About spring rates...

[SaerinRhoe]

Howdy folks,

First things first, I'm a grade-a n00b so go easy on me please. :biggrin:

I've been looking at lowering springs/shocks/struts/coilovers/whatever and I've got a question about how to interpret the different ways that spring rates are listed.

All of my examples come from the Micro Image website since it's the easiest to get to.

AOE TigerTec springs: 1.75" drop - 4k front, 3k rear spring rate
Tanabe DF210 springs: 1.6"/1.8" drop - 3.0 front, 2.2 rear spring rate
Tanabe NF210 springs: 1.1"/1.3" drop - 2.5 front, 2.2 rear spring rate
Progress Lowering springs: 1.7"/1,8" drop - 110lbs front, 130lbs rear spring rate

How do I compare 4k/3k to 3.0/2.2 to 110lbs/130lbs of spring rate?

Do higher numbers = a stiffer ride? If so, how does this affect handling?

Thanks in advance for answers and knowledge,

S.R.

[why?]

The Progress ones are softer that the others, lemme see if i can find the conversion. And yes, the higher the rates the stiffer. And the higher rates make handling better, in general. But the higher the rates the worse the ride comfort.
http://www.onlineconversion.com/forum/forum_1110951659.htm Here is a simple one.

"Springs are rated in pounds/inch in the U.S., and Newtons/millimeter elsewhere. I have not seen kilograms/millimeter before, but the conversion will be easy enough.

1 pound = 0.45359237 kilogram
1 inch = 25.4 millimeter
0.45359237/25.4 = 0.0178579673228346

The conversion factor is 0.0178579673228346

So, to convert lb/in to kg/mm you multiply by 0.0179 and to convert kg/mm to lb/in you divide by 0.0179 "