spring rate v/s constant

[ashiva]

can someone please explain the difference b/w the spring rate and spring constant? i'm seeing them in totally different contexts. i know they both have to do with stiffness and i'm just wondering if there is any direct connection...

and on a side note i remember seeing someone with the title resident chemist? i have a question for u if ur actually a chemist (if someone knows who he/she is can you ask em to pm me or give me his/her name?). any other people out their who can advise me in a chemistry&car thing, let me know!

thnx
=)mehr

[J3ST3R]

Spring Rate is usually defined as the amount of weight it takes to compress a spring a given distance...usually 1 inch....meaning that if the Spring Rate is 600 it will take 600 lbs to compress the spring 1 inch. On typical cars you will see higher spring rates on the front than the rear

Spring Constant(Straight Rate) I believe refers to a constant rate spring, which means that it takes the same amount of force to compress the spring through the entire travel of the spring. Example again...if the Spring Rate is 600 then it takes 600 pounds to compress the spring through its entire travel.

There are springs that are Progressive Rate...which means that the further the spring compresses the more force it takes to continue compressing them. These springs typical have smaller tighter coils at the end of them....these are usually used to control the additional body roll at the limits to maximize improvements in handling. These springs start off softer and then get harder the more they are compressed.


Hope that helped...

[ashiva]

perfect! thank you! that's what i'd thought was the case this morning --- decided that the progressives probably each have their own eqn but that rate and constant are the same thing for constant springs. wasn't totally sure but now i've got the whole picture clear. thanks again :)

[Autobot_tc]

kinda want to know the same thing im looking at Tanabe springs witch are better.
rate is
white-DF210-3.4 F/4.3 R
blue- NF210-3.0 F/4.1 R

[J3ST3R]

kinda want to know the same thing im looking at Tanabe springs witch are better.
rate is
white-DF210-3.4 F/4.3 R
blue- NF210-3.0 F/4.1 R

When you say which are better.... are you looking for drop, or performance, or ride quality....etc...?

[Autobot_tc]

Im thinking more performance and ride quality prob. better ride than anything.
the drop for both sets is.
1.7F/2.2R

[Autobot_tc]

I just went with Tein S-tech i ordered them today.

[slimsdizz]

I like the TRD springs with the echo KYB racing shock swap the shocks are an inch shorter so they fall right into place with the lowering springs. I have had a few sets of springs the meagan racing springs were just to hard of a ride for me very very strong springs but they ride hard and don't absorb bumps well you tend to get whel hop in an XA and in a corner it's not a fun feeling with the meagans if I had my subs in I think the extra weight would balance it out.

[J3ST3R]

I just went with Tein S-tech i ordered them today.

Good choice!!