To Rake or not to Rake

[steve73]

Its been a while since I have been active here.....but I need some advice.

I have a OW 2.5 kit installed and the truck still has the factory rake( nose down)


Q1- can I level out by cranking the front coilovers down?

Q2- will it affect the handling of the truck......


I really like the leveled out look......I have had the lift on my truck since 2011 and I love it....

 

[BocaIvan]

So the front is higher than the rear? just "crank" them accordingly till you're level and get realigned.

 

[Jeremy556]

1. Yes
2. Yes

Cranking down on the front coil overs increases spring preload, effectively increasing the spring rate, and reducing down travel.

Another option would be to use some different rear springs that don't provide as much lift. Sway Away (SAW) are a popular option.

 

[steve73]

The front sits lower.....so I can just crank the front coilovers down to raise the front correct?

 

[eddiebx]

1. Yes
2. Yes

Cranking down on the front coil overs increases spring preload, effectively increasing the spring rate, and reducing down travel.

Another option would be to use some different rear springs that don't provide as much lift. Sway Away (SAW) are a popular option.

I am not sure if moving the coilovers up and down really affect the spring rate much at all? I think it seems like if you try to raise it up too much and the shocks start to top out, then it becomes an issue...I read a discussion about this in another thread a few days ago: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/140108-adjustable-suspension-2.html#post1357348

The front sits lower.....so I can just crank the front coilovers down to raise the front correct?

Cranking it up or down depends on how your coilover is designed, if the rotating collar is on top of the spring then crank downwards to lift, if its under the spring than crank upwards to lift

 

[Okki]

Cranking the collars down will raise the truck (providing you remain within the specs for which they were designed) and increase the preload on the suspension.

Preload does not increase the spring rate, but does effect the travel negatively. Preload is akin to your suspension compressing as it hits a bump; normal suspension travel does not change spring rate (i.e. a 600lbs to 650lb) and neither does preload.

If you already have the truck lifted to the max designed lift up front (for the shocks/coils) than you will either have to drop the rear, or upgrade to shocks/coils that give you the additional lift needed to level out.

For more details on overcranking the collar, see the thread about the extreme settings between left and right front shock and still leaning. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/139653-front-not-level-left-right-3.html#post1354634

Okki

 

[steve73]

They were installed the way they were sent from Andries at Overland Warehouse.....I seen other members pictures of their lifted trucks with the same kit....and theirs were perfectly leveled....

 

[steve73]

Eddiebx thanks for the link....

 

[steve73]

Thanks Okki!

 

[KCcarguy]

Just remember if you level the truck you get the saggy rear end the moment you load it with a couple people and/ or luggage. It's all personal taste though.

 

[steve73]

Just remember if you level the truck you get the saggy rear end the moment you load it with a couple people and/ or luggage. It's all personal taste though.

Yes Im gonna pile the wife and three kids in the back and see how it sits!!

Adjust from there.

 

[KCcarguy]

Yes Im gonna pile the wife and three kids in the back and see how it sits!!

Adjust from there.

Great idea. I have my truck basically frame-level. So, the rear wheel arches are slightly higher (maybe an inch) when unloaded and when loaded they're about level. Even just my MDF cargobox and hunting equipment last weekend made it ride a little low in back. I'm not sure how your springs compare to my SAW's....just a little food for thought. Post pics when you finish!