Last updated:
09-04-2007
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HST Parabolic Suspension Systems
The 3 most important features:
HST Parabolic Springs will allow more axle movement due to their typical characteristics and lack of interleaf friction.
HST Parabolic Springs have a slightly higher spring rate and in combination with special shock absorbers it will give more stability to the vehicle at all
speeds, on- and off-road.
HST Parabolic Springs are modular. Separate leafs can be added, to increase load capacity, or removed, to lower the spring rate, without compromising the
structure of the spring itself.
What is a parabolic spring?
Basically a HST Parabolic Spring is a
spring that consists of two or more leaves. The leaves touch only in
the center, where they are fixed to the axle and at the outer ends,
where they are fixed to the vehicle. In between those two points the
leaves do not touch each other as they do with conventional leaf
springs.
Each leaf represents a complete spring in it's self and will act as
such. To enable this the leaf is tapered, from the center (thick) to
the outer ends (thin). This tapering is parabolic, it means that every
centimeter (or inch) the thickness of the leaf decreases in an amount
that relates to the square function of it's length.
Above: Tapering in an "ideal" mono leaf spring. You can see that one leaf has a similar shape as a multi-leaf spring.
Below: You can see the tapering in the leaves of the spring. The leaves taper from the center till the end (eye) and are separated by distance blocs to prevent contact.
This may sound complicated but in fact it is very simple. Every
single leaf will have, more or less, the shape of a complete multi leaf spring and thus it's
capable to cope with the same forces. This means that
the ideal parabolic spring could have only one leaf, however, this type of "mono leaf" spring will have very limited articulation/weight ratio due to high internal stresses so a 2 or 3 leaf parabolic spring can
divide the stresses more evenly across the other leaves and thus more axle movement is possible. That is why we designed 2 and 3 leaf springs. An other reason to increase the number of leaves on a parabolic spring is to increase the rate (load capacity). Because every leaf is one spring we can ad or take out leaves without compromising the strength of the leaf it self. So for example we have a 3 leaf rear spring and we ad one similar leaf the rate will go up for about 30% which means that the load capacity increases by +/- 30% (depending on the shackle effect)
What is included in the HST Parabolic Suspension kit?
All kits include
Parabolic Springs
The HST springs are being
produced by an European factory who makes them according our strict
description, drawings and quality standards. Every individual leaf, made
out of Chrome Vanadium steel, is tapered, rolled, punched, heat treated
and finally dip painted in special corrosion preventing paint leaving a
thick layer. When the paint is dry the springs are being assembled. All accessories
are galvanized to ensure durable protection against the elements.
HST designed and protected "eXtraDura" poly urethane interleaf blocs are fitted
between the leaf ends to prevent steel-to-steel contact and to improve
further ride comfort by eliminating friction.
 
Above: The layout
of a typical 4 leaf spring. Clearly visible are the individual
components.
Below: The individual components are galvanized. The bolts are of a high grade steel and are
metric.
 
Below: Details of the
individual leaves showing all quality aspects of a good product.
  
Shock absorbers
For the complete kits there are several options:
All these shocks are also used by competitors in world rally
events and are made to the highest standards.
Fitting material
Bushes:
All kits will have
the tested and proven durable HST PolyUrethane bushes as
standard.
U-bolts:
Top quality, yellow zinc plated, U-bolts are
made from high grade steel with rolled metric 'fine' thread. Secure
nylock nuts are supplied in the kit as well as thick washers.
Additional fitting material:
If the vehicle requires
additional fitting material, like gearbox lowering kits, they will be
included in the kit. The original springs bolts and shackles can be
used since our springs are 100% interchangeable.
Spring bolts and shackles:
We make special greaseable spring bolts and shackles.
These are put standard in the HST suspension kits but can be bought separately
Note:
No welding or modification is required to fit
the suspension kits.
Warranty
HST Parabolic suspension systems are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for 2 years or 40.000
Km, from date of purchase.
Labor or shipping charges are not covered. Components which have been abused, fitted to rally / race vehicles or fitted in combination with non original modifications, like body lifts etc., are not covered by this warranty.
© 1997 - 2008 Heystee Automotive b.v.
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