Spring rates
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 389
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From: Rochester, NY
Spring rates
I've got to replace the front springs on my '97 AWD due to one of them being broken. NYS will not pass a vehicle with a broken spring. Anyhoo, I found that the coil is very close to the 5" OD that a lot of stock car springs are. If I can find something with a similar length and rate, I might be in business.
I measured 5" OD, 12.5" free length, 3/4" wire diameter and about 7.5 active coils. That calculates out to about a 860 lb/in rate. I am not sure, though, if my assumption for the number of coils is correct, so I wonder if anyone can confirm if my calculated rate is correct.
So does anyone know what the actual spring rate is for the AWD front end?
I measured 5" OD, 12.5" free length, 3/4" wire diameter and about 7.5 active coils. That calculates out to about a 860 lb/in rate. I am not sure, though, if my assumption for the number of coils is correct, so I wonder if anyone can confirm if my calculated rate is correct.
So does anyone know what the actual spring rate is for the AWD front end?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 882
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From: Wichita
Rick, I can't help on the spring rates but aren't new ones pretty cheap? You probably want to do at least the two front ones together for better handling anyway. Personally, I wouldn't mess with used suspension parts.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 389
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From: Rochester, NY
I have no intention of messing with used springs, at least not here. Yes, I'm replacing the fronts as a pair. But the best I've been able to find is that nobody offers replacement springs for the AWD front end, that's why I'm looking at using something else.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
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Rick,
Husky makes front springs for the AWD, I have a pair installed on mine. Available from Rock Auto - an FTE sponsor also. Be forwarned, they are not identical to the OEM. They are slightly smaller diameter stock steel and must be slightly taller because they tend bow outward after installation.
During my search for springs, I ran across an online supplier of custom springs that had a calculator that would figure compression rates, windings, etc. Of course, after several years, I have forgotten the name. I believe it was a competition spring manufacturer.
Here's one of the springs after installation.
Husky makes front springs for the AWD, I have a pair installed on mine. Available from Rock Auto - an FTE sponsor also. Be forwarned, they are not identical to the OEM. They are slightly smaller diameter stock steel and must be slightly taller because they tend bow outward after installation.
During my search for springs, I ran across an online supplier of custom springs that had a calculator that would figure compression rates, windings, etc. Of course, after several years, I have forgotten the name. I believe it was a competition spring manufacturer.
Here's one of the springs after installation.
Last edited by aerocolorado; Jul 22, 2008 at 04:39 PM. Reason: add picture ink
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