simonr Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 I've had a pretty good suspension idea (even if I say so myself) which does not involve computers, pneumatics or anything complicated other than fabrication. I want to try it out first, before I go public with the idea - but I need to source some springs first. What I'm looking for is a pair of springs with a rate of about 70lb/in, a free length of about 400mm and an outside diameter of 100mm. I wondered if any of you know the spec of car springs? Spring data for LR's is easily available - but all the companies I've talked to about car springs first want to know the car it's for to give me the spec rather than finding the car/spring from the spec. I've mailed a couple of companies who wind springs - but no replies as yet. Another alternative might be coil-over springs? I know this is a bit like "I've got a secret - and I'm not going to tell you" - but I will when I've tried it! I've built a model which with a few reservations appears to work - but there's nothing like trying it for real! Mysteriously, Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LR90 Posted December 30, 2005 Share Posted December 30, 2005 Could you get away with smaller diameter springs, like those used on coil overs? If so I'm sure there will be lots to choose from. (Intrigued) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bush65 Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 With that free length to dia ratio, you may need to guide the spring to prevent it buckling sideways. Depends how much you want to compress it, but about 250mm is the limit when buckling is likely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ripley Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 have you tried Trans Auto Sport (aka TAS), they are normally really helpful, they supply race car springs, but will build any coil spring to your spec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted December 31, 2005 Author Share Posted December 31, 2005 With that free length to dia ratio, you may need to guide the spring to prevent it buckling sideways. Depends how much you want to compress it, but about 250mm is the limit when buckling is likely. I had wondered about this - and assumed that as a land rover spring with a 600mm free length and 150mm diameter does not buckle, 400 x 100 would probably be safe. The spring will only ever be compressed to 200mm length at most - but adding a guide would not be difficult if it is a problem. Thanks Ripley - I'll give them a go! Do you happen to know what the rate of police spec springs is? (roughly) Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernchris Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 I had wondered about this - and assumed that as a land rover spring with a 600mm free length and 150mm diameter does not buckle, 400 x 100 would probably be safe.The spring will only ever be compressed to 200mm length at most - but adding a guide would not be difficult if it is a problem. Thanks Ripley - I'll give them a go! Do you happen to know what the rate of police spec springs is? (roughly) Si Hi si I would stay away from tas,they sell some very sub std stuff,i developed some subaru parts for them a while back,after i had finished the prototypes they said they had ,had a change of mind and they were not going to go down that path,low and behold 4 weeks later they where selling alloy engine mounts for grp " n" subarus,just exactly what i had done for them!!!!!! I would be supprised if they havent gone bust AGAIN anyways. I will sort you some springs out next week if you want,i have a few contacts in the suspension world. Cheers Chris (DME MOTORSPORT) P.S I got the x-brake thank you very much,i will be sorting an order out for you in the new year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted December 31, 2005 Author Share Posted December 31, 2005 Thanks Chris Chris (DME MOTORSPORT) It all becomes clear - I had not made the association! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernchris Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Thanks ChrisIt all becomes clear - I had not made the association! Si Sorry ,i forgot to say. I wil give you a bell next week regarding spring specs. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROGUE TROOPER Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Thanks ChrisIt all becomes clear - I had not made the association! Si Not bad 97 posts and not mentioned it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernchris Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Not bad 97 posts and not mentioned it!! My heads like a box of frogs at the moment!!!!!! Tell you ,there just isnt enough hours in the day mega busy,just got in now!!!!!!! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark90 Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Do you happen to know what the rate of police spec springs is? (roughly)Si red/white rears are 170lb/in green fronts are 150lb/in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesm Posted December 31, 2005 Share Posted December 31, 2005 Simon, how critical is the 100mm dimension? I did some Googling earlier, and found that the front springs off a Simca 1301 Special are very close to your spec (especially those for the estate) - but they're 117.4 mm wide. Haven't seen a Simca for yonks, but I daresay someone like 'Parts for older cars' could find you some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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