Homepage Poll: Srping rate comparison of front and rear springs

[ChevyKev]

First question that needs to be asked is: what will this vehicle be used for?

Second is: What type/style of vehicle will this be?

These lead to the third - how is the weight distributed? Lighter in front/rear - or even?

And lastly: how is power distributed?

Matched front and rear in theory means that both the front and rear will flex (adjust either on or off road) the same.

However, if the distribution of the weight is not even, then the theory is blown.

If you have a vehcile with all the weight in the front
- as in a pickup witht he cab, engine, drivetrain in the front and a bed and axle in the rear
and evenly matched front and rear then even though the spring rates are equal, the front is way heavier and won't move equally.

However, if you plan on always pulling a trailer or a ton of gear in the back, the weight may be even after all
Or if the rear is loaded heavier than the front it again won't move cycle adjust or flew (whatever term you desire) the same.

Now what about power distribution (tip of the hat to Shane who mentioned wheel hop) If you have softer suspension for flex but can't keep traction because of wheel hop due to lighter spring rates this doesn't work either.

Basically, weight distribution, power, and useage of vehicle all need to be factors in making this decision.

Since the rear of my off-road vehicle is lighter
and my offroad vehciles won't be normally towing much
and the drivetrain weighs quite a bit more
and the power will be somewhat even with 4wd.

I voted for the rear spring rate to be softer (not by too much) than the front.

This will allow the front to flex but not sag under drivetrain weight
While allowing the rear to not unload because it's lighter but I've got 1 ton hauling springs back there.
Yet being stiff enough to eliminate wheel hop.