Coil spring rate question.

[cmhaah06]

Would a difference of 30 lbs/in spring rate really make that much of a difference in flexability/ride? I called Skyjacker and they said the 2" coil I have on my ex is rated at 393lbs/in. I want a softer coil for better flex/ride and I found an eb coil which is rated at 366lbs/in. I just want to know if its really going to make that much of a difference.

 

[ThatFabGuy]

No.

Flexy would be 300lbs/in or under. It's a fine line on these heavy beasts. You want soft but not too soft. Too soft and the spring can't work like it's supposed to because it will be compressed from the weight. 325 would be the max I would go and still say you'd get decent flex.
Too much flex on the TTB can be a bad thing. I needed to open the window on my TTB because the axle was rubbing the tube. Then you got that center u-joint to worry about. Lockers will get you into and out of places that flex won't. Just because all tires are touching don't mean that they can pull (or push) you.

 

[cmhaah06]

OK. The search continues then. Thanks.

 

[cmhaah06]

Today I found a coil spring which has a rate of 320lbs/in. I think I have found the coil I am going to use!

 

[little x]

Today I found a coil spring which has a rate of 320lbs/in. I think I have found the coil I am going to use!

What coils are they? Link?

 

[cmhaah06]

They are superlift coils for an EB. I found them on jeffs bronco graveyard. Now I just need to decide how I am going to mount them. Shouldn't be to hard.

 

[Naasau]

Here's some info from Fabguy's build. It should give you some ideas for an EB coil swap. Also, I think that James Duff would be able to help you with the lower coil seats.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265477&page=2

 

[ThatFabGuy]

Thanks, but actually he bought the lower retainers that I used on my Explorer. They were made by me. JD does not offer them.



And I'm still sticking by my idea to buy the 5.5"s and cut a coil or two from the bottom to get your ride height.