[07couper]

Maybe I'm just nit-picking, and maybe I'm just concerned about the longevity of my suspension......so, I'm asking the experts here about your thoughts on this issue:


The Setup:

2008 Accord Sedan EX-L
4-Cyl, 5-spd Auto
95k current miles

90% of my time in this car is spent commuting to my work location and home; 90 miles round trip. If I'm good, I can get 31 mpg, when I'm not good, I'll pull around 26 mpg.

10% of my time in this car I'm traveling to different places to ride my dirt-bike. I've setup the Accord with a hitch, and thus far I've successfully pulled my Harbor Freight Trailer with my dirt-bike several thousand miles. Often I'll travel dirt roads and washboard roads (not my favorite thing to do in this car) to get to a place to ride....

The issue:
When the car is loaded with gear in the trunk and back seat, the car will squat down lower, as expected, and therefore the inside of the tires wears more than the outside of the tires. On longer trips, this is of more concern to me since I'm putting much more mileage on the tires in this condition. As well, the coils are becoming more and more fatigued the longer I perform this kind of action, thus reducing the overall effectiveness of the rear suspension.


My question:
I understand that the Coupe rear coils are generally stiffer to handle the sportier handling of the car, as opposed to the Sedan rear coils, which are softer and provide more of a luxury ride. I'd like to know if anybody here knows if the Coupe Rear suspension could be used in place of the Sedan's rear suspension? Otherwise, i'm looking at maybe getting some aftermarket suspension that will allow me to adjust the coil height and thus make the pre-load of the spring stiffer....

What say you all???? :notworthy




:notworthy

 

[glen e]

Coupe coils and shocks are still std fare and fairly much junk, need a good set of coils you can stiffen

 

[StanB]

I would buy a set of stiffer springs like Eibach, Neuspeed, etc. which are close to stock height since you're always carrying a load in the trunk, and you need good ground clearance for the off road trips.

 

[Danielc409]

I'd buy a beater truck.

 

[Edaccord08]

I would buy a set of stiffer springs like Eibach, Neuspeed, etc. which are close to stock height since you're always carrying a load in the trunk, and you need good ground clearance for the off road trips.

most of performance springs are lower, even if they are a bit stiffer .
Not sure if there are aftermarket progressive springs out with same ride height

 

[coupe7]

I do not believe switching over to coupe oem parts will solve you're issue.

Perhaps you should be looking into getting stiffer suspension components without the extreme drop. If on a budget perhaps consider the hfp suspension upgrade.
If not on a budget i would look into bilstein shocks, i know they have shocks designated "sport" for those lowering their cars but they also have shocks designated "heavy duty" for those putting extra weight on them. I would then investigate a stiff spring with minimal drop, maybe 1 inch all around. H&R, eibach, maybe tein.
Suspension upgrade on all four corners will yield the desired effect as they all work together. Good luck.

Also consider a 2nd set of rims and tires for the hauling.

 

[Gearhead82]

What about using some kind of "spring rubber" like they use in Nascar to stiffen the rear springs when you have the trailer attached? http://www.springrubber.com/?section=4

 

[Metal Metalic]

No matter how you slice it, all non luxury sedans and even mini vans will sag at the rear when loaded.

If you have money, get a self leveling air ride system.

If you don't have money, go to a race performance online shop, and order spring spacers. They come in various thickness and and compression rates.

They are cheaper and easier to install than springs and can be swapped out my just jacking up the rear. NASCAR teams have been doing that for years, and it takes a few seconds once they get the car jacked.

 

[07couper]

air suspension

Well......

I didn't know that such a kit existed, but after searching a bit I came across this Air Ride Kit that appears to solve the issue of carrying a load...



However, $2700 bones is a lot of green-backs to be throwing down on suspension......


The spring Rubber is more my budget for what I'm trying to accomplish.

I've considered actually selling my Accord in favor of a Crossover or a smaller SUV style car that has more load carrying capacity....... but, I don't know that this will solve my issue...... I know the car would last longer, considering the dirt roads I travel...


