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Progressive vs Specific Rate Springs

Progressive vs Specific Rate Springs

Progressive vs Specific Rate Springs

Created by Jay Walling
Date Created: 2/12/2015
Last Updated: 1/18/2023


Looking to get the perfect look and ride from your 1979-present Mustang? Follow along as we break down the difference between Progressive vs. Specific rate springs.

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What is the difference between progressive and specific rate springs? Why progressive or specific? What should I go with? Will one ride be worse than the other? Will I have better performance? These are general questions in the Mustang community, and I would like to shed some light on the subject.

Progressive Rate Springs

The term progressive rate will mean that the spring rate of the unit itself will vary throughout it. Most of your specifications will look like this: Front 457-571 in/lbs. This breaks down because of the varying nature of these springs; the ride quality will not suffer compared to the specific rate. These setups would be recommended for your daily driven car. Handling characteristics are heightened due to the lower center of gravity. Improved cornering, braking capabilities, and overall aesthetics of your ride will improve when installing this style of spring.

Specific Rate Springs

The term-specific rate will mean that the spring rate will be consistent throughout the spring itself. These are also known as linear rate springs to some. Most of your specifications will look like 650 in/lb. Overall, this will break down to the continuous rate will be a harsher ride quality. These will be more designed for your weekend warrior or track-only cars. These will dramatically improve all of the handling capabilities of your Mustang. Most manufacturers will recommend using performance dampeners to accompany these more aggressive styles of springs.

Whichever you decide to go with, there are a few other things you want to look at upon installing new springs. These components will work along with your new springs and will make the overall function of your new setup perfect in the long run. Not all spring combinations will require these, but we recommend inspecting them and always having a professional alignment after installation.

Supporting Parts

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Progressive vs Specific Rate Springs - Progressive vs Specific Rate Springs

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About the Author

Jay has written content for Late Model Restoration for over 10 years, producing over 120 articles. Jay has an extensive 25-plus-year background in automotive and is a certified Ford Technician. Read more...