Terminology

Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Mutiara

Suspension

Active Coils

Coils which are free to deflect under load. Also referred to as working coils.

Approx. Lowering

The approximate amount of chassis ride height reduction. This will vary depending on optional equipment: gas shocks, age of stock springs and upper strut bearings.

Bottoming Out

The suspension reaches its maximum compressed height, not when tires rub fenders or contact the chassis.

Dead or Inactive Coils

Coils, which are in contact with adjacent coils at loaded height. Inactive coils do nothing but give the spring enough free length to stay tight in the spring perches at full rebound.

Deflection

The travel of the spring as it is compressed.

Foamy Bumpstop

Also referred to as a supplemental spring, a progressive-rate urethane jounce bumper will make the suspension progressive. Gives a smooth transition to full compression.

Free Length

The overall length of a spring in unloaded position. May also be referred to as UN-INSTALLED LENGTH.

Full Jounce, Full Compression

The suspension is completely loaded. The springs and bumpstops are totally compressed.

Full Rebound, Full Droop

The suspension is completely unloaded. Example: When the vehicle is on a lift and the tires and wheels are hanging in the air.

Linear Spring

One rate throughout the springs working range.

Loaded Height

Or INSTALLED HEIGHT, is the length of the spring compressed under the load of the vehicle weight, when the vehicle is at rest on level ground. Also may be referred to as STATIC HEIGHT.

Pre-Setting or Blocking

The spring is compressed so all coils are touching. Pre-setting gives the spring a set so they cannot sag. The springs are said to be “pre-sagged”. (Super-BlokTM)

Progressive Spring

Is when there is a variable rate increase throughout the spring’s working range.

Spring Clatter

When dead or inactive coils are not completely in contact with each other at loaded height, but come in contact with each other while driving.

Spring Rate

A change in load per unit deflection, generally given in pounds per inch.

Suspension

The system of springs, shock absorbers and other devices that insulates the chassis of a vehicle from shock (bumps in the road) transmitted through the wheels.

Wax Lube

Found at your local bicycle shop and is used to lubricate intricate components, including the chain. The Boeing Company has also developed a wax lube (Boeshield T-9) for long-term protection of aircraft. Their research found that none of the Teflon, silicone, or synthetic sprays held up as long as a wax lube when exposed to a corrosive environment. The wax based lube is also becoming popular due to its ability to penetrate deeply into fasteners and fixtures while displacing moisture, resisting corrosion, and at the same time detering dirt build up.

Working Spring Rate

The rate of the spring from the installed height to full compression. This is the spring rate you use when you are driving your car. This is the only spring rate which can be used when comparing Spring Performance.

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