Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 › Workshop guide › Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles

Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8: leaf springs, u-bolts & shackles

Suspension · Series III (1971–85) · 1979–1985

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Broken leaves and worn bushes make the vehicle steer itself.

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

• Spring bushes / shackles (if worn)
• Shock absorbers (if leaking)

Tools

• Pry bar
• Spanners
• Torch

Step by step

1. Look along each spring for cracked or slipped leaves.
2. Lever each shackle and spring eye: any movement means worn bushes.
3. Check U-bolt nuts are tight and the axle has not shifted on the spring.
4. Check shock absorbers for leaks and bushes for wear.

More Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 servicing