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David K
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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.
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bajatrailrider
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Cant see In picture David is it the main leaf with mounts or not.
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David K
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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.
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geoffff
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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.
this is my field repair
front of "good" side leaf springs
rear of "good" side leaf springs
wider pick showing front of "good" leaf springs
[Edited on 3-13-2018 by geoffff]
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geoffff
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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.
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geoffff
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Here is the broken end (on the right) as seen before I did my field repair.
-- Geoff
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David K
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Let us know how we can help more!
Here is the recommendations from Facebook South Campos Amigos:
 Efrain (686) 577-1791 his mechanics shop is north of the traffic circle
... call him he will get it done.
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
There’s a shop in town Gabinos that does brakes/suspension work on Calle
Puerto Mansanillo
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.
There is a shop next to DJ market they are very good . Racers have knowhow
been good to me.
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tobias
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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.
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geoffff
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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.
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tobias
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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.
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BajaUtah
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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.
Andy
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geoffff
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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
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Bob and Susan
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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
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bajatrailrider
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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.
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rts551
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Easy short term fix is a u-bolt with plate on the bottom to hold the spring in lace. Much better than welding.
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Bob and Susan
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welding is stronger...
both sides need to be replaced...
the springs have crystalized
the other side is just a bump away from breaking too
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rts551
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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...
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bajatrailrider
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| 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.
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willardguy
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I would normally agree...but Susan's one hell of a welder
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Bob and Susan
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weld it...reinforce it...strap it
then
replace it when you get back
both sides
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