QA1 Coilovers Spring Rate 650-750-850?

[RoyL]

Coil over Spring Rates Discussed in this YouTube Video, says 750 lb is the most used [starts ~2:45]... What have you guys installed in your C10s?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foX1...JClassicTrucks

My Suburban has no engine, fenders, etc., so can't do any weighing. It's been X-member swapped from a 73-87 C10 and have 2" drop spindles for disc brakes and 1" drop front coils. 4" drop coils in the rear. Had a 350 sbc/TH350 trans, planning on a 5.3/6.0 swap with 4L60/80.

POL Coilovers [Aldan American] state their spring rates are:

Small Block Spring Rate = 450#, Big Block Spring Rate = 550#

https://www.performanceonline.com/19...n-kit-stage-3/

RideTech Coilover springs appear to be P/N - 59080800 Coilspring 8” 800lb
https://www.ridetech.com/instructions/11360201_WEB.pdf

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by RoyL

Coil over Spring Rates Discussed in this YouTube Video, says 750 lb is the most used [starts ~2:45]... What have you guys installed in your C10s?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foX1...JClassicTrucks

My Suburban has no engine, fenders, etc., so can't do any weighing. It's been X-member swapped from a 73-87 C10 and have 2" drop spindles for disc brakes and 1" drop front coils. 4" drop coils in the rear. Had a 350 sbc/TH350 trans, planning on a 5.3/6.0 swap with 4L60/80.

POL Coilovers [Aldan American] state their spring rates are:

Small Block Spring Rate = 450#, Big Block Spring Rate = 550#

https://www.performanceonline.com/19...n-kit-stage-3/

RideTech Coilover springs appear to be P/N - 59080800 Coilspring 8” 800lb
https://www.ridetech.com/instructions/11360201_WEB.pdf

You need to do calculations for the combo to get your target spring rate for starting.

The weight of the front components, suspension pivot point dimensions, & shock angle are some of the things you need to have an idea of to get started. Ridetech has an index w/various component combos to help narrow starting spring-rate choices.

It's definitely not a 'one size fits all' answer so even if you have a similar combo as another guys, the ride quality interpretation is subjective & you may want more/less spring rate vs. what they have.

[SkinnyG]

My '77 daily driver C10 has Moog 6454 1-ton coil springs, which are rated at 1060lbs/in. They are perfectly fine. But ride quality IS subjective.

I would not go softer. I'm also running "Big 10" leafs in the back as well.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

You need to do calculations for the combo to get your target spring rate for starting.

The weight of the front components, suspension pivot point dimensions, & shock angle are some of the things you need to have an idea of to get started. Ridetech has an index w/various component combos to help narrow starting spring-rate choices.

It's definitely not a 'one size fits all' answer so even if you have a similar combo as another guys, the ride quality interpretation is subjective & you may want more/less spring rate vs. what they have.

Thx, understand. I do need to know the basics of my vehicle... still want to know what others have used and their experience with them.


Yes, looks like Ridetech has a nice link to vehicle weights and A and B dimensions on their calculator. https://www.ridetech.com/tech/vehicle-weights/
Suburban is spelled 'Surburban' if you search. Says typical weight with a V8 and 700R4 is 4,500, front weight is 2,280. Used their A-arm data for dimension A and B (10.94" and 16.94"), some trial and error with the angle and spring stroke and spring length.

Guesstimate using the Ridetech coils [73-87 coilover kit includes this spring: 59080800, Coilspring, 8”, 800lb] which results in ~700 lb for a cruiser/daily driver.

If I use QA1's 10" coil, 1OHTXXX, SPRING, 1O" HIGH TRAVEL 2-1/2" ID, results are ~550 lb
I'll have to get QA1's A/B dimensions to be apples to apples, I guess.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by RoyL

Thx, understand. I do need to know the basics of my vehicle... still want to know what others have used and their experience with them.


Yes, looks like Ridetech has a nice link to vehicle weights and A and B dimensions on their calculator. https://www.ridetech.com/tech/vehicle-weights/
Suburban is spelled 'Surburban' if you search. Says typical weight with a V8 and 700R4 is 4,500, front weight is 2,280. Used their A-arm data for dimension A and B (10.94" and 16.94"), some trial and error with the angle and spring stroke and spring length.

Guesstimate using the Ridetech coils [73-87 coilover kit includes this spring: 59080800, Coilspring, 8”, 800lb] which results in ~700 lb for a cruiser/daily driver.

If I use QA1's 10" coil, 1OHTXXX, SPRING, 1O" HIGH TRAVEL 2-1/2" ID, results are ~550 lb
I'll have to get QA1's A/B dimensions to be apples to apples, I guess.

I chose 650# and have a few miles on them, ride is "bouncy" over small road bumps, otherwise good, went from softest to stiffest settings on the coil over shocks, the bounce is still there. Any thoughts of why? All front end parts are new... Puzzling.

[SkinnyG]

Define "bouncy."

Are you riding so low that you are constantly tagging the bumpstops?

Are the shocks double or single-adjustable?

Shocks don't support the vehicle, so don't adjust them to crutch a spring that's too soft.

[RoyL]

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Define "bouncy."

Are you riding so low that you are constantly tagging the bumpstops?

Are the shocks double or single-adjustable?

Shocks don't support the vehicle, so don't adjust them to crutch a spring that's too soft.

Well, it feels like a slight "shimmy" above 50 MPH, when you hit even minor bumps in the road. Railroad tracks, it doesn't happen. You feel the bounce thru the steering wheel.
Single adjust shocks.
Don't see any evidence of it hitting the bump stops. It's not low low, coilover are about 25% up from the bottom.
Wondering if 650 springs are too soft.
I'll check the shock travel next.
Appreciate the insights
Roy

[SkinnyG]

How have you adjusted your shocks?

If there is just one knob, they are likely single adjustable and probably adjust compression and rebound simutaneously. Start in the middle. Ideal is double adjustable, and even better is where you can adjust low speed and high speed seperately. Having said that, QA1 does know their stuff.

You want the shocks just firm enough to settle things down right after the bump. Are they set too soft maybe?

Oh - and what are your alignment settings?