Fox 2.5 coil over w/reservoir. Adjusting preload while on truck?

What’s up guys,
I was wondering if anyone with the fox 2.5 resi have been able to adjust the preload while still installed on the truck? I have the fox spaner wrench but it doesn’t fit with the resiviors. Or will I have to get them taken off the truck to adjust them. I want to crank them down a few turns to get 1/2” to 1” more lift.

Thanks for any info or advice.

 

At the very least you will want the weight of the truck off the suspension. So jack it up safely till the suspension hangs, or put it on a vehicle lift. You should be able to turn it then.

 

Cometspop here I tried adjusting mine while on truck with susp. hanging,did'nt work out ,messed up the adjusting nut and it takes many rotations to get that 1'' of lift you want.I removed it built a jig ,bolted it to jig ,screwed jig to workbench & still needed to have a friend hold the coilover strait up & down.I cranked about 7/8'' installed them the ride was horrible like no susp.at all.Did it all again put that all back where the smart guys set it at FOX & learned from it.those coilovers look too bitchen to mess up .good luck

 

Buy a t handle coil over adjustment tool. It goes in the holes on the adjustment ring and gives you a lot of leverage. 1/4 inch on the coilover translates to 1/2 inch lift, 1/2 inch on the coil over translates to 1” of lift.

 

Yes. I just actually did this. I had to lift my UCA up so that I had enough space to use my Spanner Wrench. However, if I need anymore pre-load, I’ll have to take them off and use a compressor with the spring.

 

Thanks for the info. How did you lift the UCA? Did you have to undo the bolt where the bearing is?
Also been following your thread on dirty deeds exhaust. Can’t wait till the finished product is out!

 

Ditch the spanner wrench and get a punch set from harbor freight. There is one (I forget the size) that fits exactly in the holes. Jack up the truck to take the weight off, loosen the collar set screw (but not too much or you will jump threads) and then turn. A little lube on the threads doesn't hurt either. I've done this numerous times and mine turn pretty easy.

 

How about taking out a bit of preload to lower the front and get my rake back?

I would imagine this being easier on the threads because you’re releasing the spring instead of compression?

Anyone have experienced this?

 

Techniques are about the same.

Clean and lubed threads help regardless of direction

 

Much agreed, we talking anti-seize or some grease for lube?

 

Doesn't much matter, as you're going to clean it off when you're done

 

@LDS 77 yes, you CAN do it. Doesn’t mean it’s the recommended way. If you decide to try, droop the suspension off the ground so you remove the spring force as much as possible. There’s a small allen screw, 3/16” I believe, that you’ll need to loosen but don’t loosen it too much. If you back the allen screw out too much and try to turn the collar, there is a possibility that the collar will skip threads and you’ll have an entirely different issue on hand.

As stated, you may want to try a punch or other tool than the spanned wrench as the coil bucket limits your access.

The recommended way would be to remove the spring entirely and adjust the collar but that’s obviously more work.

 

Hey! Im in the same boat as you and need to back off the preload a bit. Did you end up doing this? If so, how did it go?

 

Spray the threads with lube, lift the truck up enough to get the wheels off the ground and give it a go.

 

That is the plan! I was hesitant since the threads are aluminum and some folks say you can stril the threads or the preload disc can skip some threads. I've also heard from a buddy and a few on this forum that it is done pretty easily. Thanks will update. This is where the shop put my preload a year or so ago lol

 

Don’t back the set screw out too far and you’ll be fine. I’ve gone up and down a few times without a problem. But I’m careful about it all.

I use the SPC compressors now. A good tool to have for the inevitable servicing of the shocks. Split the cost with some buddies and pass them around.

 

I actually have a pair of those! Haven't used them yet, but seem straight forward. Can you fit them on the coilovers while they're installed? Do you disconnect the UCA? I suppose it's worth trying to de-load without them first but I would never try to put more preload on without them.

 

We are able to fit the compressors while on the truck and without disconnecting anything. It’s tight, but fits. One goes right side up and the other upside down. It’ll be intuitive when you try to squeeze them in there.

 

Second this in every way, works every time for me. The HF punch set fits right in. Helps to keep the threads lubricated so I touch them up every 5k miles just as a habit.