Adding Preload to King shocks

Yes, that was probably Ryan heading to work

 

Jack up the truck and lube the collars loosen the bolt 1 turn. Then u can move the resi hose out of the way. Use the included king punch. Just be sure that only the collar is turning and not the whole shock body. This is very simple to do on the truck with a standard punch and without messing up anything.

 

nice! gonna need to come by when i get ready to do my shocks! i thought the closest offroad place was 4wp and have never seen you store even though i drive psat your building like every day for the past 6 years!

 

Swing on by!

 

Nope, shouldn't unless you remove it completely. A turn or two is no issue.

 

Only loosen the fitting at the shock body, and not too much. Too much could cause oil to leak out.

 

Just clarify my comments. @Zachs_Tacomer I thought you were referring to the Allen screw in the collar. That is okay to loosen a turn or two.

To Accutune's point, I wouldn't mess with the hydraulic fittings if you don't need to. Just get the right adjustment tools. Good Catch.

 

I've always done it with the shocks still mounted to the truck, 1st gen with 600# springs. Never really had an issue but I don't have reservoirs on mine. The UCA tends to get in the way though but I'm able to turn the collar using a big metal punch that's slightly angled at the end. Just loosen the collar and spray the threads down with some PTFE spray to help it turn, taking care not to go too fast or you might jump threads.

If you're using the spanner wrench maybe try picking up a punch instead and see if that gives you more workable room.

 

I wonder if the king tool with the slight bend in it with the handle will reach back enough to the eyelid. I guess it’s worth it to order the tool

 

I’ll get some PTFE and make sure it get some into the threads. I used WD-40 but didn’t let us soak long. It was challenging to move the collar

 

PTFE dry lubricant is a better one to use, pretty much on anything that doesn't require grease. Works better than WD40 and most other lubricants (silicone, white lithium, etc) leave sticky residue that attracts dirt and grime.

 

Good to know. Yeah now I have to spend the time to wipe the WD-40 off the side I tried haha. Thanks for the info!

 

Definitely don’t want to use that method now . Thanks for that

 

I had issues with my first adjustment as well. The King tool is a great for this.

Also, you may want to consider a little less preload on the passenger's side to compensate for taco lean, FJ lean........ Is that still a thing with 3rd gens?

 

I’ll guy the different king tool. I have the one that cane with them, but it doesn’t work well. I have one side adjusted more for the taco lean already! Just need a turn or two on each side to raise the front

 

No why would it just tighten it back up when your done. Loosen it enough to where the fluid doesn't come out buy you can twist hose. Ive had no problems.

 

How many turns do I need for an inch of lift?

 

1/4”? I don’t know what springs, weight, etc... but 1/4” is a good start. Play around with it for a couple of days and once you’re happy, go get it aligned.

 

HUUUUGE difference with just that little bend in it. Makes it so much easier.