How to adjust preload (ADS, King, fox etc.)

I need to adjust my front preload a bit "softer" and I wanted some feedback on how to go about doing this bc I ran into some trouble last night when I tried (was swapping over my DD wheels for the offroad set)

First of all, I DID get the appropriate pin spanner adjuster thing from ADS, so I know I have the right tool. Was my mistake that I tried to do it ON THE TRUCK?

Loosen the hex bolt, take the pin-wrench... apply force. Apply a LOT of force... Barely budged. I got it about 1/4 turn looser and then the pin came out of the wrench. Didn't want to force anything, so I just stopped right there. Plus, I have no clue how I would get to the next set of holes in the collar.

Do the shocks need to be off the truck? Do I need to have a spring compressor?

 

Affirmative... Wheel was at full droop.

Would it be beneficial to install a spring compressor while the wheel is on the ground (slightly compressed) and THEN raise the truck so the wheel droops but the spring stays compressed?
Something like this:

 

@DividedSky I always take the shock out of the truck using spring compressor and make the adjustment. To me a lot easier this way.
This is what I use.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/bilstein-6112-ride-height-adjustment.33617/#post-845726

I was able to compress the springs enough to adjust on the truck. The spring compressors you posted need to have some of the lip ground off to fit between the King coils. It's a little tricky but I was able to figure it out. The King punch tool is too large to make complete turns once you get to the portion where the allen bolt is - so I had to use a shorter piece of metal and a rubber mallet.

I had a Nitro issue and yanked the CO out multiple times, and now I'd probably just pull it out. Removal can be done in 15 minutes.

The most time for me is spent trying to line up the upper King mount and thread the 4 top bolts in place. I really like the stock CO plates with the bolts that protrude up through the top coilover bucket. Threading the bolts downward can be annoying.

 

I didn't even think of installing the compressors while the truck weight compressed the coils. Not a bad idea

 

2 collar picks and separating the UCA from the spindle worked for me. Dont forget to WD40 the collar threads also.

 

WD40 on the threads- I use a punch that fits the hole perfectly and a spanner wrench. Never had a problem and don't have to take them off the truck.

 

And be sure to clean the threads before you turn. I think I got a grain of sand or something in mine which pretty much made it impossible to turn after that.

 

This ^^^
Oh and jack up the truck