We knew from the start we’d be keeping the tried-and-true leaf spring suspension system on Rufus. While there are plenty of modern suspension options, the simplicity, durability, and reliability of leaf springs made them a perfect fit for our build. In this post, we’ll dive into the different types of leaf springs in Rufus, why we chose to stick with them, and what you need to know to order and modify them for your own project.
In our overland vehicle, Rufus, we decided to install a central vent manifold. This solution consolidates the breathers from all critical components and routes them to a single, elevated manifold. Mounted high in a location where it’s unlikely to encounter water, this central vent system provides peace of mind during water crossings.
While not as fast or small as his namesake Rofous Hummingbird - we designed our adventure rig to rival the path of this long-distant migrant, which boasts the longest migration of any bird for its body size
In Rufus, our expedition truck, both the front and rear axles were replaced during a 4x4 conversion. Unfortunately, neither of the new axles included ABS provisions that matched the factory setup. To restore ABS compatibility, we fabricated new tone rings and sensor mounts that matched the factory signal parameters.