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Question - Progressive Spring Install Orientation

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Old Dec 21, 2003 | 12:45 PM
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Default Question - Progressive Spring Install Orientation

Progressive springs have more coils at one end
than the other (sequential coil bind changes the
spring rate). My question is, would installing them
with the heavy end up or down affect things like
unsprung weight any? Like, if the light end were
toward the wheel the wheel would return more
smartly? Is there a right & wrong way to install
or is it a don't-care?
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Old Dec 22, 2003 | 10:25 AM
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Check with the manufacturer. Most progressive springs work either way, but usually, the coils that are closer together are at the bottom. I don't think changing the mounting direction would make enough difference to bother being concerned about it.

My thoughts.

Kevin
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Old Dec 22, 2003 | 05:54 PM
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I think unsprung weight would be the same with the spring orientation reversed, but how about center of gravity and roll center? I am guessing it makes no difference, but I'm not sure..
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Old Dec 22, 2003 | 08:40 PM
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The car would sit at the same height, so roll center and CG are the same.

As for unsprung weight, you could, in theory, move a little weight towards the fixed end of the shock. However, I'm not sure anyone on this board (pros included) would be able to tell the difference in moving a couple ounces 3 inches. I suspect we are overanaylizing/splitting hairs to the point that it is no longer relavant.

My thoughts.
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Old Dec 23, 2003 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by jimmyblue
Progressive springs have more coils at one end
than the other (sequential coil bind changes the
spring rate). My question is, would installing them
with the heavy end up or down affect things like
unsprung weight any? Like, if the light end were
toward the wheel the wheel would return more
smartly? Is there a right & wrong way to install
or is it a don't-care?
Most springs don't give you the option since they are wound so the pigtails only fit one way. In those cases where the end of the springs are identical, it doesn't matter either way.

The softer part of the spring will compress first, regardless of it's being on the top or bottom. The wire, coil pitch and all is still the same, so that won't change either.

It's a "don't care", provided of course the fitment allows installation either way.
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