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Hello All:
Here is a fantastic article that compares the Mustang Progressive Springs vs. the Linear Springs:
https://www.steeda.com/mustang-progressive-linear-springs
What Are Linear Springs?
Linear springs have a constant, or static, spring rate throughout the entire spring, from top to bottom. These springs provide a much more direct feeling through the suspension as it is compressed, this is due to the constant rate of feedback the spring is giving against your chassis, regardless of suspension travel.
With a linear spring, you’ll be able to have a much more predictable ride in your Mustang. In this instance, a linear spring can be used very well while on a road course or autocross. You will feel a more constant, predictable connection through the steering wheel, on exactly what the car is doing as it carves through the corners.
Here is a scenario to think about. You’re going through a sweeping corner at a high rate of speed. The direct resistance from the springs that your Mustang is receiving through its shocks is constant, regardless of how hard you push the car through that turn. This makes for a much more predictable ride, but it also has its setbacks.
Linear springs are a one-trick-pony. If you’re looking for an all-out performance on the track or autocross course, then you can choose a stiffer linear spring rate that fits the bill. However, with that constant stiff spring rate, you’ll be sacrificing ride quality when you’re cruising down the highway. The same thing goes if you’re looking for a comfortable ride. You’ll be sacrificing handling potential since you’ll need a softer spring rate for more comfort.
That’s where progressive springs come in! You’ll get the best of both worlds. A softer spring rate that allows you to ride in comfort until the spring starts to compress, where the rate gets stiffer and gives more feedback to confidently handle that next corner.
What Are Progressive Springs?
Progressive rate springs provide a variable spring rate from one side of the spring to another. These springs are most ideal for those who are looking for an all-around solution to lowering their Mustang and increasing handling capability, all without sacrificing ride quality.
Progressive springs have a softer spring rate that is utilized when the car is cruising down the highway with minimal changes in travel. However, when you take the next exit and begin pushing the car on your favorite backroad, the spring will continue to compress and travel more. As the spring compresses further, the spring rate will increase providing those confidence-inspiring handling attributes that we know and love from a stiff linear spring. It’s truly the best of all worlds for those who street and track their vehicle.
A progressive spring can be a constantly increasing rate, meaning the spacing between the coils has a constantly increasing rate. By using this type of progressive spring you will allow more control over the axle during acceleration. What this allows is for the axle to not wrap under hard cornering, launching, and acceleration.
What Are Dual Rate Springs?
These springs are commonly known as when the rate of the springs has two different linear variations within the spring that are connected to one another. These springs are much more sophisticated than a typical linear spring. A dual-rate spring will provide a much better rate of transition when the spring is under compression and hard load. It’s important to note that this type of progressive spring is more oriented towards high-performance driving. Such as road-racing and autocross driving.
Some of the variables you need to consider before you choose a dual-rate spring are that they will have less overall deflection when compared to a linear spring. The reason for this is that the secondary rate coils are more tightly packed together at the top, creating the two springs rates of a dual-rate spring. Most of the dual-rate springs are designed and engineered for high performance driving as well as competition GT racing.
A dual-rate spring unites a relatively low initial spring rate, absorbs minor undulations, increases grip with a precise transition point, and then transitions into a secondary higher spring rate to improve roll control during cornering.
Here is a fantastic article that compares the Mustang Progressive Springs vs. the Linear Springs:
https://www.steeda.com/mustang-progressive-linear-springs
What Are Linear Springs?
Linear springs have a constant, or static, spring rate throughout the entire spring, from top to bottom. These springs provide a much more direct feeling through the suspension as it is compressed, this is due to the constant rate of feedback the spring is giving against your chassis, regardless of suspension travel.
With a linear spring, you’ll be able to have a much more predictable ride in your Mustang. In this instance, a linear spring can be used very well while on a road course or autocross. You will feel a more constant, predictable connection through the steering wheel, on exactly what the car is doing as it carves through the corners.
Here is a scenario to think about. You’re going through a sweeping corner at a high rate of speed. The direct resistance from the springs that your Mustang is receiving through its shocks is constant, regardless of how hard you push the car through that turn. This makes for a much more predictable ride, but it also has its setbacks.
Linear springs are a one-trick-pony. If you’re looking for an all-out performance on the track or autocross course, then you can choose a stiffer linear spring rate that fits the bill. However, with that constant stiff spring rate, you’ll be sacrificing ride quality when you’re cruising down the highway. The same thing goes if you’re looking for a comfortable ride. You’ll be sacrificing handling potential since you’ll need a softer spring rate for more comfort.
That’s where progressive springs come in! You’ll get the best of both worlds. A softer spring rate that allows you to ride in comfort until the spring starts to compress, where the rate gets stiffer and gives more feedback to confidently handle that next corner.
What Are Progressive Springs?
Progressive rate springs provide a variable spring rate from one side of the spring to another. These springs are most ideal for those who are looking for an all-around solution to lowering their Mustang and increasing handling capability, all without sacrificing ride quality.
Progressive springs have a softer spring rate that is utilized when the car is cruising down the highway with minimal changes in travel. However, when you take the next exit and begin pushing the car on your favorite backroad, the spring will continue to compress and travel more. As the spring compresses further, the spring rate will increase providing those confidence-inspiring handling attributes that we know and love from a stiff linear spring. It’s truly the best of all worlds for those who street and track their vehicle.
A progressive spring can be a constantly increasing rate, meaning the spacing between the coils has a constantly increasing rate. By using this type of progressive spring you will allow more control over the axle during acceleration. What this allows is for the axle to not wrap under hard cornering, launching, and acceleration.
What Are Dual Rate Springs?
These springs are commonly known as when the rate of the springs has two different linear variations within the spring that are connected to one another. These springs are much more sophisticated than a typical linear spring. A dual-rate spring will provide a much better rate of transition when the spring is under compression and hard load. It’s important to note that this type of progressive spring is more oriented towards high-performance driving. Such as road-racing and autocross driving.
Some of the variables you need to consider before you choose a dual-rate spring are that they will have less overall deflection when compared to a linear spring. The reason for this is that the secondary rate coils are more tightly packed together at the top, creating the two springs rates of a dual-rate spring. Most of the dual-rate springs are designed and engineered for high performance driving as well as competition GT racing.
A dual-rate spring unites a relatively low initial spring rate, absorbs minor undulations, increases grip with a precise transition point, and then transitions into a secondary higher spring rate to improve roll control during cornering.
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