Experience With Spring Spacers/Wedges To Incr Spring Rate?

[davevickery]

I see they sell hard rubber spring spacers that isolate one or more coils in a spring by wedging them in between the coils which I believe has the effect of increasing the spring rate. They are not made so much for lifting, although some people seem to use them to stabilize loads.

Has anyone used them? Which ones, sizes, anything else worth knowing.

The objective is to increase stiffness and reduce wallow. I can get new springs, but these seem like they might do the trick.

Like these: http://www.amazon.com/Superior-18-8001-Twist-Front-Spacer/dp/B00029K21G Or These: http://www.amazon.com/Superior-18-1901-Donut-Spring-Spacer/dp/B00029K20W

[insyncro]

I have been referring to these for years as spring rubbers.

They help stop the negative effects of coil binding.

They are sold in may different durometers.
Guys at the track can really get a vehicle to preform much better in certain conditions with them.

As far as spring rate, I can't answer that.

[Sodo]

Spring rate of any one spring is a DIRECT function on the number of coils. Less coils = stiffer spring. These blocks basically immobilize coils, increasing your spring rate. Same as a progressive spring works. A progressive spring has a few coils that will coilbind, thus reducing the number of active coils and increasing the spring rate. That's how a progressive spring works, it's kinda crude/simple.

One thing good about the rubber blocks, if you mis-calculate and add enough blocks to coil-bind the (entire) spring, then you have the safety of the rubber.
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'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[hans j]

As far as increasing stiffness and reducing wallow, I'd say a good set of shocks would fix it.
_________________
1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[davevickery]

Thanks Sodo, that is how I heard they worked. Someone with a vanagon must have tried them.

Thanks Hans, but shocks won't increase spring rate, right? How much would the small gas charge do, they can be compressed by hand so I wouldn't think much.

But I take your point, the swaying might be much improved with new shocks especially up front. They are stock. But it isn't reallly felt on bumps, more on winding 50 mph roads that rise and fall, it wallows if that is a decent description. I'm comparing to my last van where I had stiffer front springs (and stock shocks).

I think the springs are just a little soft for the syncro westy. But I don't really need more lift, so the typical syncro upgrade springs may not be what I want. Plus for the money it would be interesting to hear if anyone has tried some of these. I sit at 18.5 now.

Thanks

[Christopher Schimke]

[insyncro]

Again, no clue on spring rates.

I have three different vans, with a little wedge, on each corner.

You do not use more than one of these per spring and nailing the durometer is just as important as spring rate and shock valving.
You really need to buy multiples of these and experiment.

Thinking that you are going just buy one and it will work perfectly, is not advised, but please let us know if you do move in this direction.

You will also find that from suspension movement, the rubbers will move if you just stuff them in place.
With a few miles, they will be gone and hopefully won't take the windshield of the vehicle behind you.
Zip tie them in place.
The better quality rubbers will have areas for the binders and not compress the rubber.

If you are just looking to extend the life of clapped out springs and don't have the capital for new shocks, save your money on these and put it to springs and shocks...than you can further dial in the new setup.

For the frugal...you can just split old hoses and try this for free with parts laying around your garage.

I also showed the hose thick in the Corter thread when installing the GW lift springs.