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Need Some Opinions on Progressive Rate Coils

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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 05:17 PM
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_StationWagon_'s Avatar
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Default Need Some Opinions on Progressive Rate Coils

I am just wondering, since I can get a pair of progressive rate coils to buy for a good price. How are they better/worse than my OMEs or your "standard" lift springs? (These will give 1.5" more lift is all I know).
Is ride quality adversely affected?
Flex?
What about when the XJ is loaded vs. unloaded?
I'm just trying to get a feel for these before (if) I pull the trigger.

I just don't want to buy these, go to the trouble of getting them mounted only to have them be not what I'm looking for. Help me out here, please!

Thanks for any & all input!
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Old Aug 12, 2009 | 05:48 PM
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never had a set but from what I understand instead of the regular 150 lbs per inch the first few inches have a much softer spring rate up to the point where the spring rate gets harder. If you buy a pair that is set up for the weight of your vehicle great! if you have a bunch of accessories or load it heavy for the trail its just gonna compress much easier and you'll probably loose that 1.5 inches. I think that if your jeep is stock weight you would benefit in the areas of flex and ride quality. Loaded down it would just ride at stock level like normal. If you don't plan on liftin it much I'd say do it. But maybe with spacers you could lift it but it would still be really mushy with a load.
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 11:05 AM
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Boy, this must really be a tough or unusual question because I've asked it on 2 forums & it's like pulling teeth trying to get a bunch of answers.
Starfighter, thanks, you've explained it in a way that I understand, with some new info. My XJ is already lifted 5" with OME 3" coils & 2" spacers. I'm considering using these 4.5" progressive coils with the spacers instead of the 3" coils.

My XJ is a porker with almost full skids underneath, rails, rack, body armor, bumper & gear. So with all that, you're saying that it's a possibility the coils could squash to about 3.5" or so? So with the spacers I'd have maybe 5"?

Does anyone agree with this? I've searched for progressive coils, but the info kind of makes my eyes glaze over.
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 11:28 AM
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Progressive rate coils offer a very good ride on pavement and dirt roads. The idea is that there are more coils than stock and that lessens the spring rate. The extra coils are wound tightly and with a little flex begin touching and then the spring rate changes to a higher than stock rate to make up for the lesser rate. Overall, the average rate is close to stock. But the higher rate will not ultimately flex as much as stock springs. With the extra weight your running you may push down through most of the smooth riding part of the coil. Have you weighed it?
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 11:34 AM
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Yeah, it came in a 4400. I honestly don't believe it.
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Old Aug 13, 2009 | 11:41 AM
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I do. A friend of mine has an XJ set up for JeepSpeed that comes in at 4200#
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by 4.3L XJ
Progressive rate coils offer a very good ride on pavement and dirt roads. The idea is that there are more coils than stock and that lessens the spring rate. The extra coils are wound tightly and with a little flex begin touching and then the spring rate changes to a higher than stock rate to make up for the lesser rate. Overall, the average rate is close to stock. But the higher rate will not ultimately flex as much as stock springs. With the extra weight your running you may push down through most of the smooth riding part of the coil. Have you weighed it?
Exactly. I think that the weight would mash the spring down to where it would ride like a normal spring with all that weight. And since it would have more coils you would lose flex. I'd grab some rusty's 4.5 inch 150 lbs per inch compression lift coils. I think you'll be happier.
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 07:45 PM
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Check with Deaver Springs. When it's time to replace my RE coils, that's what's going on my rig.
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Old Aug 16, 2009 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by thelaststarfighter13
Exactly. I think that the weight would mash the spring down to where it would ride like a normal spring with all that weight. And since it would have more coils you would lose flex. I'd grab some rusty's 4.5 inch 150 lbs per inch compression lift coils. I think you'll be happier.
i hate rustys 150 lb/in coils

WAYYYYY too soft
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Old Aug 17, 2009 | 04:15 PM
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Thanks for the ideas guys. I backed off the pro rate coils since I just scored a decent price on some ACOS. I'll use them with my 3" OME coils & see how that works out.
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Old Aug 17, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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I loved my CAGE coils(same ones OP is referring too).

Rode great on and offroad just for anyone thinking about some. The spring rate is heavier up top and on bottom its softer. Opposite from most pro rated coils.
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Old Aug 18, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by broncofire75
... (same ones OP is referring too).
How can you tell they're the same ones?
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