Spring rate

[DD16]

I run a Zink FV. I have 100 lb rear springs. Is there a way to calculate the additional spring rate of the 11/16 Z bar? Thanks

[Hardingfv32]

What is your objective for this information?

Brian

[problemchild]

I run a Zink FV. I have 100 lb rear springs. Is there a way to calculate the additional spring rate of the 11/16 Z bar? Thanks

You could take measurements and determine a spring rate at any given static position, but with the curves of the Z-bar movement, curves of the swing axle movements, and all the other dynamics involved, the spring rate will be going through massive changes at different static locations. The beauty of the Z-bar is that you can easily change the spring rates through the range of travel my adjusting the lever length and preload of the Z-bar. Obviously if set at zero preload at static rideheight, then the Z-bar is contributing zero to the wheel rate. As soon as you get any movement then you are either contributing to or reducing the wheel rate.

I would think an afternoon at the race track testing different combinations would be much quicker and cheaper than designing a program to provide even the minimum of numeric info. I expect that there are not many suspension analysis programs available that will let you plug in swing axle and Z-bar parameters. If you found one, you would probably need a computer operating with early DOS.

[DD16]

Thanks Greg