Coil springs for lift issue

OK done about all the Googling and thread reading my eyes can handle.

Trying to decide between 1 and 2" lift in the front.

Aftermarket springs better than stock obviously (say basic eibach since that's the brand of shocks I bought).

Everything I keep seeing is stock springs are 700lb springs roughly. I have a trail Edition (SR5 with some add ons, fancy stitched seats and nice wheels).

But eibach springs from what I have been able to connect, come starting at 600lbs. Stage 1 kit (basically what I'm doing based on part numbers) comes with those springs.

But why a lighter rated But longer spring?

Can't wrap my head around a lighter spring when adding weight to the front like armor. I've got Avid bumper guard that's it so doesn't matter really. I get the longer spring for lift then pick your weight based on what's on your truck and ride height you want.

But WTF gives with lighter than stock springs? Or is the 700lb stock rated actually BS?

I ask because first I'm lifting, second is I sure in the hell don't want a softer front end than stock if I decide to pull my swaybar (I haul 2 10ft and 1 8ft kayak on rack).

I don't have to get new springs, but if there is something I'm missing because of confusing threads that actually makes a solid case for new springs, then I'll get them.

Thanks.

 

The spring strength you mention is spring rate, not constant load. The eibachs are 600 lbs per inch of travel. So the eibach spring will compress more than the stock from free length than stock . They’re likely longer and so the truck could sit higher still.

and a softer spring is actually desirable for whoops and higher speed off roading

 

Looks like stock springs do have a lower spring rate



https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/coilover-spring-rates-for-toyota-tacoma-4runner/
Good article. Good luck!

 

Ya I know, bad wording on my part.

I get the suspension function side of it (I mountain bike, rear shock is tuned coil shock). It's the matter of not getting info that makes sense. I don't want softer springs, ya smoother but that also has drawbacks which I don't want. I'd rather stick with the stock springs performance and move the clips up for ride height than go more than slightly softer

 

These screenshots are for a 1st gen, not 3rd gen...not even close to the same thing. 3rd gens weigh considerably more in the front and do have a 700# coil 1” less than extended travel coils

 

Nice catch

 

Why NOT use your stock springs on 5100's? Bilstein made 5100's too be used with the 3rd gen's stock springs.

What you need to know about lifting a 2016 Tacoma - Presented by Toytec Lifts | Tacoma World

 

Well eibachs I can do the same thing, move the spring plate up to get lift. Not worried about that. But I may add a winch in the front later so trying to sort out this spring mess.

 

If somebody sends me springs I'll rate them.

 

Just installed Eibach springs and 5100's on my fathers 16 sport access cab. He loves the ride. He thought it rode too soft before. Truck does not have any added weight in the front. He carries maybe 100 pounds in the back at all times. Riding on 265s

 

Compared to the tundra and other full size trucks I've driven, my 2021 trail rides rather stiff. But I also have stock Hitachi shocks atm.

 

I suggest reading the accutune article.

I don’t know what you mean by “smoother” in regards to a coil spring. It’s a simple device and I’m skeptical that different brands vary much in quality. I think the main (only?) reasons to install an aftermarket coil spring are to change your spring rate and/or spring length and to avoid the need for a spring compressor when changing your shock (ie buy an entire coil over).

 

Here’s the only 3rd gen info I’ve found.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...2016-tacoma-presented-by-toytec-lifts.395798/

Says 717 lb/in for the coil springs.

 

Softer, more supple, smoother ride. Basically all else being equal, the spring will compress faster and easier, doing a better job of smoothing out the bumps. Trade off is easier to go deep into travel. Which a tuned shock can compensate for too a point.

I did read the article on tuning, it's nothing I didn't already know the principles of, but giving references based on added weight is awesome, much less brain power figuring that out.

The purpose of this thread is, as people have tried to point out showing the same numbers I found, is it makes no damn sense. Stock springs are supposedly a higher rate by quite a bit compared to aftermarket ones when doing add on weight. Obviously a spring rate is linear, rate increases as load/preload increases.

What I'm having issues with is how can a 600lb spring that's slightly longer hold more static weight at a given ride height than a 700lb spring that's an inch shorter (and adjusted for at the shock)? Physics says that ain't happening.

So either stock spring rate isn't right as posted or the after market springs aren't right.

 

Ok, I misunderstood your comment about "smoother" springs. I now think you simply equating lower spring rate with a smoother ride.

To clarify one of my points, I think replacing your stock springs with Eibach springs of the same length and spring rate would be a waste of money assuming your stock springs are not damaged or worn out. Neither is likely "smoother" than the other.

I have 600 lb King springs with near stock weight and I get about 2" of lift. The lift comes from additional length and preload of the spring. Some people think that preload makes the spring "stiffer", but that's not really true. Preload does not change the spring rate. My preload is adjustable, so as I add weight I can increase preload to get my desired ride height (up to a limit). Dynamic characteristics can be tuned via the shock.

I think there is a Filthy Motorsports video on youtube discusses this subject.