Adjusting Fox 2.5 Coilovers

If your not changing the spring rate then the preload will be the same on a 13 or 14” spring at 3” lift. You are still confusing threads showing on the coilover with preload. The preload on a coil is measured but subtracting the free length by the compressed length. So if you preload both coils an inch then obviously one is longer but when installed in the coilover over they will provide the same overall length and lift height. I know it’s confusing but all a longer spring does (of the same rate) is give you the option to preload the spring more before running into spring binding.

 

Longer springs would bind as fast as a shorter spring with the same k factor. A longer spring has a longer flat length and over all has a linear delta spacing between each length spring. You compress a 13" 600# flange 1" and a 14" 600# flange 1" then the coil spacing will be the same bc of the same 600# rate. Unless you run progressive springs then all bets are off and is a different conversation.

FYI that was all engineering rambling thoughts and I have no experience. Just wanted to add to the confusion of this thread

 

I'll say this to add to the above:
I have a heavy front bumper and no other armor. I can not get 3" of lift from my Fox 2.5 extended travel C/O's without losing most of my droop. I will be adding a winch and sliders so then I'll really be screwed. I'll be moving up to 650 or 700lb. 14" coils as soon as I decide which I prefer. Fox using 600 13" coils is foolish. They should be at least 650lb. 14".

 

Installing my fox 2.5 with R/Rs in a week, and the more I read these different posts the happier I am I had headstrong swap the stock springs out with 14" 650# Eibachs. Less preload, and setting myself up for future armor purchases.

 

The 600lb coils are really only good for stock weight Tacomas, adding any additional weight and they will sag and not achieve the full lift. I don't think your ride will suffer too much with a 650lb coil especially with armor, I think the Baja's come stock at that spring rate anyways.

 

I sure wish I knew that was an option!

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road maybe he could do a trade in since his coils are not correct for his weight? Worst they can say is no right.

 

Yeah, that'd be fantastic! I have never got them to reach 3" doing exactly what Fox said.

 

Is anyone running the dakar heavy leaf pack or a similar heavy leaf pack. How did you set up the front? They come stock with 32" (hub center to fender). I'm looking at adjusting mine to 33" to better balance out front and rear.

 

Interested in this as well. Just running the headstrong 3 AAL currently, but eventually I'll need something else. Bed rack, RTT, and high clearance bumper will definitely require something heavier duty.

 

I'm going to do it anyway, I'm 1K mile away from a rotation, when I do that i'll crank the coil overs using the 8mm drill punch technique and then get an alignment. I can feedback after all that. I was just wondering if someone's already gone down this road with a heavy leaf pack. interested in ride quality etc.

I'm pretty sure my caster is out too since fitting the coil overs with Dirt King UCAs. I have 255's, KM2's and I get rubbing on the fenders, I haven't trimmed them yet. Apparently there shouldn't be any rubbing.

 

33” hub to fender would be a 13” lift? Did you mean 23”? 23” would be 3” for 2nd gen and 2” for 3rd gen, since the 3rd gen is already 1” in higher to start.

 

yes I'm going for the 13" lift. typo .

Yes exactly, 2" lift my Gen 3. Since I have like a 3" lift on the rear with the dakar heavy leaf pack.

If needed I would go with a longer or stiff spring, but I can't see that being necessary with no mods to the front end.

 

If you have the coilover cranked down and are running into coil bind and need more height, then a higher spring rate is necessary. A longer spring will take the same preload to get tour desired height, but will give you more room to crank the collar down.

 

Thanks for the info. How did you know you're getting coil bind?

 

The spacing between the coils will disappear. You would definitely have some noises along with it as well.

 

I agree 100% that the fox extended coilovers with included springs are great for stock weight Tacoma. I'm at 2.5" of lift but with a front bumper or added accessories the spring would be be compressed way too much I feel. BUT..my ride is 100% awesome. So I'm very happy with the install and choice.

 

Jack up your front & measure how much droop you have. 3" droop/extension is the bare minimum you want after lifting, if you go off road. Yours is probably <2.5" droop.

 

I measured up front. I have 21.5" on the driver side, 22" on the passenger. 25" drooped on the driver side and 25.5" drooped on the passenger side. Should be fine getting 1.5" lift on the driver side and 1" on the passenger.

Also interesting, that the shocks settle ~2" after you deck the vehicle back on it's wheels. I have the extended travel coilovers.