ....

Let me know if I can help.

advrider - 3-12-2018 at 08:45 PM

Kiki is another good resource in SF, he knows everyone. Camp ground at the North end of town.

Ken Cooke - 3-12-2018 at 09:52 PM

Geofff might need a new leaf pack delivered to him, although a front pair might be a better idea. To return home would waste such a good opportunity to see the Baja peninsula in the spring.

Just tell him not to rely on mail order from the USA. His parts will first go directly to Mexico City before backtracking to San Felipe like the time when the Canadian couple with the broken down MBenz SUV needed that part that I shipped them to Guerrero Negro several years ago. That was a big mess.

They ordered a part from their native Switzerland and I'm not sure if the part ever reached them

[Edited on 3-13-2018 by Ken Cooke]

Paco Facullo - 3-12-2018 at 10:01 PM

If the parts are available anywhere in Southern , California

I can do it .... ( I will buy them and be reimbursed later )

Another thought ? If the parts can be shipped to me ( expedited )
I can then deliver them......

[Edited on 3-13-2018 by Paco Facullo]

Cappy - 3-13-2018 at 06:25 AM

Agile off road. Specializing in springs for vans/Sprinters. Very helpful

Hook - 3-13-2018 at 06:40 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Cappy

Agile off road. Specializing in springs for vans/Sprinters. Very helpful

Is this who you are referring to, Cappy?

http://agileoffroad.com/

Cappy - 3-13-2018 at 07:05 AM

Yes thank you. They did wonders for my van ride.

David K - 3-13-2018 at 08:10 AM

Wow, Nomads are great! Maderita, I texted geoffff your phone number. Not sure if he can get Internet to read Nomad, but with some delays, we have texted each other a few times last night. Nothing this morning.
Area mechanics have been referred by TW and Desert Bull. Also on Facebook South Campos Amigos have been other mechanic referrals (in Delicias (Km. 35), in Percebu (no names), and in San Felipe.

If there is more from geoffff, I will pass it along.
Thank you!

chavycha - 3-13-2018 at 08:40 AM

Hope he gets fixed up quick. He saved my ass several years back when I locked my keys in the car a long way from home...

David K - 3-13-2018 at 08:54 AM

geoffff replied... cell service is sporadic so he will drive into town. Nomad offers are amazing, he says.
His broken spring is custom and the van was built by Sportsmobile and even they don't have the springs in stock. Deaver Springs were suggested to obtain them.

He has a "military wrap" around the broken leaf pack. Top spring snapped next to the axle mount. Geoff tightly clamped it down to the other springs in the pack.

Photo from geoffff:

[Edited on 3-13-2018 by David K]

David K - 3-13-2018 at 08:58 AM

His van conversion was neither Quigley or Advanced, unfortunately.

David K - 3-13-2018 at 09:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

If he is near KM 43 he is real close to Ron's place.

He camped on Shell Island, Km. 26. At Km. 35 (Delicias) are truck mechanics he was also referred to from The South Campos Amigos Facebook group. In addition to a mechanic in San Felipe. Another referral was to go to Rancho Percebu. No shortage of help... but who can reweld or replace a broken leaf?

caj13 - 3-13-2018 at 09:19 AM

Sportsmobile West is just down the street from me in Fresno - they are very "proud" of their conversions, (read that as pricey) .

I would be really peeed at them right now - they need to support the conversions they put out there, the guy's doing exactly what they sell the sportsvans for, suffers catastrophic failure, and instead of seeing this as the right thing to do, and a great gurrilla marketing campaign, they instead turn their back on a customer in need, pawning him off to whoever else they can think of..

knocks Sportsmobile several rungs down my adventure rig list - for sure!

bajatrailrider - 3-13-2018 at 09:26 AM

Here is a Baja fix I have used many times if not the main spring with eye mounts. I have removed the broken leaf checked the width got used leaf pack. That you can find in most small towns in Baja. Removed a leaf from used pack. Cut the too long used leaf to fit works perfect. I have had 3 4x4 Vans the front leafs are very short compared to any thing else. Making easy repair cutting used loner leaf spring. If your van is 1/2 3/4 or 1 ton.. Try to use same from truck you took leaf from. Just a small 4 1/2 grinder with cut off wheel does the trick.

David K - 3-13-2018 at 09:35 AM

Well, he will read this when he gets into San Felipe and has Internet...
A correction, it is the top leaf that broke, next to the axle mount.

bajatrailrider - 3-13-2018 at 09:38 AM

Cant see In picture David is it the main leaf with mounts or not.

