Adding Preload to King shocks

I added a lo pro bumper to my 3rd gen and I noticed my front end is lower than before. I want to turn the collar on the King’s a few times but I’m having issues.

When I turn the collar, the tool hits the reservoir fitting before I can get to the next hole on the collar to turn it more. Do I have to remove the entire shock from the truck? Also, will it screw up the threads adding preload without compressing the spring?

 

It's ideal to remove the shock to adjust preload. If you have a local shop with a good spring compressor, that will also save you a lot of time adjusting the collar. We have people come in all the time with their shocks to adjust preload.

You also are a lot less likely to damage the shock with no weight on the spring. Those collars get chewed up all the time.

 

It’s certainly possible to do without removing the shock. Kind of a slow process and it’s a PITA but it’s possible. I’d recommend removing them just to save the head ache.

 

Seems like everything points to taking them.. what a hassle! What are the odds I get a spring compressor on the spring with them on the truck?

Also, if I adjust the collar two turns do I need an alignment?

 

They are a #6-700 spring which requires a good compressor to do it right, and safely. I would highly recommend not going the cheap route with a spring compressor. Again, if you have a local shop, give them a call and see if they can do it all for you.

 

Do you have the meat hook looking tool sold by king?

 

Ya you are right. I have a local off road shop I trust. I’ll have him do it for me. Thanks for the advice!

 

I have the tool provided by King. It’s a punch / rod looking tool. I got it to turn alittle and it was a bitch. Then I learned I can screw the threads up without compressing the shock. I’m going to take @AccuTune Offroad suggestion and bring it in!

 

When I had Kings I marked one of the collars doing it but was able to get the desired amount of preload. Was a pain in the butt no doubt.

 

You would think this should be an easy thing! Stick the tool in, turn, and be done. I’d rather do it right than screw anything up tho.

 

No doubt the resi fitting is in the most inconvenient location for that.

 

I adjusted mine many times without removing them from the truck, and did not damage anything.

May be a "duh" statement, but make sure you loosen the allen locking bolt in the spring collar.

Spray Wd-40 or Tri-flow liberally on top of the adjusting ring and ensure it wicks down into the threads.

With your truck on jack stands (sway bar preferably disconnected) the shocks at full droop should have only a little pre-load on the springs.

With King's "meat hook" tool, you should be able to always access the next adjusting hole. The bend in the tip is what allows you to do this.

Should be relatively easy to do. Given i had a first gen with no resi hose in the way, i was able to get more rotation for each turn, you should still be able to get 2-3 full rotations this way in the same amount of time it would take to remove the whole assembly. Especially if you have to take it somewhere to have the spring compressed.

 

Get this: https://www.kartek.com/parts/king-s...g-shocks-516-spanner-wrench-pin-diameter.html



I also use a straight punch to help. Don't worry about removing from the truck, unless you are super concerned with the appearance of the eyelets on the collar. Jack up truck to remove weight , loosen a couple of turns BUT DO NOT REMOVE the set screw in the collar, use king tool to add or remove the preload. Leave collar in a position where you can tighten the collar clamp bolt. Tighten everything up, set back on the ground, and jump on bumper to settle out the ride height.

 

Also, King does not recommend more than 1" of pre-load. If you need more than 1" to get the ride height you want, they say you need to increase your spring rate.

 

This, plus the King tool is the right size and should not damage the adjusting holes. Using a straight punch that's not a perfect snug fit can oval out the holes making further adjustment more of less impossible without additional damage. Then you have to replace the spring collar and that's even more of a pain.

 

I used a punch with identical sizing to the king tool. I bought a kit at HF. It helps when you have the reservoir hose to contend with when the hook on the King tool isn't quite right. I've had mine for 10 years and I've made frequent adjustments. A couple of my holes look a little used, but not bad at all. Most of the damage would happen if you didn't loosen the clamping screw properly.

 

I had this issue with my radflos. I loosen the res mount where it connects to the shock and titled it up which created enough room for my to adjust it. Might be the same with kings!!!

 

I’m thinking that tool could be exactly what I need. I’m using the straight tool that fits in the eyelids but I can’t get to the next eyelid to turn more. Maybe that will do it

 

Dumb question, but loosening that fitting won’t screw anything up?

 

hey are you in a jeep? i saw a accutune jeep ahead of mee getting off the 405 this AM