Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club UK™

ClockworkOwl · Joined: 08 Oct 2019 Posts: 55 Location: Gloucester

I seem to have fallen to the same corrosion issue as PinkPig, both leaf springs have snapped where they pass over the front rubber bush.
Fortunately, I have a spair pair, that have been on the ever lengthening list of jobs to replace for _{mumblemumblemumble} years... Very Happy

I'm getting a fresh can of WD40 to marinade all the bolts well, has anyone got any advice or tips?
Have several pairs of axle stands and a trolly jack, so hopefully no extreme red-neck manouvers.
The current neighbourhood is too quiet for that and I have good relations I'd like to maintain with the landlord... Rolling Eyes

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91 L300 Super Exceed (well it did once...)

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andyman · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 5602 Location: Penrith

Mine haven't snapped (yet) but I need to renew the bushes. I'm thinking plenty of red heat on the bolts and a fire extinguisher would be useful! Be prepared for acrid rubber smoke!
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Andy C L300 Super Exceed - over 100 smiles per gallon!

PinkPig · Posted: Wed Mar 22, 2023 19:37 Post subject:

Suggest all new bolts and bushes - which means you can cut or shear the old ones off which would be quicker.

I got the local garage to do mine, but basically they took the weight of the van without lifting the wheels off the ground, unbolted everything attached to the body, then jacked up the body enought to roll out the axle. Swapped everything attached to the axle, then rolled it back under again.
Watch out also for the saddles where the springs sit on the axle, they can also be quite corroded.

Bolts and bushes are quite standard, so should be easy to get (L200 etc).
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The PINK PIG!
1988 Delica L300 Star Wagon 2.5TD 5sp Manual.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__PinkPig___/
A never ending camper/restoration project
Project 1 - Pop-top camper conversion 2011-2015
Project 2 - Campervan the sequel - 2016 restoration, welding, respray, new interior, vertical pop...

Deker · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 3833 Location: Borehamwood

Dunno if its any help, long ago when I was a taxi driver, there is, or was a company in London,
titled Paddington Springs, they specialised in making/repairing Leaf Springs.

Mr D

ClockworkOwl · Joined: 08 Oct 2019 Posts: 55 Location: Gloucester

Thanks for the tips!
I'm hoping to reuse as much as possible for now. I have a more complete axle rework somewhere on the list of todos.
I don't have masses of room here, so I'm going to do one at a time, leaving the axle as close to in situ as possible.
I've had mostly good luck with all the high tensile stuff, a bit of marinading in penetrating oil and a good spanner / socket, though I've also lost count of how many body fixing bolts and screws I've snapped. I seem to get a few where it only just moves, and with very careful tweaking back and forth, will make just under two turns before snapping at a glance.. Shocked

I guess it won't harm to get new u-bolts etc.
Time to bother the local dealer again...
I'll let you know how I get on.
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91 L300 Super Exceed (well it did once...)