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Technical Raised rear suspension on my Panda 4x4

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Technical Raised rear suspension on my Panda 4x4

Antony

Antony

Panda Ant
Parked in the garage
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
130
Points
45
Location
North Devon
Just a quick question about my recently acquired Panda 4x4. Hopefully I’ll get some space in the garage soon so I can get started on it properly, in the mean time I’ve been trying to figure out how the back suspension’s been raised. I’ve looked in my manual and the axle / leaf spring appears to be correct position for a 4x4. There’re are no spacers between the spring and the axle and the rear shackle hangers look correct. Trouble is it looks to be raised by a couple of inches. I’m beginning to wonder if the leaf springs are from something else. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)

Panda_rear_suspension.jpg
 
Could be just new leaf springs, as I saw a 4x4 much higher than my own and that was why.
You are lucky if they are as they are very expensive, but boy will it bounce up and down!
Get some hairy arsed teenagers in the back to settlle it down.
Dave
 
It is definitely much higher. My assumption was it was done by different shackles but if you say they are the same then maybe something else. I'm not convinced new springs would do that much tbh. I think based on the front modification someone has fiddled around....

Quick question, do the rear dampers work? Maybe someone has put a spring inside the damper housing!!! the shrouds are missing but that could just be rust as I discovered on my white 4x4 :eek:

I'll take a picture of mine for reference later tonight.

Si
 
Thanks all, Yes it does seem a bit high but the dampers seem to work ok though. If you could take a photo Si that would be great also is there any chance you could measure the length of the shackles. Sorry to be a pain but it would be nice to know if they are the right length.
 
Thanks for the pic’s Si. Here’s some of mine. The rear shackles are 10cm centres and the front mount and axle to spring mount look standard, but looking at some of the bolts I’d say they’ve been undone recently which makes me wonder if its leaf springs from something else.
Looks like I could be in the market for a set of new ones.

Underneath all seems surprisingly solid I’ve had a bash around with a hammer and haven’t found any big holes or anything despite there being a lot of surface rust

Oh and the bit of string is holding the car cover on, nothing to do with holding the car together. :lol:

DSCF20992.JPG


DSCF21002.JPG


DSCF21011.JPG


DSCF21041.JPG
 
I've looked at the chassis rails there doesn't seem to be any sign of alteration, I could be wrong though Sorry to be a real pain but I think I could do with a measurement from the end of the chassis rail to the centre of the shackle bolt hole, any chance anyone ?
If it comes down to new leaf springs do motor factors stock these or do I have to go direct to Fiat. Any help would really be appreciated. :)
 
Thanks all, I think I'm going to try and get hold of some second hand springs. At least I'll have something to compare with the ones on mine. If they turn out to be the same at least I'll be a bit nearer to solving this and having a spare set can’t be a bad thing. I did phone up a spring manufacturer but "catch 22" they wanted a set of panda springs for the dimensions.

Anyway I've put an ad in the wanted section so fingers crossed there'll be a someone out there with a spare set. :)
 
Antony said:
Thanks all, I think I'm going to try and get hold of some second hand springs. At least I'll have something to compare with the ones on mine. If they turn out to be the same at least I'll be a bit nearer to solving this and having a spare set can’t be a bad thing. I did phone up a spring manufacturer but "catch 22" they wanted a set of panda springs for the dimensions.

Anyway I've put an ad in the wanted section so fingers crossed there'll be a someone out there with a spare set. :)
Click to expand...

There's a breaker on Ebay - has been on for ages but they may well have the springs. Worth a go if you haven't already?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fiat-Pand...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3cc1c0be9d

Cheers, Gavin.
 
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nitro_warrior said:
Looks standard to me. What's the distance from the top of the diff to the floor of the car?
Click to expand...

Hi Nitro, the distance from the top of the diff to the floor is 21.5 cm and the wheel arch to tyre is 15 cm. Must admit the gap doesn't seem so big now I've measured it..... Maybe its just the front thats been raised although it'd be a bit strange.

Thanks for the ebay link Gavin I've mailed the seller so fingers crossed.

Axle_to_floor.JPG


wheel_arch_to_wheel.jpg
 
Mine is 19cm diff to floor. I've taken a pic of the wheel arch clearance for you to compare with, will upload this evening, but the measurement is 14cm. Those measurements are from my ordinary 4x4, my knackered old Sisley is significantly lower as the springs have lost their strength and are just starting to arc downwards. I think your setup is all original but maybe the springs are recent or have been re tempered.
 
Thanks those measurements are a real help, looks like mine's not as far out as I thought. I think I'll just get the front sorted and see how it drives with the back as it is. Thanks all for your help hope I haven't been to much of a pain so early on in my membership to Fiatforum :)
 
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