Coilovers and spring rates

[RalphXJ]

In the process of rebuilding my front axle, I decided to go with coilovers up front to match the rear!

I'm getting 14in coilovers, just need to figure out what spring rates, and then figure out the mounting locations.

My question, is what spring rates are you guys running?

When setting up the upper mounts, is there anyway to build the mounts before I get the shocks in my hands? I want to have it as close to done when the shocks get here (2 weeks out). But I want to make sure the mounts are built to the right height for my 6in lift (I'd like to stay around there). I know the coilovers are adjustable, but how much adjustment will I have?

Those of you who are running 14in coilovers, what is the length of them at ride height, and what spring rates are you running??

 

[RalphXJ]

I'm been running the numbers through the coilover calculator (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=215114).

I think I'm slowly getting that calculator figured out:
Ride Height compression 4.995
Shaft travel remaining 9.005

SO If I'm reading that right, I will have about 5in up travel (stuffing the tires), and 9in down travel (droop)?

This is with a 200/250 combo and guessing at 700lbs per corner

 

[Goatman]

Ride Height compression 4.995
Shaft travel remaining 9.005

SO If I'm reading that right, I will have about 5in up travel (stuffing the tires), and 9in down travel (droop)?

You figured out that you have it backwards.......right?

 

[RalphXJ]

I didn't get a chance to run through the numbers again, but I wasn't really sure what you were saying on Pirate. So your saying I want to have the numbers the other way around?

I want about 5-6in of the shaft showing at ride heigh, giving me 5-6in of up travel and 8-9in of down. So what I have there isn't correct?

 

[Goatman]

I didn't get a chance to run through the numbers again, but I wasn't really sure what you were saying on Pirate. So your saying I want to have the numbers the other way around?

I want about 5-6in of the shaft showing at ride heigh, giving me 5-6in of up travel and 8-9in of down. So what I have there isn't correct?

What you just said is correct. I thought what you said on Pirate was that the spring calcs you did gave you 5" of compression at ride height. For what you're saying, you'd want 8-9" of compression at ride height. If you figure a 675 lb corner weight, and want the shock/springs compressed 8" at ride height (giving 8" droop and 6" bump travel) that would calculate to an 85 lb primary spring rate. That would be using 125/250 springs which would give an 83 lb rate and a little turning down on the adjuster........and that's a pretty light spring rate. With that, I'd think you'd want to transition into the 250 lb secondary rate (lower spring) after no more than 2" on compression.

BTW, when I did mine I had many, many pages of spring rate and spring force calculations. I found it easier to do it manually than with a spring rate calculator.....I didn't use the one on Pirate. With all the spring rate/force calcs next to each on a bunch of pages, it was easier to get a good handle on what the various changes did. That's how I figured that to do it right, you need to use a tender coil.

Have fun, :wave:

 

[RalphXJ]

Ya I'm getting it figured out now!! :worship:

I'll keep the post on Pirate updated, seems to be more people watching and helping in that one, no need to keep 2 threads going if we are the only 2 posting! Thanks again!!

 

[53guy]

what's the link to your pirate thread?