Spring rate?

[skipnrocks]

So I'm workin. On a four runner and the rear is three linked and it looks like they used coil over springs for the springs. They are way too rigid for how light the back of the four runner. They don't have a rate on them but I need much softer. What's the best way to figure what springs to use? Or does anyone know what rate would work?

 

[Markrobinson]

I used coilover springs on the back of my samurai buggy and they were 150 lb rate.

I'd think a full body rig would use something like 250 lb. My pathfinder uses 300 lb springs (4.5" dia jeep lift coils, not CO springs) under the rear and they're a little too stiff but not so bad that I've taken the time to switch them out.

 

[TBItoy]

I know it's common for the samurai guys to use coilover springs,

Is there anything inherently wrong with using them?

I'm considering using them on a rig instead of coilovers.

 

[Markrobinson]

I didn't have an issue with them. I had them bolted in top and bottom which was probably not good for their life span, but if I had a need I'd consider using them again.

With all the ford and jeep applications, I think the 4.5" springs are a better choice just because of length. If you could get a 20" tall CO spring I would think it might try to bend vertically with weight on it (I hope I'm describing that right).

 

[TBItoy]

I didn't have an issue with them. I had them bolted in top and bottom which was probably not good for their life span, but if I had a need I'd consider using them again.

With all the ford and jeep applications, I think the 4.5" springs are a better choice just because of length. If you could get a 20" tall CO spring I would think it might try to bend vertically with weight on it (I hope I'm describing that right).

That's what I was wondering about, the tendency for the spring to bow outwards, being small diameter.

I'm sure I'll just run coilovers, they are just too easy to package and mount compared to other options