S13: Stance coilovers: helper spring concerns

[K]

The Stance GR+ Pro units come with helper springs for the rear. My questions stem from this.

Some say that helper springs exist for the sole purpose of keeping the main spring from losing tension in some extreme rebound situations, assuming the main springs are not significantly pre-loaded. Others say that they exist to add some degree of progressiveness to the coil. Not sure which of these is true (or both).

I've read online, forget where, that the helper springs, once weighted down by the car, should be completely compressed. Assuming that they exist solely for the purpose of maintaining spring tension, this would seem to be accurate. However, if they are to add "progressiveness" to the coil, then this this would seem counterproductive.

Can anyone here shed some additional light on the subject? How should the helper spring be adjusted before install?

In my particular case, i pre-loaded the front coils slightly, but only tightened down the helper spring slightly in the rear. Not sure if this was the appropriate thing to do or not.

Thanks,K

[gumby74]

It is my understanding that both statements are correct.The Teins I presently run have aggressive spring rates (10k front and 7k rear), but have helper springs front and rear. As it is an older set, I am unable to preload the springs independently from the chassis mount/collar. At my present lowering of 1.75" fender gap, all helper springs are compressed about an inch.The overall ride and handling is very similar to the Intrax/AGX combo I was running. Usually 3 front and 4 rear on the shox. No where near as stiff as I expected, and because of the increased suspension travel, rides much better.Depending on the spring rates, preload the helpers about half way and see how you like it. Knowing you have the option to eliminate the helper springs at any time, you should be quite able to find a happy median.

[AmoebAssassin]

The helper spring is not intended to add progressiveness to the overall spring rate. The point of the helper spring, as you stated, is to keep the main spring seated on the perch when lifting a wheel coming over a big road irregularity (pulling into a driveway at an angle, etc.). A helper spring will also provide some spring rate at full droop to keep the tire in contact with the ground for as long as possible.

[K]

AmoebAssassin: When setting up coilovers with helper springs, would you compress the helper spring 100% or to a lesser degree as gumby74 stated?

Thanks to both of you guys for your input.

K

[AmoebAssassin]

I'd tighten the spring perch until it just touches the helper spring in it's uncompressed state, and then tighten it three or four more turns. This way you keep things from shifting around, but you don't unnecessarily preload your springs.

[94_240sx]

I'd tighten the spring perch until it just touches the helper spring in it's uncompressed state, and then tighten it three or four more turns. This way you keep things from shifting around, but you don't unnecessarily preload your springs.

I called and asked about these helper springs in the back and this is exactly what I heard from Stance, so I set them up that way.

[AmoebAssassin]

Sweet, let us know how they ride!