Thread: Question for spring gurus...

Originally Posted by justinc

Right, I want to run this past you all,

IF I was to put a coil spring of, say 320Psi from a Rangie/D1 next to a Defender (Larger OD) spring of the same rate, (both linear rate), would they FEEL any different on the vehicle??

Theory obviously suggests not, IE same rate and both linear wound, BUT is this true in the real world??


Anyone care to speculate? Reason I am asking is that I am toying with the idea of grafting Defender rear upper spring outriggers to the RR so I can run standard 110 rear coils, and fit 130 inner Helper springs for touring duties, removing them afterwards to retain some niceness when at home. And no, I am NOT entertaining the thought of polyairs or suchlike.

Thanks ,

JC

Time for full airbags JC

Ha! Not much chance of me doing that Matt. This vehicle is a dumbed down totally simple tourer now, I want nothing to do with complexity and clutter when on holidays in remote parts of this land I'm on holiday to relax, not worry about reliability issues.


However, yes, the full airbags like Tony is running in the 120 look the goods for sure.

JC

The spring rates will be the same. A 320lb/in spring is a 320lb/in spring. The difference in construction between the two springs apart from diameter will probably just be that the defender spring is either made from thicker wire, runs less winds or a combination of both.

You'd probably get some very marginal differences in articulation and handling from the wider setup with the springs, but I doubt it would be much more than just noticable.

Why not just have 2 sets of springs,one set for holidays and one set for when home. It would take the same time to change springs as it would to remove the centre coils and no clearance problems.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

The spring rates will be the same. A 320lb/in spring is a 320lb/in spring. The difference in construction between the two springs apart from diameter will probably just be that the defender spring is either made from thicker wire, runs less winds or a combination of both.

You'd probably get some very marginal differences in articulation and handling from the wider setup with the springs, but I doubt it would be much more than just noticable.

Thanks Simon, yes rates will obviously stay the same, But I was interested in the possibility of them behaving differently, due as you say to differences in construction. The main reason for the whole Idea is so as I can fit the inner coils for towing/ touring. So If it were you, you'd agree that the possible differences in the springs behaviour, given that they would be 'rated' the same, wouldn't be all that noticeable? I know that a 110 with good dampers and standard rear coils is a good ride, even though they have 10" more wheel base I'd have to expect some similar characteristics if fitted to my RRC, given that I have a big fuel tank, drawers and fridge, Rear 2nd batt and HF radio etc etc. The addition of food/ stores,a twin spare carrier with Wolf rims and 255/85/16 BFG's, and the 90 to 100kg drawbar weight of the camper would be a little too much possibly, hence the idea of using the 130 helpers. At present I am running single DeCarbon +2" rear shocks, I'll possibly upgrade to twin at the rear also.

JC

Originally Posted by yt110

Why not just have 2 sets of springs,one set for holidays and one set for when home. It would take the same time to change springs as it would to remove the centre coils and no clearance problems.

Thats the problem at the moment though, I have 18" free length 320psi coils at present, they handled the recent trip fine, but are way too high at the rear when not loaded and towing. I am about to increase the weight on the rear of the vehicle substantially by adding a stronger rear bumper and twin carrier. I would like a sensible ride height and ride when unladen, and the addition of the helper coils for touring would give me the added capacity. I am not fussed about getting custom coils made, I have used LRA springs exclusively for years and very happy with them, plus I would like to stick with off the shelf items for ease of replacement if need be. Basically, there aren't too many coils that would do everything I want them to do off the shelf.

JC

Originally Posted by justinc

However, yes, the full airbags like Tony is running in the 120 look the goods for sure.

JC

I hope so, its going to be the only complex system I have


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...ra-cab-30.html

I have the same problem,I'm on my third set of rear springs on my county.Its almost impossible to get a good balance,the set I run now were too short so I got them reset longer,but still ended up putting the polly airs back in just to help out when fully loaded,they are a bit harsh when its empty,so I just keep it loaded ready for a quick get away.