I'm Currently using Skunk2 sleeve coilovers (civic rates), and will soon be getting some Koni Yellows. I've been reading that tender and helper springs help with daily driving and keep the coilover from rattling.

But, what I want to know is what is the differences in the two. What are the pros and cons of tender or helper springs on my setup.

 

lol I got into this discussion in a previous thread and fucked it up pretty badly. But I think its still here in the forum.
edit: Ok its probably older than I thought, I can't find it through search anymore. I will give this another shot.
The main job of helper springs is to keep the main spring seated during full suspension droop, so you don't have the main spring flopping up and down. Their spring rates are so low as to be negligible relative to the overall spring rate, but they are just enough to keep the main spring seated seated at all times. Their coils are flat, and the entire helper spring is designed to be compressed into a disc during coil bind.
Tender springs do contribute to the overall spring rate, and function to add another rate in addition to the main spring's IIRC.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Noob4life &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The main job of helper springs is to keep the main spring seated during full suspension droop, so you don't have the main spring flopping up and down. Their spring rates are so low as to be negligible relative to the overall spring rate, but they are just enough to keep the main spring seated seated at all times. Their coils are flat, and the entire helper spring is designed to be compressed into a disc during coil bind. Tender springs do contribute to the overall spring rate, and function to add another rate in addition to the main spring's IIRC. </TD></TR></TABLE>

couldn't have said it any better myself they are really not necessary though.

 

Thanks man. I think this cleared everything up.But, what is the point of having a helper springs if your spring are always compressed during driving?

Also, so tender springs can be used to raise or lower the overall spring rate?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AnToNy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks man. I think this cleared everything up.But, what is the point of having a helper springs if your spring are always compressed during driving?

Also, so tender springs can be used to raise or lower the overall spring rate?</TD></TR></TABLE>

1. your springs aren't always compressed. at full droop they are uncompressed and this is what causes the rattling noise, they are free to move around.
2. the effect is minimal, almost not even worth noting.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mike C &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

1. your springs aren't always compressed. at full droop they are uncompressed and this is what causes the rattling noise, they are free to move around.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

So are they worth $20 ? Because I've never know sleeve coilovers to rattle. I guess I can try them out though.

 

Well the helper springs' rates are minimal, but tender springs do have an affect on the overall spring rate.

 

If your going to be buying Helper springs, your going to be spending around $160-200 for the kit. In addition to the 4 helper springs, you will also need locator collars that connect the helpers to your main springs. If you have sway-bars front & rear, you really don't have to worry about your springs coming unseated during driving. The only time the suspension will go into full droop is when you jack your car up off the ground. In that case, you just need to make sure the springs seat properly when you lower it back down.

The other problem I see you having, is that Skunk2 coil-overs are not compatible with Koni shocks. Skunk2 was selling adapter rings to make them work, but they were engineered incorrectly. Consequently, Koni has told everybody not to use these adapters because eventually the Koni spring perche snap ring will fail (dropping your car to the ground)....

 

Also, Tender springs are used to make your existing spring rates progressive. When the tender is combined with a main spring, their total spring rate is actually softer than the two individual spring rates. Once enough weight is added to the main-spring/tender-spring combo, the tender "coil-binds". At this point, only your main spring, and it's actual spring rate, remain functional. This is what causes your cars spring rate to stiffen up when cornering hard or going over bumps..

 

I currently am not running sway bars, but will be shortly. So I'm really guessing that the helper springs would be a waste of money needed for sway bars.

I also have been reading about the adapter rings for Skunk2 on Koni yellows. I read somewhere that CRXLee said that where he works sells different adapter rings that will actually work. I really need to find some rings that will work perfectly or are designed for this setup.

If you guys know anybody that sells the correct adapter rings, please send the link over my way.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AnToNy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I read somewhere that CRXLee said that where he works sells different adapter rings that will actually work.</TD></TR></TABLE>

You'r correct; I remember hearing him say that too. You should just IM him, and ask for the part number of the adapter rings. Then call up Koni NA and order them. If you try to order them w/o a part number, chances are the sales rep won't know what the hell your talking about...

CRX Lee is a really good guy, and he'll help you out any way he can. He's taken care of me a few times, and answered several questions I've had about their products.