In part 1 of our series on springs, we learned how to use motion ratios to calculate the stiffness of our springs at the wheels. Figuring out the wheel rates of your existing suspension is helpful, but actually choosing spring rates for a new suspension can be complicated.
Vehicles with different suspension layouts can make it difficult to compare settings between cars. A spring rated at 8 kg/mm on a Honda S2000 will not act the same as it would on a Subaru BRZ. In fact, an 8 kg/mm spring on the front suspension of a Subaru BRZ will work differently than it would on the rear suspension.
Previously on The Apex Files, we talked about the function of dampers as well as the definitions of shocks, struts, and coilovers. This time, we’re going to over the differences between monotube and twintube dampers. We’ll also discuss inverted dampers, piggyback canisters, and remote reservoirs.
Shocks, shock absorbers, struts, dampers, coilovers...what’s the difference? Suspension tuning can be difficult enough on its own, so getting our terminology right is a good first step before getting in too deep.
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