Suspension…Im lost!

This is an ongoing thread of my suspension issues, maybe something isn’t clicking. I have the Locked Off-road 2.5 resi suspension. 14.3.650 springs. I have maybe an inch of preload just to level the front out a bit. I have had consistent issues with it “topping out” and basically riding like shit. For 14” shocks they measure as the truck sits at 10.5 inches, something tells me that’s not right. Every bump I hit it feels topped out, everyone seems to have a different answer to this. My compression is maxed and I feel like im almost running out of piston to compress as well. Video showed about 1/2 left. I’ll post some pictures. Hoping @AccuTune Offroad will chime in with some answers. Im ready to ditch this trash and but something else at this point.

 

That doesn't look like too much lift based on the angles.

I don't know shit about Locked, but you should see if you can measure the exposed shaft at ride height and compare it to the stated travel number. Looks like you have 4" of shaft showing and they're probably about 5" travel, which would explain your issue.

Also, limit straps are always a good idea if you're topping out frequently.

 

Agreed with squeaky, I don't see any issues based on the pics. Running springs with the same specs with my custom tuned ADS 2.5's and it rides fantastic. Gotta be something with the valving on those shocks. How does the ride quality change if you adjust them to full soft?

Also what tires/size/load/psi are you running?

 

I feel like I should need limit straps an a standard lift though, but idk.

 

The compression adjusters dont do much, I can tell a little that it’s softer but still topping out. Tires, 285/70, E load, running 30-33psi

 

Trying to understand your question more, what do you mean by topping out? Is it fully compressing too quickly (bottoming out) or extending too fast/riding at the top of the travel all the time (topping out).

 

Extending to fast I assume. Def not bottoming out.

 

You do know to measure you supposed to measure from the center of the hub to bottom of the outer fender. If your rear is 22" and front is 22" your level.

 

These trucks are super sensitive to down travel. Mine rode like crap when I had too much preload and it completely changed when I lowered it back down about 3/4". Your CV axles don't make it look like you have too much, but possibly the 650lb springs are too stiff for the second gen. Maybe try reducing the preload as a test to see if it improves. Losing the height sucks but uncomfortable ride sucks more. How much lift do you think it has now over stock suspension-wise?

 

Yep I had a tiny bit of rake so that’s why I adjusted to level it out. These measurements dont have anything to do with being “level” per say.

 

One thing I never did was measure before and after. I feel like there is hardly any lift there, I still clear but it sits super low compared to other trucks I have seen. Just curious why that spring is compressed over 4 inches, even with no weight it measures 11.5.

 

Well maybe first I would take it to an offroad shop and see if they can check/possibly charge your shocks and see if there is any improvement. Beyond that you may need different valving. Have you taken your rig to a cat scale and measured your front axle weight? 650 springs isn't crazy but maybe it's too much spring rate for your weight and valving.

 

So when you lift the wheels in the air, you only gain 1" of spring?

 

I have not, trying to narrow down issues before someone charges my 160 just to diagnose something. I have found other people that run a very similar set up with no issues, so it just has me curious.

 

Correct, I just raised it off the ground and measured 11.5 on the spring.

 

Honestly looks like those are too short.

At full droop, I would measure from the top of the top hat to the center of the lower shock bolt, and compare to King, Fox, etc. Looks like Locked doesn't provide specs, so it's hard to compare otherwise.

 

Do you off hand know where I can find a spec sheet for other brands or just on their site, im going to measure right now

 

21.5 compressed, 22 extended.

 

You won't see the full 14" out of the spring while it's installed. And that installed height doesn't sound too bad according to Accutune: Min installed length (w/ 650lb spring): 11-3/4” via this link: Coilover Spring Rates for Toyota Tacoma & 4Runner – AccuTune Off-Road (accutuneoffroad.com).

To me it sounds like it may be a combo of too stiff of spring paired with too stiff of valving for your truck. 650lb springs are almost too much for the third gen, which is 300lbs heavier up front than the 2g. The 1" in spring you're gaining when it's lifted off the ground leads me to believe the truck has about 2" of downtravel at the wheel which leads me back to thinking you have too much preload. It should be ~3-4" for optimal ride quality. Also those E load tires aren't doing you any favors in the ride quality department.

 

Yeah I went down to 650 because I was told 700 was way too much. Last set up wasn’t harsh until it was worn out. Still appalled that I take away that inch of preload (which is all I have to play with) I may get a better ride and performance but lack the point of a lift. Especially one that claims 25% more travel and up to 2.5 inches of lift. Im going to make an appointment with a shock rebuild shop and see if they have any pointers with valuing.