Torsion springs

[twomorestrokes]

I've used the same rear suspension adjustments for years on my Vector ProActive, using a lot of transfer. I just put the skid back in after replacing the torsion springs with springs from a Nytro. I have not changed any of the adjustments. Now with the sled sitting unloaded there is not much space between the transfer stops, and when I sit on the seat the transfer gap is gone. I was expecting things to be a lot stiffer but things seem the opposite. It seems mushy in the back. I have the adjuster cam on H setting where it has always been. Am I missing something?

 

[ahicks]

Measure the wire diameter? Assuming the spring opening angles are the same, that should give you a clue regarding spring capacity?

 

[twomorestrokes]

I measured the springs with a micrometer and the Nytro springs are definitely larger gauge. I also looked up the part number which was still visible and they are standard springs for a 2007 RS Nytro. I bought them from a forum member here and they were off a low mileage Nytro that was undergoing extensive modification and the skid was parted out in classifieds.

I would have thought if anything, ride height would be higher, not lower. Interesting that I can actually see a bow in the long part of the spring when the sled is at rest. I don't recall a bow in the Vector springs. I was looking forward to the upgrade, but it looks like I may have to switch back? Looks like my suspension is going to be coupled very early with very minimal transfer allowed prior. Is this the way RS Nytros are? I like the way the Vector stayed uncoupled until things got a little rough.

 

[ahicks]

Assuming there are the same number of coils, and the angle formed between the short and long arms the same - I'd have thought the same.

If that's not the case, what else might you have changed? Did you add some preload to the ski springs?

I measured the springs with a micrometer and the Nytro springs are definitely larger gauge. I also looked up the part number which was still visible and they are standard springs for a 2007 RS Nytro. I bought them from a forum member here and they were off a low mileage Nytro that was undergoing extensive modification and the skid was parted out in classifieds.

I would have thought if anything, ride height would be higher, not lower. Interesting that I can actually see a bow in the long part of the spring when the sled is at rest. I don't recall a bow in the Vector springs. I was looking forward to the upgrade, but it looks like I may have to switch back? Looks like my suspension is going to be coupled very early with very minimal transfer allowed prior. Is this the way RS Nytros are? I like the way the Vector stayed uncoupled until things got a little rough.

 

[twomorestrokes]

I did not change a thing adjustment-wise. I didn't even touch the track adjusters. I simply pulled the skid out and replaced the torsion springs and the inner idler wheels, greased it and stuffed it back in the sled.

I don't know why, but it just seems like the Nytro springs are weak.

 

[Len Todd]

So, ... how many turns does each spring have? Also, could the rests for the springs be at different locations/elevations? Who is to say the springs' materiala are the same in the two models of springs? Lots of variables. Good to know that they are NOT a bolt in swap. Good luck.

 

[Grimm]

Why don't you swap back one spring from the Vector and compare each side back in the sled.

The springs from the Nytro might be sacked out.

 

[twomorestrokes]

That is interesting...the Vector springs have 8 turns and the Nytro springs have 7. The Nytro springs are heavier gauge though. The should be a direct bolt in, because the Nytro was just a modified Vector. Both had the same skids with different shocks and springs. Others have done this swap and said that the sled was stiffer and higher afterward. Vice versa, some members have put Vector springs in their Nytros to soften the trail ride. I'm stumped.

 

[twomorestrokes]

The springs from the Nytro might be sacked out.

That's what I'm thinking, although the Nytro they came off was two years newer and had 1/4 the miles as my sled...

 

[ahicks]

With bigger wire and one fewer coils, there should be a very noticable difference (stiffer!) for sure.

So, I'm going to offer a silly question. Do you have the adjusting cams installed properly? The sliders the long end of the spring goes on?

 

[twomorestrokes]

Yes, the cams and saddles are installed properly as they were not removed. The rear suspension is so soft that I can just press down on the seat without even sitting on the sled and the transfer gap goes away and the skid couples. I guess I have no choice but to put the Vector springs back in and quit messing around. Darn it! I was looking forward to this spring upgrade.

 

[ahicks]

One last idea, usually ask this one first. You don't have ANYTHING under that sled ANYWHERE do you? Like a set of dollies?

 

[twomorestrokes]

You know, that's a good point ahicks. Sometimes the silly things get overlooked. It is on dollies. I'll check things out tomorrow one last time before swapping the springs back and it will be on the level concrete.

If things look good I'll be happy but embarrassed.

 

[twomorestrokes]

OK, I guess I owe it to all you guys who were willing to help me out with this. I took it off the dollies and rechecked everything. Transfer gap is now the same as it was in Vector form at 17mm with me on it, which is what I shoot for. The ride height is very similar to before also. Sit-in is now at 1.75" so that tells me things are stiffened up somewhat back there. (was 2") Just what I was hoping to achieve. I took in out last night and it rides nice and obviously the transfer is still there. Hard acceleration and the headlamp beam left the ground and returned with a vengeance on decell.

And a big DUH goes out to me!

Anyway, that is why I love this site, as everyone is willing to help. I really appreciate it. Thanks to you ahicks for pointing out the obvious and saving me the time and effort of changing the springs back before I noticed my dumb mistake!