Kings setup

Hey everyone, this question is especially for those who have Kings 2.5 coil overs with reservoir. The instructions state to adjust desired height before putting on the coil overs. However, the shop that did the install did not adjust to desired height i requested. I was wondering has anyone adjusted this while the coil overs were installed? Also what desired height did you put it to?

**Yes, the shop will take them off again for me to adjust to the height but it will have to wait a week due to shop availability.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

You can adjust them while they’re on the vehicle. King recommends no more than 2.5” for best results. I’m about to have some installed and will be running them at 3” and seeing how I like the ride. I’ve seen some people run them at 4” as well.


http://trail4runner.com/2019/02/18/king-suspension-preload-adjustment/

 

They are a pain in the ass to adjust on the vehicle. The spacing of the holes in the adjustment collar are to far apart so you run into issues with twisting until something gets in the way, but the next whole is still covered so you need to get a little creative in finding a way to rotate it. The other issue is spring tension, even with the weight off the wheels the spring has a lot of tension, trying to raise the ride height with the tension of spring pushing on it will bend the King adjustment tool. You really need to find a small spring compressor and relieve some of the tension.

My advise is set the ride height a little bit higher than you’re thinking you’ll want prior to install, let it settle for a week or two, then try to adjust the ride height down instead of up while it’s installed.

 

Even with mine off the vehicle and a small spring compressor, the 600lb spring made it difficult and the adjustment tool bent anyway. I used a hardened steel drift punch the same diameter, and then slide a steel pipe over the end of that for extra leverage.
When I rebuilt them last year, they were already off the vehicle, went to my buddies shop 30 minutes away because he has a full size compressor mounted to a steel column. After the quick adjustment, threw him a 20 and off I went.
The other thing of note when doing it on the vehicle, you have to get the locking bolt for the collar turned back around in front to gain access to torque it back down.

 

I wouldn’t blame the shop. The springs would settle anyways and always need a second adjustment. Just drive back to the shop and have them adjusted to the height you want.

 

I just ordered this kit. I’ll update once I try it out. But the pictures in the reviews and recommendations from others seem promising.

Shankly Spring Compressor Tool (2 Pieces) - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra Rugged Coil Spring Compressor, Strong and Durable Spring Compressor with Safety Guard and Carrying Case

$50 Shankly Spring Compressor Tool - 2200 Lbs - Extra Strength, Heavy Duty Build, Ultra-Rugged Coil Spring Compressor Tool or Strut Spring Compressor Strong and Durable ATV Spring Compressor Tool

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DQJG24/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_EJ28FbPT6D3TX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

Cool, keep us updated! Feel free to do a write up on how to adjust while on the vehicle, this forum could use more content like that.

 

Honestly, I would forget about trying to adjust them while on your rig. It's hard enough to do it when they're off. As someone else said, the top collar needs to be in the perfect spot to loosen up the bolt to allow it to spin, then you have to turn it around enough so that's in the perfect spot to tighten it. And, that is assuming you can get spring clamps wedged in there with enough space to tighten them down without effing-up the threads on your shock body from the clamp hooks.

 

I've done it lots of times with no ill effects with kings with remote resi. Jack it up to take as much load as you can off the spring, loosen the allen bolts, turn until you get to the point you can't with the tool, then I used a bent punch I made just to get it turned enough to be able to turn it with a tool again. Non sticky lube is key to spray on. Threads were never harmed.

 

Same way I do it, not sure why others have difficulty

 

I can only talk about my experience with my Kings on my 4Runner. I have had Kings on sandrails in the past where they were very easy to adjust, but that's not on a 4Runner. I guess there are spring clamps out there that work very very well on shocks mounted on a vehicle that I don't have. YMMV

 

maybe a lack of elbow grease?