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1/4 elliptical! pros vs contras???

4K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Doch80 
#1 ·
I got impressed about the 1/4 elliptical and i want to make it in my Yj.
i want to know what is the disvantage to have that system in my daily use vehicle, also i take it out to highway sometimes ( around 55mph max).
Every answer will be thanked :D
 
#2 ·
As with everything there are pros and cons.

Pros:
-Its new again. With everyone going coils you dont see them as often.
-They wont fall out like some coils.
-They dont stack like coils.
-You dont have the mounting issues like coilovers have. Anything less then 12"-14" travel unit is a waste. Mounting coilovers that long in the rear, that wont fold when flexed, creates some challenges.
-Definitely cheaper then coilovers.

Cons:
-You are kind of stuck with however your ride is. You can add or subtract leaves but coils are easier to quantify with spring rates.
-You still need to work out link geometry just like any other suspension other then full leaf springs.
-Although easier to fit then coilovers you will still need to mount shocks with sufficient travel. Mounting them / \ can work but can lead to body roll.
-If you find an anti-sway bar is needed then there winds up being a struggle for real-estate under there.
-Routing exhaust can be a pain.
-Will have to rework the front as well.
 
#6 ·
It's not really any different than building a road worthy 4 link with coils or coilovers. As for cons, packaging would be number 1 for me. If money was an issue w/ coilovers, a pair of junkyard coils would be my choice. Building the mounts to hold the springs to the frame, a mount to attach the spring to the axle. It all seems to just add more complexity to a basic 4-link. I don't know that there are any advantages vs running coil springs, just another way to accomplish the same thing.
 
#7 ·
To add to the con's;

-An extended length brake line is required,
-you will need to install travel limiting straps,
-you will need to carry a small length of chain in your rig just incase you have to jack it up to change a tire,
-and they look hella scary when ascending or descending a steep hill.

..and now the rest;

They definitely add to suspension travel, but unless you have a selectable locker this won't do you a bit of good for traction (at full droop),
Carry a spare 1/4 leaf or a spring shackle if you happen to snap one, I've seen trail rigs limped off of a trail with a busted 1/4 leaf due to over extending and not having a way to reinstall the shackle onto the original frame mount.

Just my two-cents worth. ;)
 
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