Coil Differences/ Prog. vs Linear rate

[bronco italiano]

What are the differences in these coil types?

 

[73stallion]

about half way down it explains the difference.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86447

 

[fireman1749]

Well I went from a 5.5" lift superstiff linear rate coils to a 5.5" lift National Soft Ride Progressive rate coil and absolutely love the new ones. They flex awesome, and are awesome on the street

 

[SteveL]

Linear keeps the same spring rate or ride throughout its compression. The progressive rate start soft and get stiffer as they compress. Linear usually give more flex but can be too soft if you do alot of faster stuff.

 

[Cactus killer]

Progressive coils will sagg after a little while because rate of the top coils are weaker tham the lower that is why they collapse. BC has the Linear coils and run them in Baja 80.6MPH and are a great ride on the street.

 

[SaddleUp]

Linear rate have a constant rate throughout the entire coil. This means they have to be designed to fit a more specific purpose. I.E. Soft, Middle, or Stiff. If soft then they suffer in situations where a stiff spring helps and vice versa. Most of what the vendors sell in a linear rate is in between so they suffer a little at both ends but have decent road manners. Progressive rate springs as mentioned start out with the coils smaller at the top and then they get stiffer towards the bottom. They are easy to spot because the gap between the coils changes from top to bottom. With these they start out soft but as they are compressed the rate gets stiffer. This allow them to be designed to work through a wider range of uses. Keep in mind though that even the progressive springs can be tailored towards one end or the other. For instance the Cage coils are progressive but they are still fairly soft even when compressed. The progressive springs really shine when extended (suspension drooping) because they get really soft at the top. As far as sagging a few have mentioned this but after 2 years using Cage pogressive coils (sometimes leaving it strapped down with them compressed to my trailer for days at a time) I haven't noticed any sagging. They have a lifetime warranty though and Jim is a stand up guy so I'm not worried about it. (He already exchanged a set of leafs for me that I twisted up from not having enough axle wrap control)

 

[bronco italiano]

So for a mostly street driven bronco with off roading for hunting purposes only which would be best for ride comfort? Thanks, BI

 

[fireman1749]

Here's what my progressive rates look like at the top

 

[SteveL]

for the street and hunting check out the BC coils.