Ram rear springs

[simon]

I bought a part completed Ram which I have torn down and am in the process of putting together again.
I took the spax coil-over shocks apart for painting/refurbushing. The front springs were marked "350" and the rears "190" (I presume this is the spring rate) However the front springs were about 8" long and although a higher spring rate went back relatively easily. The rears are about 9" and required a hefty press to get them back on the shockers.
My question is, if the rear (9") shocks are already under considerable compression (I would guess about an inch and a half) surely this makes a mockery of the 190lb spring rate? will the back of my car be up in the air and hop around like a rabbit?
According to the original builder, the units were all supplied new by Ram.
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.
Simon

[wilf]

Simon - I am seriously no expert on spring rates, but the springs on the back of my Crendon are 275's (2 per side), fronts are 350's. Front springs are 9" long, rears 10 1/2". (shocker lengths different too). Most everyone I have spoken with says different things about spring rates - guess the Makers recommendations may be OK. Weight distribution different I guess.
As for the pre load on your springs - you will have to play about with this anyway to get the ride height correct, ideally I suppose measuring all 4 corner weights would be the only way to get it 100% correct.
On my own car, front springs fell off when spring pan wound right down, rears were much harder to get on/off- had to really push.

my 2cs

Wilf

[ROBD]

Hi Simon

Rear shockers on mine I've got 9" shocks all round with I think 450Ib springs
hope it helps these are the ones Adrian recomended.

Cheers

Rob