difference in linear and progressive springs

**J-rod** · 02-25-2007, 11:38 PM

http://www.stangsuspension.com/store...tesarticle.asp

so i was checking out different spring rates and comparing the FMS to stock mach 1 and bullitts and noticed the main difference in mach 1 and FMS C's is the rear in the mach is linear and rear in C's are progressive.

so whats the difference on the street? looks like the mach 1 and C's would be very comparible for a street car.

edit #2 - the lower the number the softer the spring? or vice versa

**383taman** · 02-25-2007, 11:46 PM

You raising your car to stock height Jared?

**J-rod** · 02-25-2007, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by 383taman

You raising your car to stock height Jared?

no...the front is higher than the rear. and i want it leveled out. i have always liked the FMS C springs and was looking at the spring rates and see the Mach 1's are very close to C's

i saw wicks stang with the B springs and it looked really good...so i think the C's will tuck 17" rims a little more...plus look better while im on 16's.

**Viper_ed** · 02-26-2007, 01:12 AM

Here is a picture of the FMS C springs on my 88 before they were taken off. I think the give just the right stance for 17" rims.

**J-rod** · 02-26-2007, 01:20 AM

Originally Posted by Viper_ed

Here is a picture of the FMS C springs on my 88 before they were taken off. I think the give just the right stance for 17" rims.

i agree completely....now if i was to go with the Mach 1's....how would the rear compare. since one is linear and one is progressive.

also Ed - did you cut your C's or remove isolators or anything? thats the look im after

**Viper_ed** · 02-26-2007, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jared

also Ed - did you cut your C's or remove isolators or anything? thats the look im after

Didn't do a thing to them, just bolted them in.

**J-rod** · 02-26-2007, 09:09 AM

so what about linear vs progressive.

**Viper_ed** · 02-26-2007, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Jared

so what about linear vs progressive.

I'll wait and let Pure Stock write you a book on it. He's one of the better ones on this site to answer suspension questions.

**J-rod** · 02-26-2007, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by Viper_ed

I'll wait and let Pure Stock write you a book on it. He's one of the better ones on this site to answer suspension questions.

**J-rod** · 03-08-2007, 03:08 PM

ed - did you leave your isolators in? i know by installing aftermarket control arms in the rear it lowers it a bit too. i was going to leave the front isolators out to try and level it.

i did this to my old 95

**Viper_ed** · 03-08-2007, 03:13 PM

I think I did, but It's been so long, I can't say for sure till I take them out.

**J-rod** · 03-08-2007, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Viper_ed

I think I did, but It's been so long, I can't say for sure till I take them out.

ill just check on sunday. LOL

**Knapper411** · 05-27-2007, 09:14 PM

Linear springs and progressive springs arent any different in height. They are as tall as they say they are. The difference is linear springs take a certain weight to move the spring one inch and the same amount of weight ontop of that to compress another inch.

Progressives just take more weight to compress them per inch, like 100 pounds the first inch n 150 ontop of that for the second inch.

Leaf springs are considered a progressive rate spring.

**u1arunit** · 05-27-2007, 09:32 PM

Progressive springs are supposed to have a softer rate upon initial normal travel and get stiffer as coils are compressed.

Linear are just as stiff all the way thru their travel.