Coilovers stiffer spring vs preloading to regain lift after adding weight/armor

Question about compensating for adding weight with skid plates or bumper or whatever and getting the amount of lift I want.

If a coilover with 650 lb spring gives 2 inch lift, how is that different than having a 600 lb spring and adjusting the coilover to get 2 inch lift on the same truck?

I know the amount of travel is affected but is it much and what else might be affected? Would it make any difference how it handles on the road?

 

Good question. Not sure I have the answer but I believe the problem is less up-travel. I have my Toytec set at or just under 3" with a custom DYF top plate spacer (1/2 driver, 3/8" passenger for taco lean) that was good for 4" before I armored. I do not recommend this setup. To my knowledge I've never bottomed it out though, at least I've never damaged anything. Going to run it that way until it breaks

 

Spring ratings are on a per inch basis.

It's always better to select the proper spring rating and length for the job at hand, matched with the correct damper to control said spring, than it is to pre-load an existing spring.

 

Happy to here this discussion. (2013 taco same as profile pic)I have a issue with "front sag" post road armor stealth bumper w/ winch. I have pro comp 6" lift with coil overs. What can I do to compensate ?