Preloading LR

[Matt49]

The phrase should be "all things equal the stiffest spring gets the weight" or "the stiffest corner of the car gets the weight".I've seen data that would suggest that with a 200 l/r and a 225 r/r, because of motion ratios the l/r is a lot stiffer.

I think you've hit it on the head. Stiffest CORNER gets the weight. But spring is simply not the only factor on a hiked up 4-bar car.

[a25rjr]

I really believe Joe is referring to lateral weight transfer which the stiffer sprung corner would get more of the weight.

[lindsey97]

I will agree to two statements:

A heavier spring will catch the weight faster.
A heavier spring will unload weight faster.

We need to start thinking of a spring as a timing device just like a shock. At what point do you want maximum weight transfer and how much movement do you want at that corner. A shock is a hydraulic spring while in motion. Stiffer compression equals stiffer spring. Stiffer rebound equals softer spring, while in motion or dynamic state. So the combination of spring and shock determine when that corner catches the weight and when that corner releases the weight.

[Matt49]

I will agree to two statements:

A heavier spring will catch the weight faster.
A heavier spring will unload weight faster.

We need to start thinking of a spring as a timing device just like a shock. At what point do you want maximum weight transfer and how much movement do you want at that corner. A shock is a hydraulic spring while in motion. Stiffer compression equals stiffer spring. Stiffer rebound equals softer spring, while in motion or dynamic state. So the combination of spring and shock determine when that corner catches the weight and when that corner releases the weight.

I disagree. A stiffer compression shock will not make that corner of the car catch more weight. Just the opposite...it will slow down the transfer of weight to that corner which will have the same affect of that corner having a softer spring but with less travel.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

I disagree. A stiffer compression shock will not make that corner of the car catch more weight. Just the opposite...it will slow down the transfer of weight to that corner which will have the same affect of that corner having a softer spring but with less travel.

All comes down to forces involved. If the RR had a 20#/in spring, adding a really aggressive compression shock would at least add some loading during chassis roll.

But in general, I agree.

[lindsey97]

Mastersbilt racer probably said that better. But exactly, the shock doesn't catch any weight. it adjusts the time it takes for a spring to catch or release the weight. But while in motion does add some spring rate, maybe it is negligible as to the amount. I still believe we need to look at the spring as to when we catch the weight, not just heavy spring gets the weight.

[Matt49]

And there is always rod pressure to take into consideration. This can affect tire loading AND dampening.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

Mastersbilt racer probably said that better. But exactly, the shock doesn't catch any weight. it adjusts the time it takes for a spring to catch or release the weight. But while in motion does add some spring rate, maybe it is negligible as to the amount. I still believe we need to look at the spring as to when we catch the weight, not just heavy spring gets the weight.

What I am saying is, if your shock is #150@ 1 inch/sec, and that is the velocity, the shock is indeed applying 150# the same as if a 150# spring were compressed 1".

[Dirt_Buster]

Just when you think you e figured it out you throw more equations into everyone's heads. Haha we just had this discussion on a street stock adding more compression and it tightening up the car all the way around on the rr. I argued saying it wouldn't but you never know with velocity and how many pounds per second.

[Kromulous]

Put does a shock load the 150 # static? or only when moving? via the dampening.

I know once compressed 2 say 2" there is increased rod pressure from the Gas, but does that equal the 150lbs or does it decrease as the movement slows or stops?

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

Put does a shock load the 150 # static? or only when moving? via the dampening.

I know once compressed 2 say 2" there is increased rod pressure from the Gas, but does that equal the 150lbs or does it decrease as the movement slows or stops?

A shock only applies force when it is moving. The exception being the rod pressure, which is nearly constant more or less. It increases some, depending on shock design.

[Dirtmod13]

Mastersbilt racer probably said that better. But exactly, the shock doesn't catch any weight. it adjusts the time it takes for a spring to catch or release the weight. But while in motion does add some spring rate, maybe it is negligible as to the amount. I still believe we need to look at the spring as to when we catch the weight, not just heavy spring gets the weight.

Lindsey97, just emptied my pm box. Try me again.