How do you swap Kings springs ?

[daytonaviolet]

Hey guys,

Has anyone tried swapping out Kings front struts springs to a different one ? Mine came with 550lbs and would like to replace it with 600lbs or even 650lbs. Reason being, I’ll be adding the C4 low pro bumper.

Okay so here’s my issue. I’ve tried the conventional spring compressor and as well as this amazon stand up spring compressor with no luck. The problem I’m having is that kings threaded body sits really close to the inner part of the coil.

When I tried the standard spring compressor, the clamps has two issues. First issue, the clamp itself hits the thread body and does not allow the clamp to sit fully. Second issue is the safety does not clear the king spring.

The amazon stand up compressor almost works. But the issue is the clamps designed to hold the springs is not the correct diameter. So when you try to compress it, the spring leans to an angle. Now at these angles the the clamps contact the kings thread body. I have a few deep scratches in the threads because of this angle issue. But fortunately, the damaged threads are much lower then the collar.

So I continued to search on what other tools can be used. Only other thing I’ve seen on some YouTube videos is this machine Barnick 7600. This tool looks very nice and has so much adjustability. But not sure I would use it enough for the price, $700.

I reached out to a few 4x4 shops in my area and they want $200+ to swap springs (hand carry struts). Really ?

So what I want to know, what do you guys do? how do you swap springs ? Do I pay the $200 to have a shop do it ?

 

[rayofsi]

i have both the compressors you tried. neither of those would compress my ADS too. the 2.5" coilover springs are very close to the shock body.

then i got a pair of these
Amazon.com: Shankly Spring Compressor Tool (2 Pieces) - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra Rugged Coil Spring Compressor, Strong and Durable Spring Compressor with Safety Guard and Carrying Case: Automotive
the worked for my ADS

 

[daytonaviolet]

awesome. may get these. do you have any pictures of your ADS coilovers? is it a threaded body design like kings?

i have both the compressors you tried. neither of those would compress my ADS too. the 2.5" coilover springs are very close to the shock body.

then i got a pair of these
Amazon.com: Shankly Spring Compressor Tool (2 Pieces) - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra Rugged Coil Spring Compressor, Strong and Durable Spring Compressor with Safety Guard and Carrying Case: Automotive
the worked for my ADS

 

[rayofsi]

awesome. may get these. do you have any pictures of your ADS coilovers? is it a threaded body design like kings?

yup, threaded like kings, icon, fox etc.

 

[daytonaviolet]

yup, threaded like kings, icon, fox etc.

Thanks .. saw these pictures on Amazon also. I’m sold [emoji12]

 

[thechickencow]

How are you deciding the spring rate that you're going with? I've got a SSO bumper and winch up front trying to decide if the 550's are too light or not.

 

[daytonaviolet]

there's a tread/database where many folks have inputted there setup which includes spring rate, number of turns of pre-load, type of bumper etc.. i'll update this post to include that thread.

but for of now, i have a friend who has kings non-non adjusters with 550lb spring rate and no preload. i weigh ~ 160lbs which is less then what a C4 winch bumper would weigh and we noticed the front ended dropped like 1" when i put my weight on the front end.

i know that 5 turns ~ 1" but i want to use as little pre-load as possible. so that's why i want to try 600lbs spring rates or higher.

how much does your SSO bumper weigh?

How are you deciding the spring rate that you're going with? I've got a SSO bumper and winch up front trying to decide if the 550's are too light or not.

 

[ax2021]

there's a tread/database where many folks have inputted there setup which includes spring rate, number of turns of pre-load, type of bumper etc.. i'll update this post to include that thread.

but for of now, i have a friend who has kings non-non adjusters with 550lb spring rate and no preload. i weigh ~ 160lbs which is less then what a C4 winch bumper would weigh and we noticed the front ended dropped like 1" when i put my weight on the front end.

i know that 5 turns ~ 1" but i want to use as little pre-load as possible. so that's why i want to try 600lbs spring rates or higher.

how much does your SSO bumper weigh?

I’ll say you should get at least 650lb springs. I’ve got 650lb , 0 preload an gave me 2.5” lift after brakein, stock weight, well accept SC which is ~60lb. Great ride on and off road.


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[thechickencow]

Thanks. I calculated that it’s roughly 150# of bumper plus winch (synthetic cable).

 

[Harrisnc]

Most of the shops near me have the Barnick compressor. I’ve paid as little as $75 and as much as $150 for switching springs or assembly of all new parts, all carrying them the parts. I could have bought my own compressor by now at those prices.

 

[daytonaviolet]

Most of the shops near me have the Barnick compressor. I’ve paid as little as $75 and as much as $150 for switching springs or assembly of all new parts, all carrying them the parts. I could have bought my own compressor by now at those prices.

Yes I was thinking same thing. I’ll try the Shankly first and see how it goes. Else, Barnick here i come.

 

[daytonaviolet]

i have both the compressors you tried. neither of those would compress my ADS too. the 2.5" coilover springs are very close to the shock body.

then i got a pair of these
Amazon.com: Shankly Spring Compressor Tool (2 Pieces) - Heavy Duty Build, Ultra Rugged Coil Spring Compressor, Strong and Durable Spring Compressor with Safety Guard and Carrying Case: Automotive
the worked for my ADS

Arrived today. Seems to fit well and clears the threaded body. One thing I noticed is the bolts does nothing clear the safety bar. I may have to drill them out.

 

[rayofsi]

Arrived today. Seems to fit well and clears the threaded body. One thing I noticed is the bolts does nothing clear the safety bar. I may have to drill them out.

make sure to grease them up before using them...

 

[LOLSNOW]

If you live in SoCal near OC I have a Barnick compressor you can use

 

[daytonaviolet]

If you live in SoCal near OC I have a Barnick compressor you can use

Thanks but I’m in NorCal

 

[daytonaviolet]

make sure to grease them up before using them...

Is bearing grease okay

 

[MicrowaveOven]

So TIL you need a spring compressor to change springs on coil overs...


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[perf0rmance]

Arrived today. Seems to fit well and clears the threaded body. One thing I noticed is the bolts does nothing clear the safety bar. I may have to drill them out.

Let me know how this goes - I've been looking for a solution as well. I'm hoping to be able to adjust them whilst installed... well, because I already installed mine hahaha. I've got 600lb springs FYI - you're welcome to swing by and see if you like the height.

Weight-wise, I've only got a single compressor under the hood and the 600's feel nice and plush with street driving. I'm 4-5 clicks from the softest setting.

 

[rayofsi]

Is bearing grease okay

pretty sure any grease is ok. they come with a light amount of it, and most reviews say it'll only mess up if its not greased enough. full disassembly and grease, not just the visible threads.

 

[daytonaviolet]

pretty sure any grease is ok. they come with a light amount of it, and most reviews say it'll only mess up if its not greased enough. full disassembly and grease, not just the visible threads.

I used the same grease for my UCA, lithium grease