This week’s question comes from Cody, who drives a 1966 Chevrolet Impala Station Wagon. Cody is curious about the differences between the three rear springs listed for his model. It’s likely that Cody’s wagon is a 2-seater, as this model typically uses three different types of springs, whereas the 3-seater version only uses two. Cody […]
Ride Quality Tech Articles, Videos, and More
A surprisingly smooth resto-mod. A heavy-load bearing truck. Ride quality considers the demands you plan to place on your vehicle and translates them to well-manufactured springs.
Browse the articles, videos, and questions below to explore the wide world of how springs support your vehicle and everything you want to do with it.
Five Reasons Car Springs Break
What’s The Difference Between Oversteer and Understeer?
Why Lowering and Lifting Blocks Can Cause Axle Wind-Up
We all know the quickest and cheapest way to change the ride height of a leaf spring equipped vehicle is by using blocks between the axle and a spring. Heck, it can’t get any simpler. Remove the U-bolt, slip a block in, bolt her back up, and, wa-la, a new stance. But there’s a price […]
What is Spring Rate? And How Does It Effect My Ride?
Spring Rate, simply put, is the amount of rate required to deflect a spring one inch. But what does that mean to you? Simply put, spring rate is the amount of weight that is required to deflect or push down a spring one inch. It’s a bit more complicated than that, but this description will […]
Rubber Vs. Urethane Suspension Bushings
Bottom line: if you prefer comfort, go for rubber. If you need performance, go for urethane. Today’s subject is rubber versus urethane suspension bushings, and which are better. That answer depends on how the vehicle is to be used and what type of performance you desire. Rubber Bushings Rubber bushings are more compliant that is […]
The Difference Between Standard & Heavy Duty Springs
What is the difference between standard and heavy-duty springs? Quite simple! Heavy-duty springs are a bit stronger and will carry a heavier load than standard duty springs. A big misconception is that heavy-duty springs will set a vehicle higher. That is not true. Both standard duty and heavy duty springs will set a vehicle at […]
Do Lowered Cars Have Stiffer Rides?
Here, Mike explains why lowering your vehicle can cause a stiffer ride, how a vehicle can be lowered too much, and explains the safe threshold to lower your vehicle with new springs and minimal effect on ride quality. You’ve installed springs on your vehicle that will set it lower than stock ride height, and it […]
Calculating Spring Rate
Mike Eaton explains how to find your coils spring rate using a simple equation. This process is useful for those seeking to cut their coil springs, as it shows how cutting coils lead to a stiffer ride. (Hint: ordering new coils with custom specs, and you can preserve or even enhance your ride quality and […]
Leaf Spring Ends And Hysteresis
Which leaf spring end-type is best for trucks, and which end-type gives you the smoothest riding springs? There are three basic types: square, diamond point, and rolled. Square Ends Square, or constant thickness ends, are great for trucks, terrible for cars. It puts a concentration of all the pressure at the end of the leaf, […]
Busting Suspension Myths Slideshow
Mike will be at the Kentucky Expo Center for the NSRA Street Rod Nationals this Thursday busting suspension myths to pieces. Preview his presentation below and be sure to catch it if you go!
Removing Leaves Causes Handling Issues
Should I remove spring leaves to make my vehicle sit level?
Can I Use Mustang II Springs On A Corvair Suspension?
I’m looking to make my car a daily driver. Would Mustang II coils be a good choice?
Which Springs Have The Right Capacity For My Truck?
How should I choose which spring has the right capacity for my vehicle?
Should I Use Variable Rate Coil Springs for a Van?
Can I use variable rate coil springs on my van?
Urethane and Rubber in Coil Spring Isolators and Bushings
Which isolator should I use? Is it the same material for the bushings?
Will Two Coil Spring Isolators Reduce Road Noise Further?
Is there an advantage to using coil spring isolators on the bottom as well as the top of springs?
Gasser Handling
Mike: I have a 1948 British Ford Anglia that was raced in the ’60 Gasser Wars. I have extremely large polyglass tires (33.5″ x 19.5″ mounted on Weld Draglite 15″ x 15″ Aluminum Wheels) on the rear, and as soon as I get the vehicle up to 35 mph, the vehicle likes to rock and […]
Diagnosing ‘Wiggle’ At High Speeds
Mike, First of all I want to thank you for letting me ask a question. I have a ’56 Belair with an LT-1, 700R Trans. This car did have a 454 in it when I got it. Anyway, since removing the 454 and installing the LT-1, I am having problems with the rear-end wiggling back […]
How Do Lowering Springs Affect Ride Quality?
Mike, I want to lower my ’54 Ford but still keep it riding good, can this be done? -Jerry Jerry, Whenever a vehicle is lowered, there is a reduction in the amount of suspension travel. Because of this, the spring rate (how much weight it takes to deflect a spring one inch) is increased. Suspension […]
