I'm planning to use TCI all american coil overs on the rear of my 54 F100. I need help with the spring rate. I emailed TCI and they recommended 300#. Do you guys agree with this? I read through the other posts after doing a search for coil over rates on the HAMB. I didn't come across any posts on coil over rates on trucks. So if you have a similar truck with a 4 link set up I'd like to hear your advice/experience on the spring rate. The F100 also has a 70'sish Camaro subframe. 89 ford motor with OD trans -Yeah I know...... And a 9in rear. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! aloha, rustfarmer
Lot of variables to consider, steel or fiberglass fenders? Hard wood or other bed floor? And it goes on. 300# is fairly high but would cover just about everything. Although it may be a bit stiff if your truck ends up light on the back end. They may be erring high for a lack of spring travel too. Typically on a truck like that I shoot for the 175-200# rate but allow for some spring compression and axle travel. Old thinking was to use a higher spring rate and less shock dampening. This did control axle movement but lead to a choppy oversprung situation. More modern thinking is to shoot for lighter spring rates and more agressive dampening. My man over at www.rcdclassics.com could go on for days discussing this. If TCI recommends the 300# springs, then let them send them too you. And then ask him for a voucher to replace the springs at thier expense if you NEED the lighter ones.
See if these will help you, there is one for coils and one for leaf springs. http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/coilspringrate.htm http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/leafspringrate.htm
do you plan on hauling anything in the bed , or tow anything? that should be factored in your decision on what spring rate. also , what angle the shock is mounted with effect the rate...are they angled(what degree?) or straight up?
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