David K - 3-13-2018 at 09:43 AM

Hi Larry, I am just relating what he texts me, says it is the top leaf. He has wrapped it to the rest and says the #2 leaf is holding the van up ok.

Sounds like he is heading into San Felipe and can read your posts there.

geoffff - 3-13-2018 at 11:45 AM

Hi, thank you all so much for the ideas and advice, and to DavidK for posting last night while I was out of internet range!!!

I'm now sitting on a small undeveloped stretch of beach about 6.5 km south of SF. Not a bad place to be "stuck"!

The front spring I broke is the top leaf of a custom 4x4 front end built by Sportsmobile in 2004. Yes, I agree it's lame they don't stock spare parts for older models.

The top leaf is broken just ahead of the axle. It is about 50" long from bolt to bolt (not sure how leaf springs are measured).

The 2nd spring under that is "partial military wrap", so it is doing OK holding everything in place (not sliding out) even with the top spring broken.

I also re-clamped the broken end of the top spring down by using some clamps and a jack to lower the broken end back into place, and then wrapping that broken end tight with the lower leaves with three ratchet straps.

This has held up so far on some bumpies, so I think I can trust it driving around. I don't trust it or any other hack job if I go driving deep into the backcountry, especially as I travel alone.

See photos. They show my field fix on the driver side broken spring, and some close ups of the passenger side (intact) setup.

IMG_20180313_110212.jpg - 92kB

this is my field repair

IMG_20180313_110235.jpg - 77kB

front of "good" side leaf springs

IMG_20180313_110243.jpg - 75kB

rear of "good" side leaf springs

IMG_20180313_110250.jpg - 89kB

wider pick showing front of "good" leaf springs

[Edited on 3-13-2018 by geoffff]

geoffff - 3-13-2018 at 11:54 AM

What I'm looking for is a mechanic to drop in on to discuss options in person. Preferably someone with OK English as my Spanish isn't great (basic survival Spanish).

I don't really expect to fix this here worthy of backroad solo adventuring, but just in case I don't mind hanging out in beautiful SF

for a day or so investigating options. Welding, etc.

Sportsmobile told me I need to get a new spring from someone like Deaver Springs in the USA, which I can order after I drive back home to Seattle if that's the route I go.

geoffff - 3-13-2018 at 11:57 AM

IMG_20180312_122949.jpg - 122kB

Here is the broken end (on the right) as seen before I did my field repair.

-- Geoff

David K - 3-13-2018 at 12:14 PM

Let us know how we can help more!

Here is the recommendations from Facebook South Campos Amigos:

:light:

Efrain (686) 577-1791 his mechanics shop is north of the traffic circle ... call him he will get it done.

:light:

Try the big yellow building on the way south out of town. They’re on a corner. They fixed my broken leaf spring on Christmas Eve a few years ago

:light:

There’s a shop in town Gabinos that does brakes/suspension work on Calle Puerto Mansanillo

:light:

In San Felipe for suspension Gabinos is top notch

...he is up the street by the Oxxo just East of the Arches. The road across from Arturo Yee's lumber/hardware store.

:light:

There is a shop next to DJ market they are very good . Racers have knowhow been good to me.

tobias - 3-13-2018 at 12:25 PM

What about ordering a new spring and having it fed exed to calexico?
Once its there it should not be too tough to get it a few hours down the road to san felipe.
There are some pretty decent looking offroad mechanic shops in san felipe but finding one with strong english might be tough.
If you had the parts it would not take much explaining.

geoffff - 3-13-2018 at 12:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tobias

What about ordering a new spring and having it fed exed to calexico?
Once its there it should not be too tough to get it a few hours down the road to san felipe.
There are some pretty decent looking offroad mechanic shops in san felipe but finding one with strong english might be tough.
If you had the parts it would not take much explaining.

Yes that would be easier, but even with fast turnaround I'd be hitting the limits of my vacation time down here, and the last time I worked with Deaver Springs to get my rear springs, it too some weeks.

tobias - 3-13-2018 at 01:27 PM

Gotcha, this can be the problem when things are too far from stock configurations. I have a buddy with a subaru engine in his VW, no quick fixes when things fail. That Sportsmobile looks pretty sweet though.
Hope you can salvage your vacation.

BajaUtah - 3-13-2018 at 02:18 PM

I would never weld a spring. The risk of changing the metal structure just makes me nervous.

