116lb Leaf Springs

[traven16v]

I'm trying to get hold of a pair of 116lb single leaf sprins, what model of Escort were they fitted to or who sells them?

Cheers

[traven16v]

Anyone?

[Clint]

Gartrac www.gartrac.com

[bernih]

Peter Lloyd Rallying - but check what rate they actually are before fitting. Theirs are pretty low cost, but that means that the spring rate is a `guideline' more than a firm figure.

It doesn't matter if they're 110 or 120lb/in when they're sold as 116lb/in, the most important thing is that you know what they are - then you can match front ones to suit cos there's a lot more range in buying front springs, especially if you go coilover conversion.

I bought a pair last year and they're nearer 125lb/in than 116lb/in, but I was looking to up the spring rate at both ends anyway. So I went for 250lb/in on the front (twice the rear rate) where I would've have gone softer if I hadn't measured the leafs first.

Bernie

[traven16v]

Thanks guys. Out of curiousity, what spring rate are most people using on here? At the moment I'm using a pair of 145lb (I think) single leafs that have been decambered by 2 inches (however it seems lower than that). Problem is if I go over any bump in the road it sounds like the axle has just jumped into the boot!

Im wondering what the cause could be?

As I said above the rear springs are decambered 2 inches but it seems a lot lower, and there isnt much travel between the bump stop (which is cut down slightly) and the chassis. So could just be bottoming out?

Also I am a using an ally firewall which is rivitted on and wondered if that could be amplifying the sound slightly by acting like the skin of a drum?

Any other ideas would be great?

Cheers

[Miniliteman]

Think you answered your own question about the bottoming of the axle. For a std setup use 116 lb/in springs with a good shock absorber.
Have you lowering blocks fitted as well?

[bernih]

At the moment I'm using a pair of 145lb (I think) single leafs that have been decambered by 2 inches (however it seems lower than that). Problem is if I go over any bump in the road it sounds like the axle has just jumped into the boot!

Im wondering what the cause could be?

As I said above the rear springs are decambered 2 inches but it seems a lot lower, and there isnt much travel between the bump stop (which is cut down slightly) and the chassis. So could just be bottoming out?

Hi,

If you have got 145lb springs the last thing you'll get is bottoming out less you carry bags of sand in the boot!! Most likely is that the spring is hardly moving at all and it just sends the force straight into the shell.

If it is hitting the bump stops just look at the pads on the chassis rails for clean marks. If it is hitting the stops regularly you most likely haven't got 145lb springs - or it's really really too low at the back. Do you have to sit on a cushion to see out the front screen?

Seriously, if it's not hitting the stops but something definitely `crashes' over bumps check that the shockers aren't running out of travel.

Bernie

[traven16v]

Think you answered your own question about the bottoming of the axle. For a std setup use 116 lb/in springs with a good shock absorber.
Have you lowering blocks fitted as well?

No I havent got lowering blocks fitted aswell, it would be literally dragging its arse along the floor

Dont think the the dampers are running out of travel (there Gaz adjustables)

I will get some pics up of the back of the car so you can see what you think?

cheers

[alladdin]

if it sounds like a loud "drum" type of bang then i agree as above, its the car itself just crashing over bumps.and as you said, its amplified. if its a more metalic/mechanical sound you may have something loose ?