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Message: [QUOTE="ml36, post: 307170, member: 24656"] this is hard to explain without pictures. but, depending on how much preload is added, the softer spring can be made to react like the heavier spring at different areas of the stroke. picture this, a graph of force vs. suspension travel, with the reaction force created by compressing the spring on the y-axis and the amount of suspesnion travel on the x-axis. for this graph, the line will be straight with a positive slope equal to the spring rate of the given spring. no matter what, a .44 kg/mm spring will alway have a lesser slope thnan a .46 kg/mm spring. now, here is were the preload comes into play. by adding preload to the .44 spring, the line begins to shift in the positive y-direction. so, the spring now produces an additonal x amount of force at every level of travel, which is directly related to the amount of preload. evently, the line for the .44 spring will intersect with the line for the .46 spring. from the point of intersection, the spring will be stiffer in the negative x-direction, and softer in the positive x-direction. for example, i ride an 01 520 mxc that has .42 kg/mm spring in the forks stock. by adding 5 mm of preload, i can get the stock springs to be stiffer from 0 - 1/4 travel and softer for 1/4 - full travel than a .44 kg/mm spring. in my opinion, this is a perfect woods setup, but not good for motocross. i could add enough preload to make the .42 equal to the .44 at mid stroke, but this would make the .42 spring too harsh in the upper stroke. it would aslo cause the race sag of forks to lessen. added preload to a softer spring will always have its advantages and disadvantages. it will make the upper part of the travel stiffer, but the latter part travel will still be softer than the next stiffer spring, unless you add an enormous amount of preload which can then cause the problem of coil bind. but like i said, i was able to add 5mm of preload to my stock springs and it worked for me. the next joe might not like it. plus, i saved 80$. if you ride mainly motocross, i would definately recommend getting the next stiffer spring. for woods, i think it is actually better than the next stiffer springs. i'm ready for the questions. [/QUOTE]

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