Terrain Tamer has expanded their range of parabolic leaf springs to now include Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series models, utilising the same impressive parabolic design as the popular springs previously released for Toyota Hilux GUN/GGN and KUN models, Land Cruiser 60 and 70 Series models, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 and Mitsubishi Triton and further expanding to their extensive existing suspension range.
One of Terrain Tamer’s most requested and highly anticipated range expansions, these new additions to the parabolic springs catalogue have been undergoing thorough research and development for a number of years and are suited to BJ40/42/43/45/46 and FJ40/45 models.
Initially released in 2018, Terrain Tamer parabolic springs apply an already a well-established idea in the trucking industry, combined with modern technology and a special grade steel, to create a carefully researched design specifically for 4WD vehicles.
Traditionally heavy linear leaf packs can be uncomfortable and loud and can create a safety issue, as they offer little to no flex, meaning that when a driver hits a bump, or finds themselves in a rough off-road situation, the rigidity of the leaf pack will cause the opposite wheel to lift, spinning and losing traction, ceasing drive and effectively endangering the driver.
Parabolic leaf springs typically contain fewer leaves and get their name from their tapered “parabolic” design, meaning they are thicker in the centre and thinner at the ends. The tapered design of each leaf allows the stress to be distributed more evenly across the spring, each leaf is allowed to work independently with enhanced flex, keeping all four wheels on the ground while ensuring the strength needed to bear heavy load capacities.
This is particularly useful in 4WD applications that carry excessive load on the driveline, or when challenged with difficult terrain, as the flex afforded with a parabolic spring lets it give a little when the driver hits a bump, allowing the differential housing to rotate with the springs and effectively providing a smoother ride, reducing the shock transferred to the crown wheel and pinion, stopping the wheel from spinning and maintaining safety and drive. The same force with a standard leaf pack would almost certainly cause more shock to the vehicle and driver.
This design dramatically reduces the unsprung weight of the vehicle, freeing up the weight needed for practical use, addressing the issue of GVM limits, accommodating the varying and ever-changing applications that the modern day 4WD is used for, such as towing heavy loads, carrying tools or touring with the family, and ensuring a comfortable ride whether empty or loaded.
The parabolic shape also provides better axle articulation, as well as almost no interleaf friction, allowing the spring to compress or extend with ease without touching each other until there is a reasonable load on the vehicle. This feature means that the springs are not only quieter, but it also acts to help minimise any issues with rust build up, which can be a major cause of failure in standard leaf springs.
For more information visit terraintamer.com/suspension.
