King shock question on "extended" length front shocks

I posted this question in the group buy thread and it was recommended I post it to a wider audience:

Question to the suspension-savvy folks on here. I am not a suspension guru, but I do love good suspensions- my F800GS has a fully adjustable Ohlins setup, all my Ducatis have had the same- even my 110HP Harley had a fully adjustable suspension. I'm a "brakes/gearing/suspension-beats-horsepower-anyday" guy. I'm on the list to buy a set of these w/700lb springs and adjusters. Gary says they are extended travel. My question is- if I want to remain stock or stock +1" (loaded) am I at risk of bottoming/topping or otherwise finding the travel limit of the front shocks (or rear for that matter)-not from the weight but the different travel length? I am looking to replace the rear springs (likely a Deaver pack with 0-1" lift loaded)) as the vehicle will be used for travel/camping/exploring (didn't use the "O" word) but I'd like to hear what you think about the extended length shocks on an otherwise stock IFS.

2019 TRDORDCLB

Thanks

G

 

Here ya go there is a whole thread for 3rd Gen owners and Kings, simple search brought it right up.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-owners-with-king-coilovers.472876/

 

You're going to need upper control arms to get what you want out of an extended shock. Unless there's something I'm missing on 3 rd gens

 

That's I great thread, I sub'd it some time ago. Didn't find an answer specifically. I was just wondering if that extra 0.5" inches would make a difference w/ stock UCA or if I would need to replace- that and the bottom/topout issue. I'll post the question on that thread as well. Thanks.

 

Your coilovers are going to control the upward AND downward forces so your risk of having a hard hit on your shocks is reduced compared to the stock bilstiens your OR has. The bilsteins really jump back if they've been compressed a lot due to the kind of shock they are, and there's no coilovers to cushion that force once it starts to expand the shock if it's been really compressed. If you get a set of Kings with a remote reservoir and coilovers (like the ones Gary is trying to hook us up with) you shouldn't have to worry about the hard hits.

Camburg or SPC UCAs will definitely let you get the most out of the ext. Travel. But I don't know if it would be a necessary upgrade if you're keeping within 1" of stock height. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Also, look up Filthy Motorsports on YouTube. The guy has some great explanations on shocks and talks specifically about Kings in most of his videos.

 

Was wondering that myself- was looking at JBA's and not sure if I should get high caster since my lift would be no more than an inch- loaded. but didn't want to buy them if not needed. I like that the JBA's use an off-the-shelf-type balljoint. Just trying to keep it simple and not buy parts I won't get the potential out of since I'll just be camping/exploring.

 

Yes- Filthy has some great videos.

 

Go with some JBA's you won't be disappointed.

 

You think High Caster would put too much caster if I'm only going for about an inch? Just stick w/STD?
Thanks

 

I would go Standard High Caster anyway in case you ever decide to go with a higher lift.

 

Cool- good idea.

Thanks again

 

The only thing I would be concerned with is your stock UCA hitting the coils. As mentioned above aftermarket UCAs will mitigate this.

JBA are solid, easy to replace ball joints and easy to align.

I have SPC and while they are awesome you need to find someone who knows how to adjust them.

 

If it helps, I’m running extended travel fully adjustable ADS with SPC UCAs. I bought upgraded ball joints made by SPC for $80. The adjustable caster is nice if needed.

I’ve ran the SPC UCAS pretty fast on some decently gnarly stuff. They are good quality so far

 

You should be fine. While it will run through the travel a teensy bit more easily with less preload on the springs, the ride quality will be better. Also, with no or little lift, your roll center will be lower/closer to as designed... it should handle very well.

Since you mention Ohlins... Here's an old teaser for you. These are TTX44 Shocks I built for a Tundra about 10 years back.

 

Nice! Yes, I want to keep COG low, since I'm going to have a RTT over the bed on a rack and it will extend about 10-12" over the cab. Didn't want travel to be reduced either up or down by lifting too much either. Not a Baja kind of rig, just exploring/camping. Thanks!

 

OP. My plan exactly. Will be keeping a watch on this. No to little lift just a premium ride.

 

Pretty sure these coilovers have internal limiters so you won’t hurt the shocks. But With extended length shock you might over extend you stock ball joint. With a uniball UCA (if its the same as my 99 Tacoma that had extended length coil overs and TC UCA’s) You get 1” more droop travel.

 

This be true