im running 8k/12k front/rear on a set of zeal s6. i switchd the shocks front/rear too in order to keep valving evenly matched for the spring rates.

handling and steering is incredible but i need to lower the rear for street driving b/c it is too choppy, the rear is actually catching air over big bumps..

how does a stiffer shock affect the overal action of the suspension? and should i move the stiffer shock to the front or leave it in the rear, spring rates will be the same f/r at 8k? thanks

 

Keep the shock with the spring rate it is valved for, or you'll have one spring that is going to be underdamped in nearly every situation. The rears lifting off are most likely due to "excessive" rebound damping preventing the spring from extending fast enough and the tire breaks contact. I believe this is called "jacking down", which is distinct from "jacking".

An overdamped spring loses its sensitivity, every displacement happens too slow, and the tire can't stay in contact. This has a profound effect on weight transfer rates, but I need a book to better explain that. It's a better situation than underdamped (things happening way too quickly for the tire to deal with properly)...just ask any Stock class autocrosser.

 

currently the rear shocks are valved for the 12k springs they are dampening. and the fronts are valved for the 8k they are dampening. but i am lowering the rear springrates to 8k too so im wondering if it would be better to leave the 12k shocks in the rear or move them to the front, revalving is not an option b/c i cant afford the downtime right now.

so basically, for now, would it be more harmful to have the front overdampended or the rears? im thinking the frontb/c of steering.

thanks for the response.

 

If your shocks are dampening your springs, they're blown and you need new shocks.

You can get away with softer springs on stiff shocks, won't hurt anything. I think overdamped cars ride crappy, but that's personal preference.

 

compliments of el pollo diablo


can this shock handle an 8k spring on the lowest setting of 1 or 2? they are valved for 12k