Napa list regular coil springs for the rear then ones that are called variable rate springs that are actually about 10 bucks cheaper for the pair. What is the difference? Also what are you guys using for insulators since it appears they are obsolete? Iv heard of people using heater hose, but how does that work and hold up?

Also did they come from the factory with insulators on the top and bottom of the rear spring?

Thanks...

 

Rear coil spring insulators are only on top.

There are plenty of threads here concerning springs, spring rates, LCAs, sway bars, panhard bars, etc. that are most informative. Give the search function a try or just scroll down a ways and you'll find so much information you'll be up all night reading.

 

The variables are cargo coils. The linears are more performance oriented.

Buy a short length of hose and slide it on. Works/holds up fine.

On top only.

JamesC

 

tried that, cant get a good understanding for what the term "variable spring rate" means. what do you mean by cargo coils?


I just want it to be like stock. what should i buy? I installed bilstein shocks, iv heard they are good but need to do the springs cause i was just not impressed with the ride quality... it was better then it was when i got the car becuase it probably had the original 20 year old shocks, but i thought it would be better

 

From the net:

Definition [of variable rate]: A type of spring that changes stiffness as it deflects. A variable rate spring uses coils of varying thickness or spacing to provide a soft ride when the vehicle is lightly loaded, but a firmer ride when the load increases. Only a few vehicles have variable rate springs as original equipment. On most vehicles, the rear coil springs can be easily replaced with variable rate springs to reduce bottoming and to increase the vehicle's load carrying capacity.

JamesC

 

so for our cars are they better or worse then the normal spring as far as ride quality and performance?

 

If your car is equipped with a ton of stereo gear or if you regularly transport bags of cement, the variables would be a good choice. I personally wouldn't purchase them for a performance suspension. It's because of that suspension that the ride is firm/rough. Nature of the beast.

JamesC

 

cool ill get the regular ones and just slide some heater hose over the top, thanks

 

Variable rate springs aren't too bad going straight. It's when you're going side to side, you tend to get an accordion like transition.

Linear coils (1 rate only) tend to be a bit more predictable.