King Coilovers w/ compression adjusters
06-08-2014, 04:57 PM
#11
Damn dude that's a killer setup! Just a tad overkill for my usage though haha.
I was able to install the rear shocks in about 15 mins while I was swapping wheels/tires out. My hopes were that making this upgrade would help a bit with the bed bouncing around unloaded but so far it doesn't seem to be making a big difference. I'll reserve judgement until I get the coilovers installed (hopefully this afternoon) and get the compression settings adjusted.
I was able to install the rear shocks in about 15 mins while I was swapping wheels/tires out. My hopes were that making this upgrade would help a bit with the bed bouncing around unloaded but so far it doesn't seem to be making a big difference. I'll reserve judgement until I get the coilovers installed (hopefully this afternoon) and get the compression settings adjusted.
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sigma pi (09-25-2014)
06-08-2014, 07:47 PM
#13
Updates
Updates:
So I got everything installed a few weeks ago. Haven't had the time to really play around and adjust the compression settings to see if there's any magic riding spot.
As far as installation goes, the backs were SUPER easy. Just need to have two jacks on hand, one for the frame to lift it all up and one for the axle to get the shock mounted.
The fronts were tricky. Not bad once I got it figured out, but tricky. Have to remove the sway bar mount in order to get enough droop to get the top of the coil into the housing. The lower bolt that goes through the coil mount at the bottom was TIGHT. REAL tight. I've got a 3/4" drive metric set from harbor freight and I use a busted lacrosse stick that I slide onto the end for more leverage. Still took all the ***** I had. Didn't have an adapter for the rattle gun. Added to xmas list.
The guy I bought them from had the preload set both a little unevenly and a good bit too much. I took all but two threads out of it and I may take the rest down to stock just for grins to see if I can soften it up more. The spring rate is 600 lbs I believe. May not sit perfectly level, but I'm ok with that.
Ride Quality:
I'm not sold yet. I don't think this has to do with the suspension as much as it has to do with the BFG AT/KO's I installed (285/75/16). Also, the tires I got (used) happen to be a mismatch set with load ratings. Two of them (front) are E rated and the other two are D's. Same size.
The crappy ride quality I think is just the truck itself. Hit a bump (especially in the back) and the whole truck just vibrates like it wants to shake itself to pieces.
Totally agree with you here and I think this is what still doesn't have me sold. I think the right combo of rear springs and air pressure settings for the BFG's will have the ride quality pretty well sorted while still being more capable than the stock setup.
I put in a call to Alcan and they quoted me at $700 for basically the same thing as the deavers I believe. Unless there are any objections, I think that's the route I'm going to go.
I will take pictures and post them here as soon as I get time.
So I got everything installed a few weeks ago. Haven't had the time to really play around and adjust the compression settings to see if there's any magic riding spot.
As far as installation goes, the backs were SUPER easy. Just need to have two jacks on hand, one for the frame to lift it all up and one for the axle to get the shock mounted.
The fronts were tricky. Not bad once I got it figured out, but tricky. Have to remove the sway bar mount in order to get enough droop to get the top of the coil into the housing. The lower bolt that goes through the coil mount at the bottom was TIGHT. REAL tight. I've got a 3/4" drive metric set from harbor freight and I use a busted lacrosse stick that I slide onto the end for more leverage. Still took all the ***** I had. Didn't have an adapter for the rattle gun. Added to xmas list.
The guy I bought them from had the preload set both a little unevenly and a good bit too much. I took all but two threads out of it and I may take the rest down to stock just for grins to see if I can soften it up more. The spring rate is 600 lbs I believe. May not sit perfectly level, but I'm ok with that.
Ride Quality:
I'm not sold yet. I don't think this has to do with the suspension as much as it has to do with the BFG AT/KO's I installed (285/75/16). Also, the tires I got (used) happen to be a mismatch set with load ratings. Two of them (front) are E rated and the other two are D's. Same size.
The crappy ride quality I think is just the truck itself. Hit a bump (especially in the back) and the whole truck just vibrates like it wants to shake itself to pieces.
I will take pictures and post them here as soon as I get time.
06-09-2014, 04:34 AM
#14
interesting...
so...i just bit the bullet and ordered a set of the king OEM 2.5" w/ reservoir set up Friday night...before your post.
is the ride quality not as smooth/plush as your stock set up? I have a 2013 FX4 Screw w/ 20" wheels, and while it's not bad, I was looking for something more 'supple' yet improved handling on the street.
This reminded me of my prior ride, a 2007 4runner limited, that I ended up swapping out for a set of Walker-Evans 2.5" coilover set up. I also upgraded the tires to a BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO. I was pretty disappointed with this combo--the ride was plain harsh on the street. The handling improved, but I was mentally comparing them to a buddy's 4Runner with a Icon coilover set up, which was really 'plush'.
I also will be upgrading my rims/tires, gonna go with Goodyear Duratracs I believe...
is the ride quality not as smooth/plush as your stock set up? I have a 2013 FX4 Screw w/ 20" wheels, and while it's not bad, I was looking for something more 'supple' yet improved handling on the street.
This reminded me of my prior ride, a 2007 4runner limited, that I ended up swapping out for a set of Walker-Evans 2.5" coilover set up. I also upgraded the tires to a BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO. I was pretty disappointed with this combo--the ride was plain harsh on the street. The handling improved, but I was mentally comparing them to a buddy's 4Runner with a Icon coilover set up, which was really 'plush'.
I also will be upgrading my rims/tires, gonna go with Goodyear Duratracs I believe...
06-09-2014, 10:25 AM
#15
To be honest, I don't think it is any more plush. Maybe I'm nitpicking. I'm having trouble remembering how the truck felt stock at any rate. I may swap back to highway tires when I get home and see how that feels. If I eliminate at least one of the variables, I may be able to come up with a better consensus on the suspension.
The previous owner of the suspension also had them re-worked by King for a supposedly even softer damping too. He said they changed to a lighter weight shock oil to cope with the cold temps in CO and adjusted the internal valving accordingly.
The previous owner of the suspension also had them re-worked by King for a supposedly even softer damping too. He said they changed to a lighter weight shock oil to cope with the cold temps in CO and adjusted the internal valving accordingly.
06-09-2014, 06:15 PM
#18
I'm going to try taking all of the preload out of the fronts and see where that puts me. I'll report back afterwards. For the most part I think it's the rear leafs that are killing the ride quality. Just not soft enough to absorb small chatter.
06-09-2014, 07:33 PM
#19
Senior Member
Have you talked to King? At the beginning of the thread you mention that you were looking at used ones. Is that what you purchased? If so, are you sure they are set up for your vehicle? Call King, explain what's going on.
