back suspension - wot springs to fit

andy king

Member
hia this is my first e mail im going to rebush my 3500 auto rear suspension sould i fit standred or progressive springs :D
 
Andy,
Lots of views but no one replying!
I think it depends on how you use your car, but would recommend sticking with standard spec for best everyday use - Won't upset the insurance company, won't de-value the car and will be easier to sell.
regards, John.
 
Changing the springs from standard specification needs careful consideration. I fitted some stiffer and shorter springs to a Jensen Healey and although the handling was improved in terms of the ultimate limit the ride was unbearable. I perservered for two years before the time came to sell the car and I changed it back to the standards springs. It was only then I realised what I'd been putting up with and nearly changed my mind about selling.

However progressive springs may be another matter entirely. If the initial spring rate (measured in lbs per inch) is the same as the standard spring the ride quality wouldn't be effected but the travel and therefore roll under hard cornering would be reduced with consequent improvement in handling.

Sounds like it's to good to be true so some research is in order and the internet is your best source initially. Bear in mind that as a basic rule a rear wheel drive car will use stiff springs at the front to limit roll while more compliant springs at the rear ensure the back wheels stay in contact with the ground. (Look at pictures of saloon cars racing and you'll see the rear wheel drive cars lifting the inside front wheel while the front wheel drive cars pick up the inside rear.)

The only other situation where progressive springs are a very good idea is if your towing as they will prevent the back of the car sagging to far.

Your first step is to find out what the spring rates are and then consider whether you couldn't achieve a similar effect with a stouter anti roll bar.
 
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