Front Coil Springs????

Dwight · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2003, 07:02 PM

HELP!!!!
HOW DO I CALCULATE THE SPRING RATE FOR THE FRONT END OF MY COBRA? I HAVE MUSTANG SHOCKS AND SPRINGS. THE TAG ON THE SPRING SAYS IT IS A 175 LBS. BUT THE RIDE IS VERY STIFF! BAD SHOCKS? SHOCKS TOO SHORT? SPRINGS TOO STIFF?

THE CAR WEIGHTS 2400 LBS WITH 1160 LBS. ON THE FRONT END. I HAVE A CHART THAT SAYS IF I HAVE 1150 TO 1250 LBS ON THE WHEELS, I NEED A SPRING RATED 125 LBS PER INCH. NEED INFO ON THIS!

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2003, 04:43 AM

Look at the bottom of this Carrera Shocks page.

125 lbs/in rate at the wheel should give a pretty soft ride (maybe too soft...). I would check whether the shock allows adequate wheel travel before bottoming out. Also, the damping rate of your shocks may be too high. (They're too stiff.)

Dwight · #3 (**permalink**) 07-30-2003, 06:43 PM

THANKS BOB,

I'LL CHECK THE SHOCK FIRST. THE RIDE IS NOT SOFT. SOMEONE MAY HAVE CHANGED THE METAL TAG ON THE SPRING? I HAD TROUBLE WITH THE SHOP I BOUGHT THE ROLLING CHASSIS FROM. A LOT OF MISMATCHED PARTS AND PIECES. AND A LOT OF BAD INFORMATION!

Richard Hudgins · #4 (**permalink**) 07-30-2003, 08:22 PM

Dwight,

To see what your existing spring is, go to Coil spring rate

To calculate your wheel rate is, go to Wheel rate

To correct for spring angle to make sure that you have the correct wheel rate, go to Coil over angle

I would think that you are going to want a wheel rate of about 150>175 lbs.

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2003, 04:23 AM

Richard,

Cool calculators!

Did you write the code for them? If so, I'm jealous. My "talent" ends at html2.0...

Richard Hudgins · #6 (**permalink**) 07-31-2003, 10:07 AM

Bob,

I will have to admit that I did not write the code. (Other then the page layout and the standard equations .)

I originally tried writing the code in Java. I could not get it to work. Spent way too much much time on it.

Therefore, I swallowed my pride and got my neighbors daughter to do it for me. (13 years old) Took her about 45 minutes to do it.

Cost me a Back Street Boys CD for this code. (Actually a good deal, except for the wierd looks I got from the clerk at the music store. I guess I do not look like a typical fan of this band.)

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 07-31-2003, 05:42 PM

THANKS RICHARD
I'LL GO TAKE SOME MEASUREMENTS.