This experiment seems to work....

[SumpBuster]

If changing spring rubbers in Nascar can work, why not on a sled?
Nothing to lose, before buying the straight rate springs, so I made .3" and .4" spring rubbers. Tried them this am on 1" snow...virtually no lift at all, and takes bumps (airborne) great. When the ski does lift pushing it, it comes up about 2" and hangs there...very nice...very pleased so far. And I can take them right out at the next 'pit stop', if needed, or just run the .4 or .3. And they didn't fall out, as they are bigger than the relaxed gap. And the front stays low for a low cg.

 

[Gilbey]

I never upgraded to the straight rate, although I felt my handling woes weren't quite as bad as some of the people, but this might be an interesting solution.

How many miles did you log on these? What type of cut rubber did you use?

 

[muskrat]

Great idea, how did you make them?

Muskrat

 

[SumpBuster]

Gilbey, not many miles..maybe 10 on an inch or so of snow. But last year I was dialing the suspension on the grass when ski lift was worse (than on snow). So what I feel today should work well on snow, as there is usually less bite on most chewed up trails. I used an old tractor tire tube, layed out the OD of the spring plus a little, and the OD of the shock, and cut the circle in thirds. Then I rubber cemented 3 piece and 4 piece stacks, and taped for looks. The tube rubber was soft, and gives some spring, and takes a set the shape of the coil wire, so I don't think they will fall out. What happens is the soft coil or two left compresses quickly and gets into the higher rate. This sled also has the 11mm bar. The front felt much more predictable, and just more solid, but not harsh. Sometimes something simple can work well, but the best part is it is not permanent, and can be removed easily. And I know now I would like the straight rate springs for my type of riding...
But I kinda cheated..I ran spring rubbers in the back of my 69 GTO 30 years ago....the car never sat level, but it did after I was done. :lol:

 

[ExTrEeMF7]

SumpBuster

do you have enoff stuff to make some extra ones?

 

[SumpBuster]

xtreem...yes, it was a big tire tube...lol. And I have a fresh can of contact cement.

 

[ExTrEeMF7]

well hummmmm
pm me a deal on that and we can work somthing out
thnx
marc