Coil over shocks-rear- how much spring?

[maddog]

Yeah, its me again. I cant even go shopping on Ebay without consulting the Gods of rods.

How much spring, in lbs, should I be looking for if I wanted coil overs in the rear of the Topolino? Shouldnt be too heavy, gas tank, battery, thats about it.

The general range of spring rates I have seen is 180-300 lbs.

How is that calculated? A 180 lb spring takes 180 lbs to compress it ?? how far?


Dont think coil overs is a good idea? Why?

I'll be right back, I'm going over to ebay.
Thanks

 

[maddog]

Oh, and maybe a radiator.

 

[donsrods]

180-200 will be fine. We have 180's on the back of my Kids bucket and also on my '39 Dodge. Any stiffer and it will ride like a truck.

Don

 

[bob w]

I have 150lb. springs in the rear of an Anglia and 90lb spring3 in the rear of the Crosley Wagon pictured on the Gassers/Altered Thread, toward the last page. I just put 120# springs in the rear of a '25 Dodge Coupe. They compressed 3 inches which indicates the weight on the rear of the car is 720#. The spring will compress 1 inch for the weight it is rated. It is desireable to have the coilover compressed 1/3 of its total travel with the load on it. Be sure to determine how much room you have for wheel travel. Lack of room is the reason lots of guys have to use spring rates that are really too high for comfort.

 

[Turbo26T]

Maddog: One thing to consider is the installed angle...as the shock is tilted from vertical,you have to increase the spring rate...QA1's ebsite has a great chart to calculate spring rates according to installed angle. Another thing that is important is an accurate weight of the vehicle ( total suspended weight minus any un-sprung weight...(i.e.:suspension,wheels,rearend,brakes,etc)

Just a coupla pennies worth of advice

Stan

 

[maddog]

Thanks Guys.

Are coilovers a good choice? They seem simple but a bit more $$.

 

[Bonehead]

I think they are a great choice. But $ is the only issue.