Triumph vitesse front springs

[Joe c]

Hello could anyone tell what length the front springs should be on vitesse mk2 mine are 315 MM. uncompressed and 250 MM when compressed
when on the shock absorber are not in centre of Spring  thanks

[Nick Jones]

I think you are in the wrong section but it'll probably be moved somewhere more appropriate.

There's a whole thread on front springs and damper here
http://sideways-technologies.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic/7064-front-springs-dampers/

However, the information you asked for is in post #10 with free length of 12.5" and compressed length of 8".  We measured the rate at 216 lb/ft (using somewhat bush methods) which is about right for the OE spring.

Nick

[Steve AKA vitessesteve]

Thread moved.

+ for those too lazy to click the link:

Quoted Text

Drives ok.  Less crashy than it was, offset by more roll in the corners.  Would like it a little lower, but other than that I could live with it.

Some figures:

Original soft springs now fitted.  Rate measured as above and confirmed at 220 lb/in

Free length is 12.5", fitted length is 8".  So the load on the spring at this point must be 4.5 x 220 = 990lb.

Applying these numbers to the progressive rate springs

Free length is 8.75", fitted length was 6.5", so they compressed 2.25".  990/2.5 = 440 lb/in.  As the springs are marked "350/530" I guess I have to consider this as an "average", but to my mind it demonstrates that the springs are not correct for the 6 cylinder cars and the 350 rated section is maxed out (and then some) even at rest.  Suspect that these springs are for a 4 cylinder car.

Thinking ahead to what I might do next, if I want avoid any mods to the dampers and to avoid spacers, I'm limited to something like a 10" free length - anything less will have the springs loose/falling out at full droop.

Based on the 990lb loading figure (which hopefully is somewhere in the ballpark) and aiming for a fitted length of 7.75" - 7.5" The Faulker Springs 350 lb, 10.5" items should  give a compressed length of 7.67".  Might well work.......

Haven't given up the adjustable spring seats idea yet though - just needed to have non-leaking dampers on the car for MoT on Thursday!

Nick