As shown in the figure, if the selected spring does not match, it will not only cause the suspension performance to not be fully utilized, but may also lead to damage to the shock absorber. So how do we choose the appropriate coilover shock absorber? Today Tracy is here to explain to you!
If your off-road vehicle does not reach the designed height after installing Coilover shock absorbers, or if your Coilover spring needs to be pre tightened with a wrench for more than three inches to reach the designed vehicle height, you will need to change your spring. In most cases, if the load is not too excessive, adjusting the spring matching for each Coilover shock absorber only requires changing the force value of one spring. Most high-performance vehicles require a combination of springs that are as soft as possible, but must be sufficient to support the vehicle’s driving height without exceeding a preload of 3 inches. Dong dong dong dong! Knocking on the blackboard, it’s important!
Step 1: Calculate your effective shock absorber load (measure the height value of the spring under load)
Prior to this, the parameter of shock absorber load may have been easily overlooked. The simplest and most direct way to obtain accurate data is to use your existing springs to calculate. Calculation formula: To calculate the effective shock absorber load, it is determined by how much the spring is compressed under the heavy pressure of the vehicle. Calculate the total weight of the vehicle and your body weight, adjust the preload by at least one inch, and measure the current height of the lower spring to within a quarter of an inch. This is achieved by subtracting the measured height of the spring from the free height. Finally, the effective load value is obtained by multiplying the compression distance by the height difference.
(Measuring the lower spring is because the lower spring is the basic spring that supports the angular weight of the vehicle, while the upper spring can be limited by the spring adjustment nut)
Tracy will give you an example: 2.5x14x250lb. Measure the height of the lower spring load at 10.
Then [14 “(free height) -10” (measured height)] x [250 pounds. (spring rate)]=[4 “] x [250 pounds.]=1000 pounds.
We need to pay special attention here: new shock absorbers must be installed at an angle when installed in the designated position. Please measure your installation balance point.