Calling All Kings: an informational survey

[DesertCanyons]

2016, KDSS trail edition
- Compression Adjusters: yes
- KDSS yes, there was lean, but it was more likely to do with soft spring rates.
- Spring rate: stock kings 550lbs
- Preload (in turns / threads exposed): 8 turns both sides, to clear 285 tires and sag due to weight.
- Height increase (if available): a hair over 3 inches,
- Major weight upgrades: full aluminum skids, steel sliders, 250lb drawer system, fridge, dual battery system in cargo bay.
- With the added rear weight, I have a stink bug look going (cali lean)- Will address in the future w/ 650lb springs.
- No firmer than stock trail w/ KDSS. Found compression adjusters kind of gimmicky. Adjust it too soft, and you bounce all over the place, and adjust it too firm, you rattle your teeth. I left it in the middle setting (7 or 8 clicks).

I think your spring rates are too soft. That's why the the truck bounces when you reduce the shock damping to a minimum and gets stiff when you increase the shock damping to the max. It's the shock doing most of the resistance work while the springs just carry the static load and offer little resistance to motion.

 

[MTN4RNR]

I think your spring rates are too soft. That's why the the truck bounces when you reduce the shock damping to a minimum and gets stiff when you increase the shock damping to the max. It's the shock doing most of the resistance work while the springs just carry the static load and offer little resistance to motion.

Good info, but take a look at post 1 for thread guidelines :thumb3:

 

[MTN4RNR]

Great start to a much needed thread you guys. Thank you for all that have participated with your information. If you haven't yet, there is still time. Look at post #1 for the questions and fill them out!


:becky:

 

[rschuyler]

- Year, model: 2017 Off Road Premium

- Compression Adjusters: yes. There doesn't seem to be a big difference in feel when using the adjusters. At least not on the road. I have not taken it off road yet.

- KDSS: yes. No lean after install.

- Spring rate: King standard springs in front. T-13's in rear.

- Preload: 10 turns. It took me a while to find the info on the net for the correct preload setting to match the rear height when adding T-13 springs.

- Height increase: 3" in front. Measures 23" at all 4 wheels

- Major weight upgrades: Currently only Budbuilt sliders. More planned.

- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: None after initial install. I plan on adding more upgrades in the next year or two (bumper/s, skids, etc.), so will install heavier springs when needed.

- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: Ride is great. Much better than stock. Nose dive and tire bounce was almost entirely eliminated.

 

[wfo9]

Found compression adjusters kind of gimmicky. Adjust it too soft, and you bounce all over the place, and adjust it too firm, you rattle your teeth. I left it in the middle setting (7 or 8 clicks).

i know OP does not want anything but installed specs. But I consider this info too important not to mention..

The king adjustment is a mid speed adjuster... Important to understand this and how it works... It helped me quite a bit.

How King Compression Adjusters Work | AccuTune Off-Road

 

[DannyLlama]

Anyone with LE's + kings, long term use?

 

[sf4rnr]

- Year, model: 2016
- Compression Adjusters: no
- KDSS: yes, no lean
- Spring rate: 650lb
- Preload: none
- Height increase: 22" (2" lift), Rear is 24" (OME 2889 medium load)
- Major weight upgrades: aluminum skids, steel sliders, 510lbs of weights in back (estimated camping gear and passenger loads)
- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: I'm on this thread to figure that out.
- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: love the feel. Plush but firm and confident.

As I want to go up one more inch in front, it looks like 7-10 threads will get me there.


FYI, Great thread and helped me more than other king threads but it does not show up on a "king Shocks" or "King Coilover" 1st page search in the forum. Maybe add that to the thread title. For a new guy thats what I searched for when researching. I just found this thread by accident.

