Coil Spring Recommendations

[mk1]

Don't worry, I have not gone totally loopy & decided to fit those stupid little steel coil springs that replace doughnuts, but I am planning on fitting a beam, trailing arms & coilovers to the Hillclimber.

This isn't really my first choice, but to lose all that weight seems a good idea.

So, my question is, if anyone is using or has used trailing arms with coilovers on the back end, what coilover units are you using & can you recommend a spring to start with.

Am not really interested in a debate of the rights & wrongs of this particular set up, but if you have practical experience & have made it work, I'd be very pleased to hear from you if you are prepared to share your secrets.

Thanks,

M

[surfblue63]

I believe that GAZ will make a set for you to suit your requirements.


https://www.gazshocks.com/gaz-gp-coilers/


.

[mk1]

Thanks Stu,

I am on with both them & Protech at the moment.

[mab01uk]

This Titanium rear beam weighs in at only 3.6kg....
http://www.force-racing.co.uk/products/ ... -assembly/

[Spider]

You'll likely find you'll want to try a few different rates, but I get your question " where to start ? "

Any idea what the sprung weight of the back end is (or will be) ?

[Exminiman]

Interesting project, tricky to get spot on I imagine.

Might be worth a chat with KAD they have obviously invested lots in this ( not really a beam axle but a mounting plate) https://kentautodevelopments.com/produc ... -beam-axle

Main issues i would think are likely to be clearance on (diameter)for coil overs, think you can get offset units.

[mk1]

This Titanium rear beam weighs in at only 3.6kg....
http://www.force-racing.co.uk/products/ ... -assembly/

Its also NLA

I have had to go for the KAD beam.

Carl is a mate of mine, I managed to get his last set of arms but the beam won't be coming back. He's far too busy making wheels. And very good they are too!

[Exminiman]

This Titanium rear beam weighs in at only 3.6kg....
http://www.force-racing.co.uk/products/ ... -assembly/

Its also NLA

I have had to go for the KAD beam.

Bet that just because you can have a blue one!

[mk1]

Black, it's suspension

[camshaft2]

I use GAZ coil overs on the back of my Mk3 S in conjunction with an Airey Tuning beam axle. The beam was fitted back in the 70’s from what I can tell, when I got the car it had Spax coil overs. There needs to be a bit of spreading of the reinforcement area where the shock fits to the top of the wheel arch plus I have found that an additional 1/4” wheel spacer is needed (even with S drums) such that the tyres clear the coil springs. I’m on 4.5J (S offset obviously) wheels with 165 tyres. The GAZ setup is offset which I assume was intended to keep the coil over tight to the wheel arch but my tyres did rub without the spacers. Incidentally the old Spax ones didn’t……

Speaking personally, the setup for me is way too harsh for road use given the state of our roads but should imagine for hill climbing would be ideal. My car was hill climbed in its youth!

Paul.

[mk1]

Thanks Paul.

M

[IanD1965]

I’m nearly ready to fit a force beam and coil overs.
I have welded in the large turret boxes . Will be using non offset shocks with rose joints both ends .This opens up choices for the shocks . Made a bracket to hold the top rose joint. My last hillclimb mk1 had 120pound 1.9” springs. If that helps.

[1380 andyf]

I've had a trailing arm beam on my GT for the last 30 years. Kept the turrets as standard, strengthened the top and side in the boot offsetting the top hole slightly to give the non offset shocks a little clearance. The shocks are spax with 100 lbs 1.9 " springs and work well. When supplied came with 175 lbs springs and were way too stiff. I think the 100 - 120 lbs range would bee the best to try. Hope that helps

Andy

[mk1]

Thank you for the great suggestions!

This is really helpful.

I'm using Carl's (Force Racing) Ti arms, but sadly he doesn't make the beam anymore, so I am going with KAD on that. Will post some pics once I have something to show.

M