Tophat Spacer vs. Preload

I would imagine if it the spring coil was loaded closer together that the coil would have less plush and closer to spring bind? If it does, that doesn’t divulge into the ride quality?

 

If what you just described is really happening, wouldn't you not gain any lift height?
Adding preload does not compress the spring (at ride height). The spring would maintain its same length (at ride height) no matter where the preload collar is set. The graphic below will sorta give you an idea of what I am talking about. Lift height is changing when preload is added, but the spring is not. This example again would be at ride height with full weight of vehicle on it. More about preload here

 

Makes sense. Thanks!

 

Nope, that's a myth. Preload does not change the amount of compression on the spring.

 

Good info here!

 

The key detail on this is clarifying at ride height. This topic can and will get really confusing.

 

Sure does... As much as I have read about this (I have read all of your articles)... I still don't understand how even though ride height adjustments via those clip settings do not compress the spring any more or less... isn't the inside arm of the shock moving to a new "ride height" position? Thus, aren't we losing available travel in one direction or the other? My brain hurts and I've been on these forums for years... lol

 

Well now its gonna get confusing!

At ride height, coilover installed on vehicle on its own weight, the preload setting does not change the (installed) spring height/length. However, with the coilover not on the vehicle and fully extended, you would have to compress the spring to add more preload. The spring would have to be compressed to get it on the shock.

This would also tell you how much preload you have on the coilover. For example, spring rate is 14" x 600lb, but you have to compress it 2" to get the preload setting and ride height you want. New installed spring length is 12" (not installed on vehicle or at ride height).

You are correct, the new ride height position would also change where the shock sits in its overall travel. This is 100% what we focus on with lifting vehicles vs getting a specific lift height number. You wont "lose" any travel, you are just adding it to compression or extension. Its very important to have the proper amount of up/down travel for the best ride quality. Too much in one direction can cause a rough ride due to the shock bottoming out or topping out too quickly/often.

 

One thing to bring up about pre load is how it effects down travel. The more pre load the less down travel you have, with IFS. Your lift height is coming from your down travel. Just something to consider depending on what and how you wheel. It could be a positive or a negative.

 

I think that makes sense and seems to confirm my flawed logic... lol

So to say you are "losing" travel isn't correct because overall that travel is still there, you're more so tipping the scale in one direction vs the other.

So the more pre-load is added and/or ride height gained via adjustment, the less available distance between the "neutral" ride height position and the shock bottoming out due to no more down travel available... correct? In a sense robbing peter to pay paul?

 

Yes thats correct.

Out of the box it will likely need adjustments for the best ride quality.

 

i am so freaking confused then.. for example, a ton of folks have expressed that putting bilstein 5100’s on the top setting will call for an unpleasant ride as opposed to one who sets their’s at the stock clip setting. i need some more simple explanation or i shall never understand this concept Lol.

 

https://youtu.be/l1tTelhdEiM