05-23-2006, 11:04 AM
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Re: Amphi Shiocks
Ed Price, I believe, did some testing a ways back in relation to the Surplus Center snowmobile shocks.. Here's a clip of the results, Ken: I finally got around to measuring the spring rate for my Amphi front coil springs. I also measured the rate for a new Maeco PK22K1 coil-over shock (available from Surplus Center at $20 each). Here's the results:
For 1 inch of compression:
Original Amphi Front Spring #1: 172 pounds
Original Amphi Front Spring #2: 145 pounds
Maeco PK22K1 Shock & Spring: 180 pounds
For 2 inches of compression:
Original Amphi Front Spring #1: 350 pounds
Original
Amphi Front Spring #2: 304 pounds
Maeco PK22K1 Shock & Spring: 310 pounds
Averaged out, the spring rates for each are:
Original Amphi Front Spring #1: 175 pounds per inch
Original Amphi Front Spring #2: 152 pounds per inch
Maeco PK22K1 Shock & Spring: 155 pounds per inch
I conclude that one of my front springs is a bit weaker than the other. I also see that the Maeco is very similar to the original Amphi springs. So, I'm going to follow Ken Chambers advice and use the pair of new Maecos on the front of my Amphi.
BTW, the Amphi shocks have an extended length of 13" and a stroke of 3.5". The Maeco shock has an extended length of 13.25", and a stroke of 3.5". This is so close as to be identical. No one responded to my request for the actal weight of the front end of an Amphicar, but based upon a 38/62%weight distribution I figure the front end load at about 880#. I've sentmy ALDAN shocks back for rebuild (again) under the lifetime warranty. I'm going to five them one more try, w/ the springs adjusted a long as possible. Something I didn't mention during my recent alignment episode, the technician (owner) of the shop noted that I w/ the Maeco shocks I had virtually NO front end suspension. All of the movement was coming from the tires. Even w/ two of us pulling on the bumper we couldn't get spring flex. With the "topping" I has w/ the ALDAN shocks and original springs, it makes me wonder if the original Amphicar springs are a bit too strong for the vehicle weight. |