How about 3/8 (maybe 1/4) plate top and bottom and (4) grade 8 bolts to sandwich the broken spring. I'm thinking like the u-bolts that hold the spring pack to the axle only just top and bottom of the spring. That should be easy material to find in SF.

geoffff - 3-13-2018 at 02:40 PM

Well, I tracked down Gambino's suspension shop. The guy (Gambino himself?) said that because it's the top leaf I wouldn't have luck finding a replacement in San Felipe. Mexicali maybe. He seemed to think my trail fix was good enough for highway driving.

Oh well. I'm going back to the beach and am going to check out for the rest of the day. Again, not a bad place to end up. Maybe I'll do some near-pavement exploring in the area before heading home.

-- Geoff

Bob and Susan - 3-13-2018 at 02:53 PM

I had springs break...

why don't you just weld the spring and weld a strap around the entire thing

take the cloth strap off

you'll need to replace both sides when you return home

bajatrailrider - 3-13-2018 at 02:56 PM

Ok so by the pictures it is Main leaf so my fix no go. Most all 4x4 vans use custom short leafs on front axle. There are many places that make custom replacement leafs in the US. That wont help as most take weeks to build them. Your trail fix good take it real easy you already know that. Good Luck. Another note when having custom leafs made always best drop of sample.

rts551 - 3-13-2018 at 03:44 PM

Easy short term fix is a u-bolt with plate on the bottom to hold the spring in lace. Much better than welding.

Bob and Susan - 3-13-2018 at 03:57 PM

welding is stronger...

both sides need to be replaced...
the springs have crystalized

the other side is just a bump away from breaking too

rts551 - 3-13-2018 at 05:53 PM

For those that think welding a spring is just fine....This from a spring manufacturer.

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/never-weld-springs-instea...

or from a welding site

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?33140-Welding-leaf-spri...

bajatrailrider - 3-13-2018 at 08:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

I had springs break...

why don't you just weld the spring and weld a strap around the entire thing

take the cloth strap off

you'll need to replace both sides when you return home

Sorry but you never weld a leaf spring not even for 1min.

willardguy - 3-13-2018 at 10:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

I had springs break...

why don't you just weld the spring and weld a strap around the entire thing

take the cloth strap off

you'll need to replace both sides when you return home

Sorry but you never weld a leaf spring not even for 1min.

I would normally agree...but Susan's one hell of a welder

Bob and Susan - 3-14-2018 at 06:01 AM

weld it...reinforce it...strap it

then

replace it when you get back
both sides

bajatrailrider - 3-14-2018 at 08:18 AM

Weld it no no it removes the heat treat snaps in half. Strap it like he did good deal.

David K - 3-14-2018 at 09:11 AM

Geoffff is good and enjoying a hot, sunny morning on Shell Island. It is raining steady here on the Pacific side, until Sunday they say.
Geoffff has gotten great offers but with the custom springs of his Sportsmobile he will just avoid rough roads and head home when he is ready. Geoffff promises photos for Nomad from the trip in his future report.

Hook - 3-14-2018 at 11:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

Easy short term fix is a u-bolt with plate on the bottom to hold the spring in lace. Much better than welding.

This is the best idea and wont trash your strap. Should be easy to get it done down there.

Even plates on top and bottom of break with U-bolts.

Should be able to easily amble down to Gonzaga. Weeks in San Felipe is no fun, although the south campos arent too bad.

[Edited on 3-14-2018 by Hook]

AKgringo - 3-14-2018 at 11:22 AM

The vados just south of San Felipe will test the field repair harder than some of the dirt roads!

willardguy - 3-14-2018 at 11:43 AM

couple plates and U-bolts in the tool kit not a bad idea!

mtgoat666 - 3-14-2018 at 11:49 AM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

couple plates and U-bolts in the tool kit not a bad idea!

to accompany the duct tape and 24" hvy duty zip ties

David K - 3-14-2018 at 11:59 AM

He is only on vacation for one more week. He is okay he says. Thank you all.

Hook - 3-14-2018 at 01:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

couple plates and U-bolts in the tool kit not a bad idea!

Certainly have a clamp to lay the leaf somewhat flat, to get the U-bolts started?

BajaUtah - 3-14-2018 at 02:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

couple plates and U-bolts in the tool kit not a bad idea!

Certainly have a clamp to lay the leaf somewhat flat, to get the U-bolts started?

Jack up the truck and the leaf will lay flat.