Adjusting coilovers without removing

hi guys.
I had a set of “adjustable” Elka shocks installed on my 07 Taco last week. Comparing to the Toytec 2.0 Boss kit I had, previous, they are amazing. I should have done this from day one. Anyhow, I want about 1” more lift (I believe they are pre loaded for around 1.5-2.0”).

I tried to turn the collar but it won’t budge when it’s fully jacked up. Apparently I will need to remove them and have the springs compressed on a spring compressor and then adjust the collar accordingly.

Is there a “portable” compressor that I can use to relieve the tension such that I can spin the collar while still on the truck?

Thx

 

Did you loosen up that pinch bolt as well? Also, spraying some lube on the threads helps make it easier as well

@jberry813

 

Wow, that’s quite a copy of King.

These will work but the heavy rate springs wear them out quickly.

MILLION PARTS Universal Interchangable Fork Strut Coil Clamp Spring Compressor Extractor Tool Set Kit w/Case

https://www.amazon.com/MILLION-PART...57079&s=gateway&sprefix=spring+compre&sr=8-15

 

Yes, I did loosen the bolt. I called the manufacturer (they are located in Quebec) and they said the pressure/friction will make it nearly impossible to adjust without compressors. I don’t really want to remove them if I can. Ugh

The CO were purchased from Downsouth Motorsports , but Toyec and a few others carry them now. Build quality are amazing and more durable than others for harsh Canadian winters. Kings , as an example, “corrode” quite a bit up here with the salted roads (I live inToronto )

 

Oh, those look like it could work for sure. Thank you.

 

First time I’ve seen ELKA on a Tacoma. Why these and not any other the other popular brands on here?

 

They are rebuildable, rebound adjustable (high/low speed) with a simple click of the two adjustment knobs, and less prone to corrosion from what I’ve read. Elka is pretty popular in the ATV racing community and perhaps more importantly, I wanted to buy Canadian ‍♂️. I know it was a leap of faith, but I’m very very happy with them so far in terms of ride quality.

Rides over these Toronto potholes with ease and is exactly the ride I always wanted. The closest I can compare to is the buttery ride one experiences in a Ford Raptor.

Mind you, I also installed a set of Archive Hammer hangers recently as well, so that could be part of it. But the Elka customer service has been superb.

 

Jberry did a great write up of them on the tundra forum. https://www.tundras.com/threads/everything-elka-and-how-they-compare.39659/

 

This is what I use, works well. I have to remove my Fox shocks to adjust also. After doing it a few times now it only takes me about 30 min for both sides after the truck is jacked up and tires off.

 

If you'd like to explore another option before removing the unit completely, I recommend a lubricant of some sort. The adjuster nut and coil seat do have have a lot of friction due the amount of surface area. Some WD-40 or guild way oil that can work it way down in the threads comes in handy. The adjuster nut, spring, and coil seat all rotate together so the coil seat if often overlooked.

Here is where you'd want to spray:
Above the adjuster nut and in the slit of the adjuster & the top of the rodend from inside the coil seat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKUUmbhUrpg
Wipe away any excess after your done with the adjustment to insure it dose not attract debris.
If that's not enough then as you and otheres have mentioned, a spring compressor will be needed.

 

Can you compare the two different shocks?

 

You've used this successfully on Fox Coilovers?

I have 2.5's and would like to adjust mine as they settled about an inch after installing.

I rented a compressor from Autozone but it was a different style and didnt really fit or work.

I'd be interested in the exact process you use.

Thanks!

 

I had a long handle punch but not nearly as long as the setup you pictured. I was leary of backing the Allen screw out too far and causing the collar to jump the threads so I quit while I was ahead.