Need some help - coil spring suspension set-ups

[ecoli]

I'm looking at starting a build where I'd be using a coil spring suspension set-up. At least that's what I think it's called :mrgreen: Example here from 1BJB's Jeep.



Wondering what the pros/cons of this type of set-up are relative to coilovers or leafs? Any tips/threads on set-up (spring rates, locating the springs, etc.)?

 

[EeePee]

Compared to coilovers, I see no advantage because we can tune valving and oil on both set ups. Compared to leafs, well, you're not using leafs, so that's an advantage.

 

[ecoli]

Compared to coilovers, I see no advantage because we can tune valving and oil on both set ups. Compared to leafs, well, you're not using leafs, so that's an advantage.

Ok, what I figured. Better than leafs, not as tuneable as coilovers.

Anyone have some guidance on set-up (spring rates, etc.)?

 

[EeePee]

I would say they're equally tunable to coilovers because they have the same parts. The difference between the two is the location of the shock, and the leverage difference because of the different mount locations, but that's tunable and could be made to perform the same.

 

[Propane]

The coilover units are great because of the ability to tune and adjust ride height and spring values. The downside to me is it does not match most 1:1 rigs. I like the look of the independent spring and shock on each corner. Check out my build and you can get some ideas. I will tell you it is very hard to get the right height spring with the right value to match your vehicle suspension geometry and shocks. I spent a long time trying and swaping parts to make mine work. I even had to play with how my link angles and geometry cycled. My rig crawls great. It is a hardbody which adds the extra weight needed having the springs and shocks independent. My rig weighs 8.5 pounds. "thumbsup"

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/1-9-scale-rigs/344747-first-scale-rig-1-9-tj-wrangler.html

 

[SlickRockSpider]

Ecoli

The most common springs (coil over) are really stiff. They are needed for all of the crazy air people expect to be able to do. I watch a video that Headquake made. He is the guy that carves his bodies out of wood. His suspension stiffness looks to be pretty scale. When he takes a corner the rig leans. When he hits the ground it bottoms out.
This is the guy I would talk to about spring rates .


Here is one of his video:

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/scale-videos/345555-full-trail-run-vid-66-bronco.html


The Century Spring web site has some good tech info on springs. They carry all most any coil spring.

Good Luck

Evan

 

[86zuk]

One nice thing about coilovers is that the spring moves with the shock. but with the spring as it is in the pic, the spring might bend out to the side and make the rig unpredictable. Other than that I see no difference. Leaf springs are a totally different game they look more scale most of the time but offer less travel so its your choice. Oh ya the tj comes like that so its gota be ok.

 

[Propane]

The Brown tuck pulled up late tonight with some new springs. I ordered them from a company called Century Spring. I put in a range of specs I wanted and it showed a few choices. I picked up 12 springs for about 50 bucks so its $$$$

I love the springs and it makes the rig perfect.

 

[C*H*U*D]

Talk to Griz about what he did with Guido. He runs coils and separate shocks.

 

[steveh]

some advantages are,
you can run shocks in half travel (droop) for low CG
captured springs act like rollbar aiding stability

i have found it difficult to get coil over shocks to have the right,
rig hight
up stroke /body interferance.
and loose coils (to achieve low stance)

 

[ecoli]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I have some thinking and more reading to do on this now! May be a case of try it and see.