Odd weight transfer question

[meb]

Regarding a 2,560lb FWD rig.

Adding a larger rear bar aids front traction by transfering weight across the car, right? If one were to increase front spring rate, weight would also transfer across the car, but to the opposite rear wheel?

One would expect a front driver to experience understeer with heavier front spring rates. But, if the front driver's rear suspsion travel was too short - damper contacts bumpstop - wouldn't heavier front rates or a larger front bar be more apt to cause the damper to contact the bumpstop, and therefore snap oversteer?

This was a recent and real condition which was intitially "cured" by bigger front spring rates Unfortunately, all else was equal and the car simply snapped around with vengence after installing the bigger rates up front.

When the rear rates were heavier than the front - 50lbs/in - this condition was not nearly as bad. New front rates were 150lbs/in heavier.

[flavorPacket]

if you want the rear to roll less (ie not hit the bumpstops), increase the rear roll stiffness. That's what you did with stiffer rear springs. Now that the rear's not bottoming out, the wheel rate isn't going to infinity, and the tire isn't complaining because of the sudden change in wheel rate (sort of).

[meb]

Thank you...I really wanted someone to double check my own thinking. That Kit is in the garbage. Still, I was very curious. In related news, it is amazing how many poorly designed components make it to the market place.

[flavorPacket]

indeed, that's why it's always best to do it yourself!