Hey guys. I have a 2006 RCSB. I would like it to corner a little flatter. I have been trying to find info on front spring rates, but haven't had any luck. I read somewhere that the Hotchkis springs were the only ones that had an increased spring rate, but they are discontinued.

I know sway bars will improve cornering, and those are definitely part of the plan, but I'm specifically interested in your experience and knowledge of different types of coil spring rates and how perform. Thanks in advance.

 

1.Lower the truck
2.Get a thinner series tire
3.Anti Sway bars (get a bigger 1 in front, actually get one for rear.
4.Shocks

 

You can definitely get the truck to handle better without changing the spring rates. This will also maintain the stock ride while not carving the corners. Lowering the truck with control arms and/or spindles and shackle/hanger or flip kit along with a matched shock and swaybar set will get you there. However, If you do want stiffer springs that will also allow flatter cornering but will increase normal ride harshness. I had Hotchkis springs for many years and it handled and looked great. I just got tired of the stiff ride. Stiffer springs definitely need a stiffer match shock to work right. Too stiff or too loose will make it ride horribly. I found the Doetsch shocks to be the best match for the Hotchkis springs. I do not know what the stock spring rate is but iirc the Hotchkis is a 800lb/in spring. Here is a pick of the Hotchkis spring next to a stock spring...

 

I will add with the additional weight of a supercharger and a2w setup, the front springs rode better than the rear with the heavier de-arched leafs. I think with a better shock, I could have been ok with the front springs after putting the stock leafs back in with a flip kit.

Rear leaf vs Hotchkis leaf...

 

Stock spring rate is 742lbs/in if that helps.

 

Thanks for the info and input guys. I really appreciate it. My truck is a V6 WT, which I think means the front spring rate is a little softer. I cut one coil up front, which lowered it 1.5 inches. I swapped in Gabriel ultra shocks and I'm really not happy with the way the front rides. The back has 2" shackles and the overload spring removed, with Gabriel hijackers so I can still tow and haul stuff. I think I will try the Doestch Tech struts up front next.

 

There is a fair amount of flex in the leaf bushings. Have them swapped out with polyurethane ones.

 

I have a set of brand new hotchkis springs. Pm me is your interested.