ken douch May 13, 2012 5:39 pm
Subject: D.B.3L Front Springs

Having got to the stage of removing these recalcitrant items, I note that they have been fitted with clamps that immobilise/collapse one coil thus reducing ride height, and increasing rate and periodicy.
Referring to Donald Bastow , W.O.Bentley-Engineer page 287, he reports that the springs as originally designed for the 2.6 are 4.5ins dia with 9 effective coils of 0.601 wire dia. Mine agree except they have a wire dia of 0.575ins
Did D.B.soften the suspension for this heavier car? Are there options?
Would a stiffer front suspension be a good idea ? Now is the time for me to replace them if to advantage.
Your thoughts please
Ken

SRD May 14, 2012 4:10 pm
Subject: Re: D.B.3L Front Springs

Ken hi

I think you will find that the spring stiffness between the 2.6 cars and 3.0 litre 4-door may be different in terms of the car ride / softness etc.

Please email me and I Grinning Laughing will give you details of someone who has fully restored a 3.0 litre 2-door nuts and bolts restoration.

Simon

Peter S30 May 16, 2012 4:49 pm
Subject: Re: D.B.3L Front Springs

I measured on 2 different 3ltr DHC and found 14.8-15.0mm on both cars. This is about 0.586 inches. The little span is due to more or less paint or dirt on the wire. I assume there was only one size and difference is tolerance, dirt, sand blasting..

ken douch Jun 02, 2012 5:07 pm
Subject: Re: D.B.3L Front Springs

Hi Simon, Peter
Actually I was looking for a more subjective response fom someone who had actually driven one of these beasts.
Swing axle rear suspension provides a challenge to get roll stiffness correct at the front for optimum handling. The anti-sway bar was added by DB, but it appears that the springs are mostly as designd.
Is the suspension soggy but well behaved? Does it wander like a BMW? Were any of these cars raced, and if so what was done to them?
Your thoughts please
Ken