Coil spring rear suspension

[billretiree]

Hi eveyone:
I am running a ford 8in rear with Chevette coils and Hynduai shocks. The ride is really stiff. Is anyone else running a coil spring shock combination? If so what springs and shocks are being used?
Thanks for the help

 

[railroad]

I would disconnect the shocks and see if that makes enough difference. If so, you may find a softer or worn out set to put back in place. If the shock disconnect does not cure the ride, looks like springs are next.

good luck,

 

[Rick]

I would disconnect the shocks and see if that makes enough difference. If so, you may find a softer or worn out set to put back in place. If the shock disconnect does not cure the ride, looks like springs are next.

good luck,

The difference between the rear of the chevette and the rear of a bucket is huge you should be in the 150 spring rate area.If it was me i'd scrap the coils and go with coil overs but your car is done so this is gonna be hard to do.Someone will chime in to advise on where to get less stiff springs good luck.

 

[billretiree]

I would disconnect the shocks and see if that makes enough difference. If so, you may find a softer or worn out set to put back in place. If the shock disconnect does not cure the ride, looks like springs are next.

good luck,

The rear bounces somewhat esay with the shocks disconnected, not sure how much it should move. The shocks take about 30 lbs to push in.

 

[billretiree]

The difference between the rear of the chevette and the rear of a bucket is huge you should be in the 150 spring rate area.If it was me i'd scrap the coils and go with coil overs but your car is done so this is gonna be hard to do.Someone will chime in to advise on where to get less stiff springs good luck.

The chevette coils are variable rate and the NAPA book rates them at 120lbs

 

[putz]

You win I am about to take out a chrome 125 pound set with new shocks that are 1 year old From QA1. I am going to coilovers they will be at my house wednesday. PM me for more info. My shocks run through the spring so they won't work but springs might I also have a regular set of springs.

 

[ellis8500]

Keep in mind that the hairpin style radius rods also add a great deal of "Stiffness" to the suspension. When the axle moves up or down on one side, it is trying to twist due to the triangular geometry of the radius rods. The radius rods also want to deform due to their geometry. A 4-bar suspension eliminates that effect so only the springs and shocks contribute to ride quality. There are several articles written about this on this site and the internet.

 

[Rick]

The chevette coils are variable rate and the NAPA book rates them at 120lbs

Ok guys help me out here doesn't (variable rate) mean the springs have different windings to handle different road conditions?I would think a straight 120 would be good to go in his case.

 

[railroad]

Other than bouncey, how was the ride with the shocks disconnected. If it takes about 30 lbs to compress the shocks, they must be gas shocks. If all this is correct, see if you can find a cheap set of hydralic shocks, keep the gas tank full and buy a big battery, just kidding about the gas and battery.

 

[Youngster]

Something I learned a long tome ago was tp use standard shocks on these cars. Most seem to go for heavy and extra heavy duty shocks and the ride suffers.

Ron

 

[Ted Brown]

Those coils could still be used if they were mounted farther forward, they have too much leverage where they are, too strong there... Same for the shocks... as far as lift type radius rods, you can still get a wonderful ride with them, I have used both, and a T Bucket with anything besides a 4 banger needs the help with TRACTION, and a 4 bar will not help in that area.. but they work great if the car is into leaning much... These cars are light and don't lean much anyway... Think of the nut cracker effect with the springs... Ride safe :thumb: