Coil spring rates

[Alan D.]

Hello again,

My preferred option would be: A vertical rod attached to the top arm shocker position, transferring the load vertically to a bell-crank. The bell-crank would be pivoted at Hydra-gas mount (some how). The bell-crank would be a 90 degree one. which would transfer the suspension loads to a coilover mounted horizontally across the back of the subframe, with all loads being transferred into the subframe. A Midas with inboard suspension!

This would leave all of the fibreglass doing what it does best, looking pretty with no loads going through it!

I think with the A-series engine, the clutch side engine mount may be in the way. But surely that can be solved. I've now let you into my secret suspension idea!

Alan

[Rich]

I'm only 99% sure on this, the Watsons spring rate is in the region of 3850 to 3900 lb....

Geoff ain't telling, but from what he did say in his email I'd say you are right.

That just about knocks that idea on the head, short of buying one of these kits and building it into an old displacer which would give that little bit of extra room that David found he was lacking and had to remove the locking ring to make it all fit.

My concern here is that once I've bought some expensive springs I'm slightly stuffed if I then find I want heavier/lighter springs to suit my situation (I live in the county that breeds champion grade pot holes).

Rich

[Rich]

Hello again,

My preferred option would be: A vertical rod attached to the top arm shocker position, transferring the load vertically to a bell-crank. The bell-crank would be pivoted at Hydra-gas mount (some how). The bell-crank would be a 90 degree one. which would transfer the suspension loads to a coilover mounted horizontally across the back of the subframe, with all loads being transferred into the subframe. A Midas with inboard suspension!

This would leave all of the fibreglass doing what it does best, looking pretty with no loads going through it!

I think with the A-series engine, the clutch side engine mount may be in the way. But surely that can be solved. I've now let you into my secret suspension idea!

Alan

Sounds like a job for a custom made subframe, certainly an attractive idea but not quite the 'bolt on' solution I'm aiming for. Sylva engineering always made good looking inboard suspension systems though those were inclined rather than transverse coil units.

You mentioned getting material cut to drawings Alan, is that something you can do yourself or do you have a tame cutter operator?

[manifold]

Rich,

I dont exactly know the rate, but I can tell you it is spot on for me.

If you want to get my spring rate checked and are prepared to pay postage etc and can get it back to me in a week or two I can lend you mine.

[Rich]

Rich,

I dont exactly know the rate, but I can tell you it is spot on for me.

If you want to get my spring rate checked and are prepared to pay postage etc and can get it back to me in a week or two I can lend you mine.

Not to worry David, though thanks for the offer. I may end up simply buying the Watson kit and combining it into a displacer to give me the adjustment space.

Rich

[manifold]

Yes for the price it might be the easiest option. They are not that over priced.

I'd chop the top of the hydrogas off just above subframe top and weld top hat to that, then you can pull hydrogas unit in or out.

Cheers,

David

[Rich]

Yes for the price it might be the easiest option. They are not that over priced.

I'd chop the top of the hydrogas off just above subframe top and weld top hat to that, then you can pull hydrogas unit in or out.

Cheers,

David

Yep, that's where I am with it. I'd like a coil over set up, but finances aren't going to stretch that far for a while if I'm being realistic.

Right, now I need to find a pair of scrap displacers. Again...

[manifold]

i've got 2 for £20. not scrap though.

[Rich]

i've got 2 for £20. not scrap though.

I can't see the point in chopping working ones, I've got a pair of those already. Besides, the postage would be a bit scary.

[manifold]

I know what you mean.