Posted by MoparNorm on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 6:47PM :
In Reply to: Re: Elliptical springs? posted by Paul (in NY) on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 4:40PM :
Well that may be their story, but just about every company building springs for off-road use is installing teflon spacers these days. The whole point is that they DO allow the spring to slide easily which results in better articulation and a quieter ride. There is a cost issue, which may be the real reason they didn't want to do it. Each spring end is drilled out approx. 1/4 inch and an insert fitted that holds the teflon pad in place. With the springs properly captured by the spring clamps I can see no logical way that the springs would be more prone to breakage.
To get a softer yet more compliant ride off-road, I usually build my packs with more but 'softer' rate springs. If you look at the spring packs that come from the aftermarket they have 3 or 4 leafs and ride like crap. A 9 -12 leaf, progressive spring pack works just great. This truck had 9 in the front and 12 in the rear, it rode like a cadillac in the first inch of spring travel, then stiffened up considerable as the load or road conditions worsened.
MN
Follow Ups: