Adjusting 5100s

Hey guys and gals, what's the best method of adjusting the height notches on the 5100s? Can you do it by compressing the assembled shock and coil? Or do you have to disassemble them? Also I'm replacing the needle bearing can someone tag the best write up thread on that for me?

 

If you have a really powerful spring compressor, you might be able to get these compressed enough to where the coils touch and have enough freedom to slide the base up to get to the snap ring to move it up on the perches.. but generally you'll want to pull the coilover apart to adjust with these. Either way, will still need a decent spring compressor.

 

If I were doing it, I would disassemble them. In order to adjust without disassembly, you would have to really compress your coils down a lot in order to clear the lower coil seat collar and gain access to the adjustment rings; more compression than I would feel safe doing. I just replaced my front 5100s and would not want to compress the springs any further than necessary. Keep in mind I used these (

$38 ABN Coil Spring Compression Tools - 2pc Durable Coil Spring Clamps Strut Spring Compressor Tool Set with Safety Guard

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S4MV7KP?ie=UTF8). If you have a better/safer compressor than mine, I suppose you could possibly do it without disassembling.

 

Yes. Keep your spring rate in mind OP and how much force is on whatever compressor you're using. It can get dangerous quick. Whatever compressor you use, be safe and be careful not to overload it.

Let's say your spring rate is 650lbs/in. For every inch you compress the spring, 650lbs of force is exerted on the compressors. Assuming a constant spring rate, compressing them 6 inches would be over 3,900lbs when you factor in preload.