Need help adjusting Coilover ride height

I’ll admit I was stupid for not washing the shock better was dumb on my part, I got one turn and it was hell then I washed it oiled blew air with my compressor lubed it cleaned it really well got it to turn up fairly easy after it get out of the spring moved it up and down a few time lubed it lots but as soon as it drops into the spring it’s tight... I appreciate everyone’s help so nice to have a great forum with great ppl to help solve problems I know one way or the other Ill get it hey if it’s a case of bourbon that’s a price I’m willing to pay lol for use of your garage

 

Well the shock is not ruined yet. I need about a 1/4 inch more turn to get it about where I want it worst case it sits as is. Hopefully I have time to make a new tool tomorrow and give it a try. This is a pic with a screw driver edges in there don’t think threads are messed up it goes up easy just not down like the collar is to tight in the spring

 

No offense, but with a single ring adjuster, both Fox and King require a coil spring compressor to adjust(and supposed to remove from vehicle). My comment about nobody in the thread was exactly to the point. You cannot adjust them without compressing the coil. I seriously doubt anything is damaged. Here is the caveat of the split ring, if you pull right beside the split in the direction you turn it digs in, pull opposite or as far away from the split as possible. You won’t get it till you do one, I was surprised my first try. OP, I think if you compress the coil more it will adjust, again might take a few tries to get where you want.

 

I had a really hard time adjusting my icons too and I had the spanner wrench

 

It comes direct from Fox and King via phone conversations per adjusting Tundra(and Tacoma) coilovers. Remove coilover, compress, adjust. I suggest you call.

Here is where a member called, and Fox switched to the spit ring in 2016, so same.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/adjusting-king-front-coil-overs-for-tundra-lean.21143/

 

Damn, this must be a lot harder than a dirtbike shock. I usually turn mine by hand until it is half way. I will have to see about adjusting mine ahead of installation when I get my new suspension.

 

I don't know much about these, but I talked to a shop with a great reputation from guys on here, and said shop indicated that Elka *had* to be removed from the vehicle to adjust height. Again, I can't verify with experience, but just putting that out there.

 

Yeah I wish I would have done exactly that!! I just figured it was easy damn I was wrong. Installing way easier than adjusting never would have guessed lol

 

It’s the single split ring used by Elka, Fox, King that makes it different. Crappy way to save a few bucks imo, but maybe there is some other reason.

 

I noticed that looking at the shocks closer now. The Elka has a single ring, but the fox 2.5 has two, I assume for this purpose?

 

Fox used to have two, now only one split ring.

 

posibality go to an alignment shop for some help, if things go south, on you good luck

 

For all your hassle and time spent, most likely galled the threads, remove the coilover back up the ring,clean the threads,it shouldn't be that hard to spin and hope it adjusts back down to where you need it

 

Dear @Markman,

I am Patrick, Marketing Director at Elka Suspension, and I would like to help you.

Based on the photos you posted, it seems that maybe there's an issue that needs closer inspection.

Could you please contact me directly?

You can reach me via email at pat@elkasuspension.com or via phone at 1-800-557-0552 ext.227.

I am looking forward to hear from you and get this situation resolved.



For general reference, Elka recommends the following when adjusting the preload:

1. Always work on clean shocks. Small debris such as sand or dirt can cause additional friction that would make the adjuster very hard to turn. Ensure everything is cleaned thoroughly. You can also use soap or a light lubricant to help the process. Just make sure to dissolve the lubricant after the procedure with water or brake cleaner.

2. You need to loosen the locking screw just enough that it can turn freely, no more (about one turn). It is important not to remove the screw and not loosen it too much as this can cause the ring to split too wide and possibly jump over the thread, rendering any adjustment near impossible if the ring is cross-threaded.

3. When looking to increase the preload, we highly recommend removing the shocks from the vehicle and using a spring compressor. Is much easier to remove the spring, move the preload adjustment ring into position then re-install the spring than it is to try to move the adjuster with the spring installed. Most trucks often use heavy springs that are very hard to compress. The use of a spring compressor (Branick) is often required to achieve proper compression to reach the desired setting.

4. Applying 5 turns of adjustment will increase the preload by 5mm (3/16"). As a rule of thumb, we recommend a maximum of 1/2" of preload to be applied; otherwise we recommend switching to a higher spring rate.

 

I have never had to pull my Kings to adjust. Just use a punch and spanner wrench with the wheel in the air. If you are in Southern UT I can assist but its too damn cold in the Northern part of the state for me. My guess is the bolt on the the ring is too loose and allowed it to jump threads causing it to bind up.

 

It seems like if they were to provide an anti-friction ring under the adjustment nut it would solve a lot of these issues.

 

I get it. And by friction ring I just mean a washer. Other than dirt being the problem I would think he would’ve had more luck when he was using the spring compressor and it still wasn’t moving.

 

Now that makes sense.