Help with stiff suspension

I've had this suspension set-up for a few years it's time to fix it!
What I have:
King front shocks and Deaver rear springs.

When I ordered the Deavers I asked for a 1.5" lift. What I got was almost 3". They said they would fix it but it was to much hassle (and down time) to send them back plus I liked the height. To get the front to be 'almost' the same height I had to crank the springs down to raise the front end up. Resulting in a stiff front end. It's quite noticeable on the street and very noticeable on a rough trail. It makes for a long beat up day on the trail!

How can I extend the springs (raise the spring retainer) to make the ride softer but keep the same ride height?
Can I add spacers on top of the Kings?
Other options while trying to keep it cheap?

 

you sure they messed up? because by the time you know you need new leafs, most trucks have settled about 2 inches from its original oem height so you get about a 2" lift just from "no lift" oem height leafs so if you bought 1 1/2" lift you should see it sit about 2 1/2" higher.

if you replace your front strut springs with new oem original height strut springs it will raise the front about an inch on average because it also has settled that much from its original oem height

 

Maybe they didn't mess up but in the 3+ years I've had the rear springs they haven't settled much that I've noticed.

'Front strut springs' are currently from King, with their strut and spring.

 

I've found that 'cheap' and 'quality suspension' (ride, handling, quality wear) are mutually exclusive terms.

If you're happy with the rear set up, it seems you'd be better off to shop for a proper front suspension that is complimentary?

 

Do you know what springs that the kings have? They offer different spring rates depending on what aftermarket accessories you may have. I would keep away from using spacers and either change front coils and or springs instead. How far do you have the fronts cranked down?

 

They are cranked down less than I thought. About 3/4".
Springs are shown in picture below.

Also the truck still doesn't sit quite level.
Does King sell slightly longer springs?

 

Or maybe a lighter spring rather than longer?

 

I have a set of Kings ext with close to 2" of thread showing on top of the adjuster for about 3" of lift and my truck rides nice and smooth. With the little amount of preload set on yours should ride real soft. Maybe you are getting most of the rough ride from the rear springs or maybe time for a rebuild on the Kings with some different valving.

 

Wow, 2"?
Are yours maybe a longer version? Do you know which weight spring is on yours?

 

Yes they are the extended ones but think they have the 600lb coils like yours they are only a year old too. Didn't have any special valving done just off the shelf whatever they come with.Have Allpro off road 3" rear springs with a couple leafs removed and bilstein 5100 and the truck sets pretty level and rides pretty good. Rides a little firmer than it did all stock but think that is mostly from the E rated MTR's

 

I would contact King and talk to them direct. Something just doesn't sound right with your set up and might just be overcharged. They build the coil over shocks up with several different factors in mind. Length, coil size, stiffness, valving, and gas volume. They could just be the wrong length, overcharged or not even the correct valving. My set up is quite a bit different as I have 700lb coils and the adjustable reservoirs. They are cranked down about 1-1/4" for a 2" lift and ride very smooth. I also have a lot of additional weight up front on my FJ and they nailed it when building mine. I talked to a guy named Dave when I ordered mine and they were very helpful.

 

They usually ship without a charge. Are yours charged with nitro properly?

 

Not sure. Bought them used.
Will call King Monday.

 

Mine were definitely charged. As far as I know they ship ready to install. I have heard of people overcharging them though.