coilover tech

GubNi

GubNi

8 lug disc brakes?
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Jonesborough, TN
I have (2) 18" x2" coilovers I traded for. They are ballistic. I read part of a thread on pirate, but it's been too many years since I took calculus.
I love progressive rate springs for normal coils. I think I get the same thing by using two different spring rates. I want to put these on the front of my new buggy. Is the norm to use one spring and if I want to use two on a side I need special springs or the norm is to use two per side? For example on on 18" coilover do I need to buy two 9" springs per side? I did read that a helper spring is a good ideal to keep them from ratteling and damaging the shock body so I want to have 3 springs per side. Do I need anything extra to mount three springs? Where's the best place to buy them? I'd like blue if possible? Also how do I determine what spring rate I need? I am assuming I need to get the sprung weight not just put a tire on a scale. Sorry for the silly questions and thanks for the help.

This is what I have. link

ai1017.photobucket.com_albums_af291_redarcher89_Jeep_IMG_0068.jpg


aballisticfabrication.3dcartstores.com_assets_images_shocks_lengths.jpg


Some usefull info - link
 
To get a progressive rate you'll need a dual rate setup, the adjusting collar on the threaded body decides where the slider will stop and basically start using the higher rate. Triple rate setups add a third slider and tender coil to pretty much take up the slack. Spring length depends on setup and coilover, but most likely you'll have something like two 18 or 16" springs or a lower spring slightly longer than the travel and one shorter. Might talk to ballistic about it.
 
:popcorn:
 
"Another general rule to start with is that the overall length of coils needs to be twice the travel of the shock, such that a 14-inch-travel shock needs 28 inches of extended coil spring." - from --> link

I think springs are sold in the extended length? Since I have 18" shocks that means I would need (2) 18" springs per side or maybe one 18" and one 16" with a helper?

It seems 18" are only sold in 600lb ratings.

http://www.kingshocks.com/coil-springs-2-5/
 
The problem is going to be finding 18" springs. Hardly anyone will make a 18" spring because it will bow extremely bad under compression and rub the body or shaft. King sells 18" coilovers and they made a cup for the lower coil seat that raises the spring up extra 2 inches so you can run 16" springs since they are more readily available.
With that being said, if these are going on a buggy and you want it to sit low with say.....6 inches of up travel you are going to need a very soft spring for it to compress that much.....probably something around a 200-250lb spring.
You will need to run a tender or helper spring up top. If you can find a 18"/16" combo that will be light enough for you. You will need to buy the 2.125 slider and helper. DO NOT cut the helper slider like I've heard ballistic tell people to do!!! You will need to break the coilover down, pull the remote ressy off to put the slider back on, bleed the coilover and put it back together. I can post the proper sequence to bleed one if you need me to.
My personal advise....trade out for some 16" coilovers like a Fox, SAW or King. Something that has parts more readily available. I really like Ballistic's products but I'll never sell any coilover other then a what I listed above. Just my .02

Also don't worry about what it weighs....I can send you 2 coils and we'll find out how much the buggy weighs by how much the springs compress.....that isn't a big deal.
 
How much shaft do you want showing at ride height? Im going to see if I can find those raised coil retainers. The Blue buggy with the Dana 80/rockwell hydrid axles from TTC has the pieces Im talking about. Ill try to find a picture for ya
 
CarolinaTruggies said:
The problem is going to be finding 18" springs. Hardly anyone will make a 18" spring because it will bow extremely bad under compression and rub the body or shaft. King sells 18" coilovers and they made a cup for the lower coil seat that raises the spring up extra 2 inches so you can run 16" springs since they are more readily available.
With that being said, if these are going on a buggy and you want it to sit low with say.....6 inches of up travel you are going to need a very soft spring for it to compress that much.....probably something around a 200-250lb spring.
You will need to run a tender or helper spring up top. If you can find a 18"/16" combo that will be light enough for you. You will need to buy the 2.125 slider and helper. DO NOT cut the helper slider like I've heard ballistic tell people to do!!! You will need to break the coilover down, pull the remote ressy off to put the slider back on, bleed the coilover and put it back together. I can post the proper sequence to bleed one if you need me to.
My personal advise....trade out for some 16" coilovers like a Fox, SAW or King. Something that has parts more readily available. I really like Ballistic's products but I'll never sell any coilover other then a what I listed above. Just my .02

Also don't worry about what it weighs....I can send you 2 coils and we'll find out how much the buggy weighs by how much the springs compress.....that isn't a big deal.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. King says they can get me any weight on 18" springs. I was thinking about running 150 over 250 and having 4-6" shaft showing. I already have these and traded fro them at very little cost. Due to time I really want to use them rather than wait for a trade.
 
Do you actually have 1100-1200 pounds unsprung at each corner?
 
saf-t scissors said:
Do you actually have 1100-1200 pounds unsprung at each corner?
Click to expand...

Althought I know it's a waste of time to guess, I am guessing about 3000lbs with 2/3 of that at the front.

If I take off tires, wheels, and axles then the psring weight would be much less than 1000lbs on a corner.
 
Well... then your springs are going to have to be a whole lot softer than that if you expect to have 12-14" compressed at ride height.
 
He's right, you're going to be softer, around a 150/200.....just a guess. Its tough to have a good balance between staying low, spring rates and valving.
 
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