 

[borfoo3]

- Year, model: 2016
- Compression Adjusters: yes, extended travel shocks
- KDSS: yes, no lean prior to install.. some lean afterwards
- Spring rate: 650lb
- Preload: none, except for few threads on pass. side to correct lean
- Height increase: ~3" lift, Rear is on Icon 3" Overland dual rate springs
- Major weight upgrades: aluminum TRD skid, rear full SSO bumper w/ spare tire, dual battery setup in engine bay
- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: zero pre-load got me exactly to me desired lift luckily.. cranked a few threads to correct the KDSS lean - passenger side (pic below). Went up on spring rate to match rear coil characteristics and have some headroom for bumper/ winch later.
- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: Ride is firm and confident, but not harsh. However, if you never plan on adding weight up front, go lower on spring rate for softer ride. Fronts are at currently almost always at full soft and rears are cranked 18 clicks to control the weight.

 

[assassin]

Thread revive

 

[blacksheep4]

- 2015 Bro

- Compression Adjusters: Yes. Drove some washboard roads on fully firm and fully soft, ended up setting them 8 clicks from softest on front and 6 from softest in rear.

- KDSS: Nope.

- Spring rate: King standard springs in front, swapped out my SAW 1.5 for Toytec Superflex 2" in the rear.

- Preload: 8 threads on both sides.

- Height increase: 3" in front, almost 4" in the rear but they should settle down a bit for the very slight rake that I'm hoping for.

- Major weight upgrades: Gobi rack, 4x4 labs sliders.

- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: None yet.

- I was a little bit worried that all of the amazing feedback on kings was hyperbole by people trying to justify the cost, but I just spent a few hours driving around in the woods and I get it now. Didn't want to stop driving! I drove roads that I am very familiar with so that I could make a fair comparison. They really seem to shine on washboard and rutted out roads; the same roads I would normally not go over 25mph without skittering and losing control I was able to go 40+ with total confidence (Yeah duh that's what they are designed to do, I just couldn't believe how well they do it). Really happy with this setup!

 

[codyHTX]

- 2015 Trail no KDSS
- 25001-278-EXT-A: front ext travel w adjusters and 550 lb x 14" coils (adjusters at 2 clicks from soft)
- 25001-279-EXT-A: rear ext travel w adjusters and Dobinson's C59-677V 3"+ coils (adjusters at 2 clicks from soft)
- Preload: D=12 & P=10
- Height increase: Front 23" D&P (3" increase over stock at 20") - Rear 25" D&P (3.5" increase over stock at 21.5")
- Major weight upgrades: Aluminum front bumper (60 lbs) w/ 10K winch (90 lbs), Aluminum rear bumper (80 lbs) Aluminum Full Skids (100 lbs), steel sliders (160 lbs), steel roof rack (80 lbs), misc (+/- 130 lbs) = +/- 700 lbs

- comments based on previous suspension iterations: stock > Bilstein 5100's > Toytec ultimate w/ superflex:
1) HWY (285 KO2 @ 40-42 psi) comfortable and controlled with front/rear sway bars intact at 60-80 mph. feels planted to the ground, best adjective i can think of is it "glides" over even rough/dippy hwy terrain with improved damping (less bounce/roll)
2) City & CR (285 KO2 @ 40-42 psi) a lot of time at 50-60 mpg on curvy/rutted 2 lane roads in central TX, confidence in handling greatly improved from prev setups. significantly less (still mildly noticeable) cabin shake & steering vibration in washboard areas even with tires at full pressure
3) Off-road: (285 KO2 @ 16-18 psi): will hold comments and update after future fun times, haven't gotten to play enough yet too much rain and not a big muddin' guy ha. i think i will remove at least the rear sway bar on my next outing
4) Towing: Airstream Bambi Sport (cute name right?): 16'/3K lb trailer 350 lb tongue weight without weight distribution system or rear airbags. it is a relatively light load to haul and is almost easy to forget is behind you. basically, i have to remind myself to drive easy so as not to abuse Bambi. minimal static sag in the rear (approx .75")

 

[WhiteBoomer04]

Damn it! I want a German Shepard. Beautiful animal.

Sorry for the OT.

