Thread: differance between progressive rate and linear rate

We are talking springs I presume ??

Paul

Originally Posted by pop058

We are talking springs I presume ??

Paul

yhea i am, thanks for that Paul

cheers

Progressive rate springs increase their resistance to compression as the spring compresses. Linear rate springs have uniform resistance throughout

Originally Posted by spudboy

Progressive rate springs increase their resistance to compression as the spring compresses. Linear rate springs have uniform resistance throughout

thanks for that spud...so which will be better for loading ?

cheers

Linear will be better for loading as it has a higher instant resistance compared to a progressive coil.

Originally Posted by Grover-98

Linear will be better for loading as it has a higher instant resistance compared to a progressive coil.

thanks mate, question answered ...

cheers

This might be worth a read: Suspension Tuning

More for street cars than off road, but it has a good description of progressive vs linear half way down the page.
David

To clarify,

A linear 100lb/in spring requires 100lb to squash it the first inch, 200lb to squash it 2", 300lb/in to squash it 3" etc etc etc.

An example of a progressive spring may be that it takes 100lb for the first inch, 200lb for 2", 350lb for 3", 500lb for 4". That would be an example of a 100-150lb/in spring with the transition at 2".

What carries load better depends on how the spring has been designed.

Some variable springs are designed to give a stiffer spring rate than standard, and so the softer section occurs in a range that is higher than ride height - so basically the soft section is to increase free length so the travel remains the same, along with shock lengths.

They can also be setup so that ride height operates at a softer spring rate, and as you load the vehicle up with weight the springs then increase their stiffness. They are usually designed like this in 4WD's so that you can have a comfortable ride when unladen, and load carrying capacity when loaded up.