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Advice on spring rates

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Old Nov 13, 2009 | 08:13 AM
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Default Advice on spring rates

Hey guys, looking for some advice. I'm kinda coming to the conculsion that the springs I have on my LEDA's are abit too harsh for everyday road use, so have been looking at replacing them with some slightly softer ones, only problem I have is I dont know what the current rates are, so am going to have to take an educated guess as to what to replace them with.

Does anyone know what the standard spring rate is on a Fiesta, and also an approximate rate of an aftermarket spring, just to give me a guideline on what to go for.

And finally, what is the difference in spring lengths, I'm sure that a longer spring will offer a more progressive dampning, whereas a shorter spring will have a more sharp rebound.
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 09:26 AM
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Belated bump.

Can anyone also advise me on how spring lenths affect the ride.
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Old Nov 16, 2009 | 09:28 AM
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Spring length is of no real significance providing it doesnt coil bind, its the rate that is important.

Have you considered softening the springs and then adding an uprated ARB to recover some of the roll resistance that you have lost, so that you can have more comfort but without losing the responsiveness as you turn in?

I have no experience of fiestas so cant offer you any data specific to your application.
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 01:49 PM
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Thanks for the advice Chip.

Is anyone able to shed any light on matters with regards to a Fiesta?
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 04:14 PM
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Why not phone dealers that are used to leda stuff, they should certainly be able to access the info at least.
Is it both ends of the car feel harsh or just one ?
tabetha
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 05:16 PM
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Thing is LEDA arent trading anymore to my knowledge, I could be wrong.

Thing is, they will have a custom spring rate on them, however I am unsure as to what the rates are, so am looking for a benchmark guide as to what other Fiesta users are running on there cars.

I'd be more inclined to say the rears are whats slightly too harsh, would change them first and see how I get on after that.
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Old Nov 20, 2009 | 05:50 PM
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Whilst LEDA aren't trading anymore, the ex dealers will still have the rates, but as a rough rule performance springs are normally around 30% uprated poundage wise over standard.
Ford technical, would no doubt be able to tell you the std ford rate on the springs, just watch the £1 a minute charge!!
tabetha
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Old Nov 20, 2009 | 05:52 PM
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LEDA as far as im aware, will be back in business very shortly, under new management and from what ive heard, the standards should be very good.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 12:50 PM
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Would anyone have access to the technical data for standard spring rates? Or failing that does anyone know of any websites that would list such data?

Fantastic help guys, really am grateful
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 06:40 PM
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Good news about LEDA, as they do some good kit, would be a shame if they couldn't/didn't come back.
tabetha
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