Preload Adjustments

Total newb here so I apologize. Recently had new suspension (Toytec Aluma Boss 2.0 with AAL) installed on my 3rd gen. According to my numbers I gained 1" on front driver, 1.25" on front passenger, and 1.75" across the rear. I did want to maintain a rake on the truck. The stance definitely looks better, but I'd like to increase the preload on the front. I'd like it to be 1.5" (22.25") across the front for 1.25" of rake. Is a half inch difference in front driver side vs. passenger driver side normal? I assume these adjustments can't be made on the 2.0 without disassembly? How long would it take a shop to do this and what are the typical costs for preload adjustments so I know what is reasonable? Any insight is very much appreciated as this is my first "lift."

Before Numbers
Drivers side:
Front 20.5
Rear 21.75
Passengers side:
Front 20.75
Rear 21.75

Post Install Numbers
Drivers side:
Front 21.5
Rear 23.5
Passengers side:
Front 22
Rear 23.5

 

It's called the Taco Lean and it is totally normal. The driver side sits lower because there is more weight on that side due to the driver, gas tank, and battery (more so with a heavy AGM battery.) Most install a 1/4 spacer to compensate or Just add more preload to the driver side.

In regard to adjustment, most front coilovers can be adjusted with a spanner tool by loosing the top collar and twisting it with the spanner.

 

Spacer

 

Adjusting preload Spanner

 

Thanks! Can the spanner tool be used while the shocks are installed or would I need to uninstall and user a spring compressor? Or should I just take it back to the shop? Kinda crazy I only got 1" lift.

Edit: I see your link about adjusting. I'll take it into the shop. I hope adjustments don't cost all that much.

 

You could probably just do it yourself but it might ding up your new coilovers. If you pay a shop then they will have to remove your coilovers, compress them, then adjust. I'd say here in SoCal a shop would charge you somewhere between 100-250 if you take them the coilovers and $250-350 for them to remove them from your truck.

 

Damn, maybe it'll be a little cheaper to have done if I do it when I have new tires put on. I spent my budget on the kit and initial install. I can live with the lean and wait a couple months for tires and height adjustment.

 

Just buy the spanner and try it yourself. You don't need to adjust them too much. According to their docs
Every 1/4’’ of thread change (increase or decrease) will equal to approximately 1/2’’ of ride height change. If it doesn't work then youre out $30 and and hour of your time.

I dont know if getting the tire off the ground would help make the adjustment easier or not but I would assume so since it allows the coil to decompress.

 

Good call. Worth a try for sure. Thanks for your help!

 

I'm able to adjust the preload on my Kings with the shocks still mounted and the truck on the ground. Just loosen the collar and give it some muscle. Takes just a few minutes.

If you do take it to a shop it shouldn't take them much longer than that. I don't see any reason why the coilovers should have to be disassembled, they might remove them to adjust them though just because it is easier that way (UCA not in the way).

 

If it's something I can just get a 1/4" of thread (for 1/2" ride adjustment) myself with a spanner wrench while truck is jack up just to even out the front, then I might give that a try. Then when I get the new shoes on, I'll have them adjust both sides to my end goal height.

 

keep in mind that you will need to get an alignment done after adjusting the coilovers so I'd recommend calculating how much adjustment you need, make it, drive around for a bit or let it settle and adjust again if need be. Once youre happy with it, then get your alignment done.

 

So now that I've been driving it for a couple of weeks, I think I'm going to make the adjustments. When they installed my coilovers I asked to maintain a rake, so they adjusted them down. If I want to adjust them up, do I need a spring compressor since I am not fighting the springs, but rather adjusting up with them?

 

You should not.

 

awesome, thanks!

 

If you wants to raise the front you have to add more pre-load (more thread showing) so you’re compressing the spring more not less.

 

You're right, I had it backwards. Looks like I'm buying a spring compressor, or taking it in! Thanks for all your help and clarification. I just don't want to mess anything up.

 

You can DIY, just like I said and @eon_blue said in post 10.

Time to learn this easy stuff and keep your $ for fun.

 

I'm sure I could do it, and I should definitely go ahead and get the spanner, I don't have that confidence quite yet to actually do it. Once the lift is a year or two old and has some miles on it, then I'll get in there. I spoke to my shop and I'm gonna have preload adjusted, new tires mounted, and alignment done all at the same time.

 

If you can change a flat tire you can adjust the preload on your coilovers. You don't need to remove the coilovers for adjustment and you can do it with the wheels on however I would jack the truck up to take the vehicle weight off the suspension. On my coilovers 1 turn = 1/4" of lift.