dual rate spring questions

[mrmatt]

I have a question that may be silly but I want to know....

How do you determine what length of springs to use for a dual rate c/o?

Also, What would be a good spring rate for a 2.3L ranger with 4.5" extended beams?

Keep it simple for me as I have never messed with c/o's!

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[1450-ranger]

350 & 300 is a good start

[mrmatt]

350 being the top spring?

[Steven_Tolbert]

I think F-O-A.com has info on it. You just have to look around thier page.

[motochris]

I have a question that may be silly but I want to know....

How do you determine what length of springs to use for a dual rate c/o?

Also, What would be a good spring rate for a 2.3L ranger with 4.5" extended beams?

Keep it simple for me as I have never messed with c/o's!

Basic rule of thumb is to use twice as much spring length as shock travel. Some will get up to 2" more spring than that.
Soooo....a 14" shock would typically get 28-30" total of spring length. You want your lower spring to be AT LEAST the same length as the shock travel. So in that instance..14" lower spring. I prefer using a spring that's longer than the shock travel...a 16" on a 14" shock. Then match the upper spring to fill in the balance of spring you need.
A 14" shock could get 2) 14" springs, or a 16" lower and a 12-14" upper.
Most commonly, you will have the firmer spring on bottom, lighter spring on top.

[mrmatt]

Thank you! That was the info I was looking for!

Why would you want the firmer spring on the bottom?

[Zambo]

The spring you want on the bottom is the one that represents the final rate you want during compression. In other words, if you want the final rate to be 350, put the 350 on the bottom. When the slider hits the stopper ring during compression you will be on that spring only. The rate of the top spring is calculated to give you the initial compression rate which also determines ride height.

What I always tell guys when deciding what springs to get is to call Bill Varnes at Mirage Motorsports and tell him what you have and what you're looking for and he will figure it out for you and set you up with the correct springs.

[mrmatt]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the input!

[PT9Baja]

Sway-Away site has alot of info on springs and Pirate 4x4 site also has info. heavy on the bottom lighter on top.

[PT9Baja]

Dual rate is kinda progressive the lighter upper spring and the heavy lower work together until the lighter is compressed and you hit the stop ring It takes the ligher rate out and you have more resistance from the lower stronger spring as you go towards full compression.