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Hotchkis or UMI springs

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Old 12-30-2023, 10:34 PM
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Hotchkis or UMI springs

Street car, cruiser etc. I'm pulling the Belltech drop spindles off of this car and want to put the stocks back on. Its just too low for me. I'd prefer to find a lowering spring in the 1" flavor with decent ride.
Old 12-30-2023, 10:58 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

I'll buy your drop spindles if you're selling.

Last edited by QwkTrip; 12-30-2023 at 11:04 PM.
Old 12-30-2023, 11:49 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

BMR, Hotchkis, UMI all have similar spring rates up front of roughly 600 lb/in but match that with rear springs ranging from 140 - 200 lb/in advertised. Keep in mind a lot of aftermarket springs are variable rate, so that Hotchkis "140 advertised" is actually 100-140 lb/in. The idea is it cruises soft but quickly perks up when needed. The reality is it will mostly ride on the higher end of the range at 140 lb/in.

I don't know the true specs on the UMI rear spring. They say 130 lb/in in one place of their website, and 200 lb/in in another place of their website. That might hint it is 130-200 lb/in variable rate, but a phone call could confirm. If so, then this would ride rougher just cruising down the road but maybe handle better on a smooth track. The higher spring rate of the UMI might be aimed at people using a dropped panhard bar.

Weight jacks are going to be rough. I would stay away from those for a cruiser.

Last edited by QwkTrip; 12-31-2023 at 12:22 AM.
Old 12-30-2023, 11:54 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

And here are Eibach spring rates from this thread (dated 2004), https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ml#post1727822

Originally Posted by 25THRSS
In the past the exact spring rates for the different eibach kits have been discussed, but nothing really concrete was ever established. With the help of a couple members and eibach tech support I have the actual spring rates for all 3 kits offered for our cars.

Pro Kit: 714 lb/in linear front 1 inch lower front
109/177 lb/in progressive rear 1 inch lower rear

Sportline: 700 lb/in linear front 1.6 inch lower front
80/137 lb/in progressive rear 1.3 inch lower rear

Drag launch: 337/514 lb/in progressive both front sides
80 lb/in linear driver side rear
80/217 in/lb progressive passenger side rear

Eibach says the reason the sportline kit, which is actually lower than the pro kit, is softer is because they use the bumpstops as supplemental spring rate to maintain good ride quality and performance with the lowest drop possible. Hope this helps some of you.
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Old 01-02-2024, 06:37 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

Thanks man! Yeah this car won't ever see a track and I think I'd prefer a milder/softer ride. I really want the Hotchkis but dang, they are a little over $100 more for the set.
Old 01-10-2024, 12:18 AM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

Hey, Nutro. Stumbled across this and thought of you....

Moog-5660 (598 lb/in). $80 for the pair.

You can see the specs here, https://www.moog-suspension-parts.co...il_springs.asp

Not sure how close this is to a Hotchkis front spring but it sure isn't a long way off.
Old 01-10-2024, 12:34 AM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

If u want a 1" drop the 5660 wont give u that, would have to cut some.
Old 01-10-2024, 08:44 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

Originally Posted by QwkTrip
Hey, Nutro. Stumbled across this and thought of you....

Moog-5660 (598 lb/in). $80 for the pair.

You can see the specs here, https://www.moog-suspension-parts.co...il_springs.asp

Not sure how close this is to a Hotchkis front spring but it sure isn't a long way off.
Dang! I went with the 5662 and they sit about as low as my OEM front springs but does ride decent. I just ordered some Hotchkis springs and I am going to go back to the OEM spindles for now so I'm hoping I only get the advertised 1" drop
Old 01-10-2024, 09:27 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

Please think of me first if you sell those drop spindles.
Old 02-09-2024, 04:59 PM
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Re: Hotchkis or UMI springs

Good info in this thread that isn't 20 years old.

Which Hotchkis springs did you go with? Front/Rear?

Does the Moog 5660 posted actually fit 89 as well? When I look it up says 91-92 and all the truck fitment options.

I have had Eibach Pro Kit up front and Sportline read for many years and while it looks perfect, I'm now looking for any way to get the car up higher again without redoing my low hanging exhaust.
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