Shock Talk. General Shock Discussion & Tech Articles

AccuTune recently released another article on spring rates for a Tacoma/T4R. I see this topic discussed ALL of the time in misc. threads with information spread across the board and very thin. Read and post your thoughts, ideas, etc. I'm simply trying to start the conversation and maybe spread some good info.

**It's important to keep in mind that ride characteristics are preference and change per individual. What works for one may not work for another.

https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/coilover-spring-rates-for-toyota-tacoma-4runner/

Also going to reference their article on preload because I see far too many people who still don't understand what preload truly is.

https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/spring-preload-matters/

Additional Reference Articles/Thread conversations that I have found useful. Thanks mostly to @jberry813
Basic theory on suspension travel
All the suspension info a man needs. (Bring at least a 6pack.)
Shackle Flip
More suspension travel
Debate on Chevy 63s. (Few pages long)

 

What about progressive/digressive or dual rate springs?

 

Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.

 

@AY_ARONTRD

 

We appreciate the good info! Keep it coming!

 

Good info shared

 

@AccuTune Offroad is there a way to use your math to help adjust 6112s for preload?

 

It depends on exactly what you mean.

The motion ratio on Tacoma's is ~0.5, so 1/2" additional preload raises the vehicle 1".

 

Wouldn't that depend on spring rate and vehicle weight?

 

Adding preload just raises the vehicle, it does not make the spring compress any more.

 

Great article. Thanks for sharing.

@AccuTune Offroad - good stuff!

 

I'm not following. That throws out everything I thought I knew about preload.

Can you elaborate?

 

I think you're thinking about full extension. At full extension you compress the spring more when adding preload.

I was talking about ride height. At ride height additional preload just raises the vehicle.
Springs compress due to weight.
Adding preload does not make the vehicle weigh anymore, or change the motion ratio. Therefore the springs do not compress more at ride height from additional preload.

 

This is what i needed .....Thanks @desertjunkie760

 

But by adjusting the preload aren't you essentially compressing the spring? I haven't read the article yet since I literally just found this link.

 

Negative. Hopefully this diagram helps:

 

That is probably the best and simplest explanation of preload that I’ve Seen makes it very simple to understand.

 

Mind blown....not really hard to do tho!

 

https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/digressive-vs-linear-vs-progressive-pistons-shock-valving/

I’ll change the thread title to a more general suspension discussion. Posting this for later reference.

 

https://accutuneoffroad.com/should-i-get-dsc-adjusters-on-my-fox-shocks/

Still need to update the thread title but yet another good article that describes the FOX DSC a little more in depth.