 

[shrub1]

- 2015 Trail no KDSS
- 25001-278-EXT-A: front ext travel w adjusters and 550 lb x 14" coils (adjusters at 2 clicks from soft)
- 25001-279-EXT-A: rear ext travel w adjusters and Dobinson's C59-677V 3"+ coils (adjusters at 2 clicks from soft)
- Preload: D=12 & P=10
- Height increase: Front 23" D&P (3" increase over stock at 20") - Rear 25" D&P (3.5" increase over stock at 21.5")
- Major weight upgrades: Aluminum front bumper (60 lbs) w/ 10K winch (90 lbs), Aluminum rear bumper (80 lbs) Aluminum Full Skids (100 lbs), steel sliders (160 lbs), steel roof rack (80 lbs), misc (+/- 130 lbs) = +/- 700 lbs

- comments based on previous suspension iterations: stock > Bilstein 5100's > Toytec ultimate w/ superflex:
1) HWY (285 KO2 @ 40-42 psi) comfortable and controlled with front/rear sway bars intact at 60-80 mph. feels planted to the ground, best adjective i can think of is it "glides" over even rough/dippy hwy terrain with improved damping (less bounce/roll)
2) City & CR (285 KO2 @ 40-42 psi) a lot of time at 50-60 mpg on curvy/rutted 2 lane roads in central TX, confidence in handling greatly improved from prev setups. significantly less (still mildly noticeable) cabin shake & steering vibration in washboard areas even with tires at full pressure
3) Off-road: (285 KO2 @ 16-18 psi): will hold comments and update after future fun times, haven't gotten to play enough yet too much rain and not a big muddin' guy ha. i think i will remove at least the rear sway bar on my next outing
4) Towing: Airstream Bambi Sport (cute name right?): 16'/3K lb trailer 350 lb tongue weight without weight distribution system or rear airbags. it is a relatively light load to haul and is almost easy to forget is behind you. basically, i have to remind myself to drive easy so as not to abuse Bambi. minimal static sag in the rear (approx .75")

Rig looks good, but I love your Shepard!

 

[GSD_LOVER]

What's the best way to adjust them? I don't have a spring compressor and I'm sick of taking them out every time! Is there a spanner that will fit?

 

[assassin]

- Year, model: 2016 with KDSS
- Compression Adjusters: Yes
- KDSS: Yes, No Lean
- Spring rate: 550
- Preload: 7 Threads Both Sides
- Height increase: 23" Post lift after settling 22.5"
- Major weight upgrades: None
- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: Nope its perfect
- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: (firmness, ride height, Think its perfect

 

[Daikon]

I have only installed the front so far.

I have Eibach Pro Lift 1" rear springs and King shocks for the rear that I will install later this month (this is not my daily)

- Year, model: 2014, SR5 4x4

- Compression Adjusters: No

- KDSS: No

- Spring rate: 550 (standard)

- Preload: Zero preload/ turns from King.

- Height increase: Before 20"/ After 21.5" both sides w/ Camburg ball joint UCA

- Major weight upgrades: No

- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: Nothing yet but will update as soon as the rear is installed

- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: I am happy w/ the 1.5" lift over stock w/o any preload. Depending how the vehicle sits after the 1" rear spring is installed, I would lift the front to 2" over stock.

Nose dive is maybe 60-75% less than stock, but still noticeable.

 

[Sixgunz]

- Year, model: 2019 SR5 Premium

- Compression Adjusters: Rear only

- KDSS: No

- Spring rate: King - 550 front, Rear - Toytec HD RCC2.0HD

- Preload: 7 threads both sides

- Height increase (after 1 month of settling): almost 3" up front, almost 4" rear, the HD springs are no joke in back - you better have some serious weight to keep them manageable, I also may need to do brake line extensions due to the increased rear articulation now

- Major weight upgrades: Roof top tent and Hi-Lift jack on roof (obviously), about 100 lbs of gear in back, no bumpers or winch

- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: None yet, I wanted to let it all settle (the front height actually increased between day 1 and day 30...I'm not sure why). I may upgrade to 600 lb springs up front, even with no load, the 550's are simply too soft. The front dips/raises like it did when stock.

- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: (firmness, ride height, etc) Rides beautiful, honestly better than stock but higher.

 

[Sixgunz]

As a follow-up note/question:

I noticed that after several weeks, the front suspension squeaks when it flexes. It does it both up and down. It sounds like if you had a wet tennis shoe and you twisted your foot back and forth on linoleum floor. At first, I thought it was a lack of grease on the UCA bushings, but I've greased them and the sound is still there. The sound started after a hard rain, if that means anything. It has remained constant since then. Prior to that rain, it was quiet.

Any suggestions?

 

[coltm4]

- Year, model: 2016 TRD Pro
- Compression Adjusters: yes or no yes
- KDSS: yes or no (if yes, include any “KDSS Lean” compensating items like springs, or spacers, etc) No KDSS
- Spring rate:550 front, 2" Toytec superflex rear
- Preload: (in turns / threads exposed), for driver and passenger sidesDrivers 6, Passenger 3
- Height increase: (if available) over stock, using 20” as a baseline for “stock” from center of wheel to bottom of fender (at 90°) drivers 22.75, passenger 23.5
- Major weight upgrades: (Full skids, bumper/winch, sliders, etc)RCI aluminum skids, steel transfer skid, recovery gear +50lbs in rear, CBI sliders, RAGO panels
- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: trying to get front to be even on both sides and to reduce rake (not looking for level)
- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: (firmness, ride height, etc)

Got the extended length shocks for both front and rear. SPC UCA's for durability/low maintenance. Curious if the extended length affects the number of threads needed for preload/height adjustment. I HIGHLY recommend new rear brake lines. I think my factory lines were exceptionally short and became limit straps for purpose of installing rear springs.

Pleasantly surprised how nice the ride is at low speeds when hitting curb cuts at the store. Previous TRD Pro suspension was harsh when hitting curb cuts at lower speeds but great when driving over speed bumps at speed. Speed bumps are more "distinct" but not harsh by any means. Definitely notice/know that you ran over an expansion joint which I could categorize as more road "feel" compared to previous suspension. Not sure why there is such a huge difference in preload and not get the front level.

Currently the adjusters are set 6 from full hard. I've had the set for one week so far.

 

[ax2021]

- Year, model: 2016 TRD Pro
- Compression Adjusters: yes or no yes
- KDSS: yes or no (if yes, include any “KDSS Lean” compensating items like springs, or spacers, etc) No KDSS
- Spring rate:550 front, 2" Toytec superflex rear
- Preload: (in turns / threads exposed), for driver and passenger sidesDrivers 6, Passenger 3
- Height increase: (if available) over stock, using 20” as a baseline for “stock” from center of wheel to bottom of fender (at 90°) drivers 22.75, passenger 23.5
- Major weight upgrades: (Full skids, bumper/winch, sliders, etc)RCI aluminum skids, steel transfer skid, recovery gear +50lbs in rear, CBI sliders, RAGO panels
- Changes that you have made in preload or spring rate and why: trying to get front to be even on both sides and to reduce rake (not looking for level)
- A brief set of notes with your thoughts on your setup: (firmness, ride height, etc)

Got the extended length shocks for both front and rear. SPC UCA's for durability/low maintenance. Curious if the extended length affects the number of threads needed for preload/height adjustment. I HIGHLY recommend new rear brake lines. I think my factory lines were exceptionally short and became limit straps for purpose of installing rear springs.

Pleasantly surprised how nice the ride is at low speeds when hitting curb cuts at the store. Previous TRD Pro suspension was harsh when hitting curb cuts at lower speeds but great when driving over speed bumps at speed. Speed bumps are more "distinct" but not harsh by any means. Definitely notice/know that you ran over an expansion joint which I could categorize as more road "feel" compared to previous suspension. Not sure why there is such a huge difference in preload and not get the front level.

Currently the adjusters are set 6 from full hard. I've had the set for one week so far.

Give it another 1000 miles, You will like even more, let the springs break in. When I got my Kings, I heard that, they are good shocks, but not that GOOD! Love it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk