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Kings front end questions

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Dr. Emmett Brown, Jul 20, 2019.

  1. Jul 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM
    #1
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Trying to get answer for my front end setup.

    I'm set on getting Kings with TC UCAs.

    I'm leaning towards getting 650 coils because I don't have a front bumper yet but plan to fabricate one in 3 years most likely. Is it possible to swap out to 700 pound springs later on the same shock?

    Also I'd like to sit between 2.5-3" of lift and have read that they make a longer shock that requires less preloading to achieve the lift.

    Are compression adjusters worth the extra money? I'm trying to buy this all at once so I don't have to wish I shelled out for more.

    I'm currently on 5100s with 888s and they sag like crazy so I'm trying to keep my ride height while mainting decent ride quality.
     
  2. Jul 20, 2019 at 3:30 PM
    #2
    Alesimo

    Alesimo Jeeper

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    I have the 2.5 ext with adjustersand a 700 spring and it still required a bit of preload. Maybe the base ride height is a bit taller. And yes the springs are swappable
     
  3. Jul 20, 2019 at 3:49 PM
    #3
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    They don't make a longer shock/coil or that's what the "extended" version already is.
    Are you running a bumper and winch?
     
  4. Jul 20, 2019 at 4:38 PM
    #4
    sagexp

    sagexp Well-Known Member

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    Yes you could swap out 700's for the 650's in the future.

    Were it me I'd go 700 now and just "deal with it" until I put on the bumper, but that's just me. I really don't know how the 700's would ride with factory weight up front. I've got 700's with a C4Fab LoPro, Warn M800 w/ synthetic line, and a Baja Designs S8-20 light bar for a 145lb net increase up front. The 700's ride beautifully with that set up on the street with the front compression adjusters set to 6 clicks, and rears set to 3 clicks.

    Which brings me to my next point:

    For me, worth every penny. Because I wanted a sweet ride on the road since this is my commuter, and be able to dial up the compression when carrying a heavy load in the back and / or off road. On road my setting is 6 front / 3 rear. Off road I'm at a 9 or 12 front and 6 rear. When I am on the way into our out from camp with a heavy load in the back, I'm at 9 front and 18 clicks rear. Makes a huge difference to me to be able to carry a heavier load and not be constantly hard into the bumpstops with the slightest dip or bump in the road since I'm traveling usually 60 miles one way off road to camp.

    I know a good number have the opinion they are a waste because they are messed with once or twice and left there. For me, that's not the case. I want / need the firmer ride when off road (especially with a load in the back). I'd not spend the money ever again for an upgraded suspension without adjustable compression adjusters. I have kings with 700 lb coils on my Gen1 as well, and they are great. But not as great as they would be if I had the adjusters. The setup on my Gen1 is fantastic off road, but a bit too firm on road. And constantly hard into the bumpstops if there's a load of camping gear, firewood, or elk in the back.

    I still think the adjusters is about the best $500 I've spent on the truck so far, at least for how I use the truck. YMMV.
     
    dead.fm13 likes this.
  5. Jul 20, 2019 at 7:24 PM
    #5
    SpeySquatch

    SpeySquatch Function over Form

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    The stock TRD OR coils are 700#.
     
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  6. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:12 PM
    #6
    SearArtist

    SearArtist GX poor

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  7. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:14 PM
    #7
    opeesha

    opeesha Well-Known Member

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    Maybe someone here could help me, I bought a used pair of King 2.5's and am wondering if the lower mount comes with two alignment spacers on each or just one? can someone post some detailed/close up shots of the lower mounts for me?
     
  8. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:17 PM
    #8
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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  9. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:18 PM
    #9
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This thread is like 6 comments deep and you're thread-jacking it already. Thanks.
     
    El Duderino and SR-71A like this.
  10. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:19 PM
    #10
    SearArtist

    SearArtist GX poor

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    I would call accutune or filthy motorsports and let them help you. They are well regarded and very knowledgeable in this subject.
     
