Suspension spring rates etc

[Covo71]

Hi everyone,
I was just talking to a bloke in a shop and he has said do not do the suspension if you are allowing for a winch if if I haven't got it yet? He said do it all at the same time or the springs they would use would push the top of the shock. Sounds right in theory but is that actually right? I wanted to do the suspension now then replace the bar that is on it as it is starting to rust out and add the winch. Is it better to buy what I want and install when I have it all? Cheers

[paulyg]

What does he mean "push the top of the shock"? I have never heard of that, I would have thought it just sit a bit high at the front.

[threedogs]

Most would fit all accessories like the heavier ones , dual battery, winch and bullbar, then fit the suspension to suit.

[Covo71]

Hi paulyg, he said with not enough load on it and especially hitting the bush would be pushing it up to hi. Don't know enough about it.
Cheers

[Covo71]

Hi Threedogs, suspension is shot. Needs replacing before anything else. Limited funds so on a needs basis.

[paulyg]

I see what he means but that would probably only happen when the front suspension is completely un loaded like cresting a sand dune at speed or bouncing over something.
could you get the suspension that you want and some second hand front springs to use for now?

[happygu]

Change out the suspension for the new stuff you are after, but go to someone who knows what they are doing.

He is sort of right, but under extreme articulation most shocks will top out anyway - and they do it all the time ..... what he is talking about is that the wrong length shocks for the springs, as with too short a shock every time someone you go over a speedhump in the road, the springs will unload the weight and take the shocks to their limit.


With matched suspension and shocks, the shocks are in the middle of their extension stroke, and it wont be too much of an issue.
With an added winch and dual batteries, etc, it is only going to drop 10mm max. - it ain't going to be hitting the floor.

Mic

[BigRAWesty]

hes right in theory, but the chances are very unlikely.. you need to be launching the thing quite a bit to stuff em..
what you will get is a stiffer ride until such time as the other stuff goes on..

[MudRunnerTD]

Change out the suspension for the new stuff you are after, but go to someone who knows what they are doing.

He is sort of right, but under extreme articulation most shocks will top out anyway - and they do it all the time ..... what he is talking about is that the wrong length shocks for the springs, as with too short a shock every time someone you go over a speedhump in the road, the springs will unload the weight and take the shocks to their limit.


With matched suspension and shocks, the shocks are in the middle of their extension stroke, and it wont be too much of an issue.
With an added winch and dual batteries, etc, it is only going to drop 10mm max. - it ain't going to be hitting the floor.

Mic

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


What he said ^^^

Your mechanic is an idiot. The springs and shocks should be matched for length. The shocks will not "top out"!!! When you put your car on a 2 post hoist and it is lifted off the ground by the sills all 4 shocks "top out" as the car suspension droops.

The only issue you will have is that you might buy a heavier spring in advance of the extra weight of the accessories. A firmer ride should be expected until the parts are fitted but Zero detrimental effect to the suspension components.

Mic is correct, find a new mechanic.

[Covo71]

Hi Mudrunner, Not the normal blokes I talk to. I was just asking him questions because I would rather have a go and do it myself. Pretty basic just a standard 2" lift. This bloke was in a TJM shop I haven't been to before so you if you don't know you can't tell if they are telling you crap. Thanks to everyone for the info, he will obviously not be getting any of my dollars. Cheers