Pre-Load - when is it too much?

I just installed a LP8500 Superwinch this weekend. I had to really crank up the Toytec coilovers to maintain my 2.5 inch lift (22.5" center hub to bottom fender).

I currently have an Allpro Apex bumper, Allpro sliders, and now the winch (slightly over 200lbs for everything). I will also be adding the Allpro front skid plate in the future.

All that being said I now have approx 3" of thread showing on the coilover over (I believe that's the recommemded max by Toytec). Obviously it rides farely stiff.

I want to stay with adjustable coilovers. Would I be better off switching to a King/Icon coilover with a 650 rate? Or king/icon with a 700 rate? Or just keeping what I have? I want to maintain a 2.5-3" lift and have a fairly comfortable ride over train tracks, potholes and bumps in everyday driving.

My driving needs are 80% city and 20% off road. All slow trail driving, headed to fishing, hunting, camping spots and a little fun. I'm in Canada so keep in mind going to a King/Icon coilover is $1500-$1700 last I checked. For my application no resi required. I don't mind spending the $ if the quality and noticable ride difference is there.

 

Use this as an excuse to get kings with a #700 pound spring

 

I'm with ya on this. I'm waiting for a good "scienitific" response so I can show the wife and justify the purchase. Lol

 

Ya im also curious the appropriate amount of threads that you should be able to see haha

 

The cheap way would be to look in to a heavier spring for your Toytecs. Im sure they just use Eibach springs anyways, so you can find out the weight on your current ones and get a set at least 50# more

 

And to much preload can turn in to coil bind, where your coils touch each other in a non sexual way the whole way up the shock but you still have shock shaft left. Also also, after a certain amount of preload it no longer does anything because the coil is already maxed out

 

I thought of this too. I believe mine are 600lbs. I see on the Toytec site they do have 620 available. They may make a 650 but I'm not sure. I'm just not sure if it's worth the $300 to go up 50lbs because I don't know how much of an improvement it would be. I'm almost learning buy once cry after many eff ups I've already made Haha
That being said it's not cheap locally.

 

I wonder if these would work? 16" too long? I'm not sure of current length but I'm thinking 14" for some reason.

 

well DCSB/DCLB, plate bumper and winch .. get either 650 or 700# coils

 

also that shock in your pictures is blown to hell... look at all the oil n dirt build up on it.

 

OP, if you have the cash, then by all means, I fully recommend an upgrade to a full name brand Coilover. Not to say that Toytec isnt a coilover, but they aren't as big as say King/Fox/Icon. Ride quality and spring rates are much improved

 

Get a set of PAC springs in the length and rate you need http://www.racingsprings.com/Suspension Springs/Store/12

 

After speaking with Toytec (great support btw) the smartest option would be a set of high end coilovers w/ a 650/700 coil. Tech a 650/700 Eibach coil "could" be used but the 5100 shock is not designed for it and it could lead to future problems.

 

Yeah, get yourself a set of Kings and never look back.

 

For reference, sits at 23" hub to fender, kings with 14" 700# spring rate, bumper + winch is about 170lbs iirc-

 

Nice, I've been very happy with them

 

You might just need 650# springs that are longer...

 

was that the Boss System from toytec? or just the toytec with bilsteins? I was considering the Boss system myself, but also with a bumper later..

 

Toytec Ultimate. If you're getting a plate bumper later on or winch a highly suggest doing it right the first time rather than going cheaper and rebuying down the road.

 

Looks awesome. How's the ride? Potholes, bumps, city driving...