It appears the SpringRubber is made to stuff into the springs and preload the springs, so they are stiffer? Is this correct?

Anybody know what the dimensions of our coils are?

And, thank you all for taking the time to respond to my query... :thmsup:

 

[Metal Metalic]

Well......

I didn't know that such a kit existed, but after searching a bit I came across this Air Ride Kit that appears to solve the issue of carrying a load...



However, $2700 bones is a lot of green-backs to be throwing down on suspension......


The spring Rubber is more my budget for what I'm trying to accomplish.

I've considered actually selling my Accord in favor of a Crossover or a smaller SUV style car that has more load carrying capacity....... but, I don't know that this will solve my issue...... I know the car would last longer, considering the dirt roads I travel...


It appears the SpringRubber is made to stuff into the springs and preload the springs, so they are stiffer? Is this correct?

Anybody know what the dimensions of our coils are?

And, thank you all for taking the time to respond to my query... :thmsup:

Proper fitting ones do not preload, they allow compression until the insert is compressed to the point of resistance. So in essence, you have a dual duty spring.

Rubber inserts are easier to install, and allow more spring travel at the coil in which they are inserted. Prolly will be best for normal use.

Polly inserts are harder to squeeze in for install or swap out, seem rigid and do not allow much travel for the coil compression.

Now depending on type, you have full insert (Over coil) which cannot be removed without popping out the spring.

Half cut inserts (usually poly compound or varying hardness rubber) are made for race purposes and can be added or changed with out any suspension dis-assembly.

here is a link...

http://www.longacreracing.com/articles/art.asp?artid=31

I think 5/5.5" Pro series red will do the trick. They are made for racing but soft should keep the height without making the rear too harsh. You can double them up for extra loads.

 

[SatinSilver]

Have the tires flipped. Go super slow on the washboard roads or park the car and ride the bike over them.

 

[BiGBlkCaR12]

Pardon me, but down here in texas alls we really haves is dirt roads for our horses... What are washboard roads exactly? Thanks- interesting dilemma btw- cool to see the i4 doin' work!

 

[2.4ka8roar]

It's always good to see someone who uses their Accord for a little utility!

I was going to suggest the Koni Yellow's since you can keep them at stock height (actually can raise the rears) but still have the ability to adjust them between soft and firm. I am not that familiar with the 8th gen shocks and they may require more to adjust due to access issues for the rear shocks but it may be worth looking into.

 

[07couper]

Proper fitting ones do not preload, they allow compression until the insert is compressed to the point of resistance. So in essence, you have a dual duty spring.

Rubber inserts are easier to install, and allow more spring travel at the coil in which they are inserted. Prolly will be best for normal use.

Polly inserts are harder to squeeze in for install or swap out, seem rigid and do not allow much travel for the coil compression.

Now depending on type, you have full insert (Over coil) which cannot be removed without popping out the spring.

Half cut inserts (usually poly compound or varying hardness rubber) are made for race purposes and can be added or changed with out any suspension dis-assembly.

here is a link...

http://www.longacreracing.com/articles/art.asp?artid=31

I think 5/5.5" Pro series red will do the trick. They are made for racing but soft should keep the height without making the rear too harsh. You can double them up for extra loads.

Thanks for the link and the information.

Pardon me, but down here in texas alls we really haves is dirt roads for our horses... What are washboard roads exactly? Thanks- interesting dilemma btw- cool to see the i4 doin' work!

Washboard roads are hard on vehicles....they'll shake your fillings loose...
click on the picture for an interesting read on how washboard roads are created.....

It's always good to see someone who uses their Accord for a little utility!

I was going to suggest the Koni Yellow's since you can keep them at stock height (actually can raise the rears) but still have the ability to adjust them between soft and firm. I am not that familiar with the 8th gen shocks and they may require more to adjust due to access issues for the rear shocks but it may be worth looking into.

Thanks for the suggestion. Since this is my only vehicle, I'm trying to make the best of all worlds....




:thumbsup: