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I've seen some rumors flying around on here about which spring has a heavier rate, which brand and what machines need spring adapters. I've seen rumors elsewhere that the springs are the exact same thing, produced in the same plant, with different colors.
I reached out to Highlifter via email and asked them what their spring rates are for a set that fits a 2020 850 Premium. I asked where the spring adapters are required, and why.
The general sales manager replied to me.
HL "Our app needs updating. You will need this kit. We add 50lbs. of extra capacity over stock springs."
ME "Are the adapters needed for front, rear, or both?"
HL "One kit is required for each front or rear spring kit."
I was surprised to hear that they are recommending the adapters for both front, and rear shocks on the 850. There is much talk here about front spring adapters required on the 850. I've never heard rears are required.
It would have been nice to have actual spring rate values.
I reached out to EPI via email and asked them if their springs are heavier or lighter the HL, why their springs do not require spacers when others do, and if there is any truth to the rumor that EPI and HL products are the same thing, different color.
EPI: I don’t know the highlifter rates. Our front id 252 lbs per inch and rear is 150 lbs per inch. Most all of our springs are black, we have a few models available in red also. I’m guessing the require an adapter is because they are trying to make an older spring fit. ours are built based on the stock springs just 20-25% stiffer. hope that helps.
My curiosity is not satisfied!
I would like to do a comparison of the HL springs vs the EPI springs.
Hypothesis: HL Springs have a higher rate than EPI Springs.
Purpose: To provide information for those that wish to purchase. I don't think that having a lighter, or heavier rate is good or bad. It is up to the consumer to decide what suits their needs best. Most folks would probably be fine with the stock spring rates if they didn't end up squatting so soon.
Testing procedure:
Step 1. Spring rate test: I don't own am official spring testing machine. However, I do own a hydraulic press, a tape measure, and a scale. The idea would be to place the scale on the press, the spring on the scale, and use the press to compress the spring. Take measurements on spring height with a ruler and take weight readings on the scale. Disregard the first inch of compression. Take readings on the 1st, and 2nd inch of compression and do the math. Readings would be taken on OEM, EPI, and HL springs, front and rear.
Step 2. Physical examination of OEM, EPI, and HL springs, front and rear. Coil OD measured, coil count, length, and ID measurements. Compare ID measurements to shock OD.
Step 3. Spring fit up to shock. Show how each spring fits on the shock body and verify whether or not a spring adapter is required.
Step 4. Ground clearance on machine. Install each set of springs on the vehicle and measure ground clearance. A spot on the machine will be marked, a spot on the floor, and tire pressures monitored to assure consistency.
I plan to reach out to both EPI and HL again to see if they would be interested in supporting this test by providing the products. It would be great to see them both get involved. I don't have high hopes as it seems everyone is focused on SXS sales and support these days.
I reached out to Highlifter via email and asked them what their spring rates are for a set that fits a 2020 850 Premium. I asked where the spring adapters are required, and why.
The general sales manager replied to me.
HL "Our app needs updating. You will need this kit. We add 50lbs. of extra capacity over stock springs."
ME "Are the adapters needed for front, rear, or both?"
HL "One kit is required for each front or rear spring kit."
I was surprised to hear that they are recommending the adapters for both front, and rear shocks on the 850. There is much talk here about front spring adapters required on the 850. I've never heard rears are required.
It would have been nice to have actual spring rate values.
I reached out to EPI via email and asked them if their springs are heavier or lighter the HL, why their springs do not require spacers when others do, and if there is any truth to the rumor that EPI and HL products are the same thing, different color.
EPI: I don’t know the highlifter rates. Our front id 252 lbs per inch and rear is 150 lbs per inch. Most all of our springs are black, we have a few models available in red also. I’m guessing the require an adapter is because they are trying to make an older spring fit. ours are built based on the stock springs just 20-25% stiffer. hope that helps.
My curiosity is not satisfied!
I would like to do a comparison of the HL springs vs the EPI springs.
Hypothesis: HL Springs have a higher rate than EPI Springs.
Purpose: To provide information for those that wish to purchase. I don't think that having a lighter, or heavier rate is good or bad. It is up to the consumer to decide what suits their needs best. Most folks would probably be fine with the stock spring rates if they didn't end up squatting so soon.
Testing procedure:
Step 1. Spring rate test: I don't own am official spring testing machine. However, I do own a hydraulic press, a tape measure, and a scale. The idea would be to place the scale on the press, the spring on the scale, and use the press to compress the spring. Take measurements on spring height with a ruler and take weight readings on the scale. Disregard the first inch of compression. Take readings on the 1st, and 2nd inch of compression and do the math. Readings would be taken on OEM, EPI, and HL springs, front and rear.
Step 2. Physical examination of OEM, EPI, and HL springs, front and rear. Coil OD measured, coil count, length, and ID measurements. Compare ID measurements to shock OD.
Step 3. Spring fit up to shock. Show how each spring fits on the shock body and verify whether or not a spring adapter is required.
Step 4. Ground clearance on machine. Install each set of springs on the vehicle and measure ground clearance. A spot on the machine will be marked, a spot on the floor, and tire pressures monitored to assure consistency.
I plan to reach out to both EPI and HL again to see if they would be interested in supporting this test by providing the products. It would be great to see them both get involved. I don't have high hopes as it seems everyone is focused on SXS sales and support these days.