What Does 8K Spring Rate Mean?

When someone says “8K” they are shortening the metric measurement of the spring rate; in this case 8 kg/mm. What this means is that if you apply 8 kilograms of weight to the top of the spring it will compress 1mm. If you apply 500 lbs of weight to the top of the spring it will compress 1 inch. via

What is a high spring rate?

Spring Rate refers to the amount of weight it takes to compress a spring a certain distance. The higher the spring rate, the stiffer the spring. Some springs are non-linear, which typically means the spring gets stiffer the more you compress it. via

Is higher or lower spring rate better?

As you decrease the spring rate, the suspension is able to conform better to road irregularities, and thus grip improves. You might think the higher spring rate would react faster, but in reality, the lower spring rate will contact the ground first, and thus allows for more grip. via

How do I know what spring rate I need? (video)

Do coilovers ride better than springs?

Coilovers are a great alternative to a lowering spring set up because they allow you to adjust your ride height and come in many setups from daily use to full track use rated. Unlike springs, you are not stuck to one height and stiffness. With a good set of coilovers you do not have to sacrifice ride quality to go low. via

How does spring rate affect ride quality?

The advantage of a progressive spring is that it can provide a variable ride quality-softer when the suspension is at a normal ride height, and stiffer as the spring is compressed, such as when the suspension is being pushed hard through a corner. via

How do I check my coil spring rate?

To test the spring rate, the spring is placed into a spring rate tester, like shown above, and is pre-compressed one inch (or millimeters if you're using that measurement) and then compressed further to get the measurement for the next inch of compression. via

How important is spring rate?

While the rate of the spring is a measure of spring performance, it is not the only influence of vehicle performance and handling, especially when the chassis is lowered. There are many factors that come into play when it comes to suspension tuning. Also, the amount of ride height lowering also affects suspension rate. via

How do I know if my coil springs are bad?

Sharp Vehicle Sagging.

Unusual Tire Wear.

Unsettling Noise.

Harsh Vehicle Bounce.

Abrupt Vehicle Sway.

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What shock spring do I need?

For example, if your shock stroke is 2″, your max spring free length is 130mm and your spring rate is 450lbs, you need a spring that is 2.25″ x 450Lbs x 125mm (if you don't see a spring that has the exact stroke of your shock you can use a spring with a longer stroke, as long as the free length will fit). via

What makes a spring stiffer?

Total Coils

The amount of coils on a spring also determines the stiffness of a spring. In the case of a compression spring, it is based on the pitch in between its coils. The greater the amount of pitch in between the coils in proportion to the rest of the dimensions, the stiffer your spring shall be. via

Are Lowering springs stiffer?

Because lowering means getting stiffer springs, there is less weight transfer when you hit the gas or brake hard. This means you'll enjoy faster acceleration and quicker stops. Lowered vehicles are more aerodynamic. There's less air hitting the wheels and tires (that are not streamlined shapes). via

How do I choose a coil spring? (video)

Does spring rate affect ride height?

You should increase the spring rate from the standard rate. (If you increase the spring rate, the ride height will also increase, so please lower the lower seat.) When driving at the circuit, it is ok to lower the car until the tires nearly touch, but if you drive to the circuit, please abide by your local regulations. via

Is spring rate the same as spring constant?

Definition: Spring rate, also known as spring constant, is the constant amount of force or spring rate of force it takes an extension or compression spring to travel an inch of distance or, in the metric system of measurement, a millimeter of distance. via