Helper Springs

[Rich_p 23]

I am going to swap the 8” springs for 7” springs on my coilovers. Due to the short springs I imagine I am going to need to run a helper spring just to ensure the main spring stays seated at all times.

 

As they will be coilbound when at normal ride height I know I will need a lowish spring rate but am unsure on whether to go for the 4lb or 30lb versions.

 

I’m concerned the 4lb springs won’t provide the necessary support.

 

Does anyone have any experience with them?

[johnnyboy666 195 1 Cars]

I use 30lb ones and would recommend them. Im not sure if the 4lb ones would be up to the task, I envisage them being lke the spring in a biro

[stu8v 68 1 Cars]

As above.

 

I previously tried the lighter ones, they never worked for me.

[Rich_p 23]

Thanks for the answers. Now to track a set down..

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

Is this for tyre clearance with your new hubs rich?

 

If it is you may find you need 6" springs, the helper will still be around 15mm tall fully compressed so may not give you sufficient clearance.

[Rich_p 23]

They were to ensure the springs stay seated, I assumed being shorter they may move about.

 

I need to set the front an inch or 2 lower as well to match the rear.

 

 

I hadnt even considered clearance with the new hubs may be an issue.

[JeffR 51]

On my 405 with GAZ coilovers, I had 7" springs with 120mm custom helpers to keep spring tension throughout the full suspension arc. The spring platform needs to be almost level, or higher up than the tread to clear the inside of the tyre.

[Henry 1.9GTi 36]

helpers are only to stop dislocating when working on the car and occasional curb bouncing. Shouldn't expect it to dislocate in cornering and if it does you will loose roll resistance across the front axel. Going for a tender which I assume are the 30lb plus ones they will be quite thick I imagine so need to work out ride height.

 

As per allans comments you may not be able to lower the spring seat below the tyre so worth thinking about helpers effect on ride height. I run 5.5inch springs with a helper that has no effective spring rate. Works fine. Total thickness with the connecting seat / coupling is ~15mm coilbound

 

Also ran the car for a season on longer spring with no helpers that dislocated. Was fine again, just got to be careful when lowering it back down off the jack

Edited May 6, 2014 by Henry 1.9GTi

[Rich_p 23]

it looks like I need to get the new hubs fitted then check clearances before I go and start buying anything else.

 

Thanks for the advice.