  11. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:20 PM
    #11
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I feel like I can handle the stiffness of 700s for the time being.

    Everyone on this forum said HD Dakars unloaded would ride like ass and I 100% disagree with that. They ride fine to me even with an empty bed.
     
  12. Jul 20, 2019 at 8:22 PM
    #12
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's what I'm thinking I should do as well.

    Gotta find a place that'll ship um to Hawaii for a decent price too.
     
  13. Jul 20, 2019 at 9:37 PM
    #13
    opeesha

    opeesha Well-Known Member

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    It’s “related” :thumbsup:
     
  14. Jul 20, 2019 at 9:51 PM
    #14
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

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    This is just an offshoot of your other post, you could have asked there. Thread jack permitted :hattip:
     
  15. Jul 20, 2019 at 9:55 PM
    #15
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Lol. Alright you guys win. :deadhorse:
     
  16. Jul 22, 2019 at 9:38 AM
    #16
    JoeCOVA

    JoeCOVA Well-Known Member

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    The coils can be swapped. You will want to rebuild the shocks every 50k or so depending on use so during that time you can swap coils. 650 is a good start and you will definitely want to upgrade to 700s when you had a bumper/winch etc. Coils are pretty cheap as well.

    Preload is fine, nothing to worry about, the coil doesn't actually compress nor does it reduce ride quality so having 2.5"-3" lift with some preload is perfectly normal. You can request longer coils but it's entirely up to you, personally I wouldn't bother with a custom front coil unless you intend to go long travel. I have about 10-11 threads showing. You can get the extended shock which removes an internal spacer which gives an extra 3/4" travel.

    Adjusters: Depends, some use them but most do not. I considered them but for the cost it just wasn't worth it to me. There are mixed opinions on it, the adjuster itself is a quality piece added to the reservoir, its more than just a knob on the end. Depends on how much tuning you want to do for each drive and trail. I like just airing down and going without having to mess with the suspension. One less thing I have to think about getting right or wrong.

    What are you doing for the rear, Dakar I thought I read?
     
  17. Jul 22, 2019 at 11:25 AM
    #17
    Dr. Emmett Brown

    Dr. Emmett Brown [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Preload just reduces the uptravel which means the "stiffness" people feel is the spring getting closer to full compression quicker than if they weren't preloaded, right? Do they make a non resi for the king coilover? I'm not sure that I need the external resivoirs. The off roading I do is at low speeds and the rock crawling is very minimal and there are always ways around those sections.

    I have Dakar HDs with Bilstein 5125s in the rear. I really like the setup in the rear currently. Definitely not stiff and goes over bumps very controlled. The extra 1.5" travel over stock is very nice too. Brake lines don't seem to be over extending and I rarely hit my bump stops.
     
  18. Jul 22, 2019 at 11:41 AM
    #18
    SR-71A

    SR-71A Define "Well-Known Member"

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    You crank them up to get a firmer ride when off road? And softer on road? Seems like the opposite is more intuitive.. but idk I dont have adjustable shocks (yet... :stirthepot:)
     
  19. Jul 22, 2019 at 11:52 AM
    #19
    YamaDirtrider

    YamaDirtrider Custom bumpers @FORT-ifyRigs

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    What hasn't been modified?
    That’s what I do with my adjusters.
    When I remember to adjust them.

    They proably make the non resi in a 2.0 but the resi helps with cooling the fluid. Rock crawling cycles the shocks and all that fluid moving past the valve stack creates heat.
     
  20. Jul 22, 2019 at 11:56 AM
    #20
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    Depends on your climate. If you see road salt, the threaded spring perch will typically seize with rust after 3 years and become non-adjustable. 700 lb coils ride fine in my rig with just skids and sliders weighing it down. You also get the benefit of reduced dive and squat in braking and acceleration.
    For low-speed wheeling, adjusters are not worth the money IMO (i.e. the default setting is "good enough"). You'll get a bigger difference in ride quality off-road by playing with tire pressure. Also don't plan on the adjuster knob working after 3 years if you see road salt...
     

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