Front coilover preload question (1 Viewer)

[drowzyGX]

Hey Y’all,

i got the icon stage 2 lift installed about a month and a half back. I’ve sworn the truck sat higher on the driver side, and finally got around to measuring it today. I don’t really understand my results.

drivers side center of hub to fender: 23”
drivers side preload: 1.378” (3.5cm)

passenger side center of hub to fender: 22”
Passenger side preload: 1.378” (3.5cm)

this is with a completely full tank of gas on level ground with an empty truck.

I’m not super knowledgeable on suspension, but I would assume that the hub to fender measurements should be the same with the same preload, yeah? Or at least that the driver side should be the side sitting lower due to the extra weight?

is this something I need to adjust / fix?

 

[z00t3ch]

They're independently adjustable for a reason, so whether you understand the cause or not you can correct it. I'm assuming the lift came with new front springs? If not, the RF could be more tired because Americans take left turns faster and further than right turns (same reason motorcycle front tires scallop on the left far quicker).

 

[Jstawgn]

Do you have KDSS? It seems to be pretty common for the drivers side to sit higher on drivers side after a lift.

 

[crikeymike]

Do you have KDSS? It seems to be pretty common for the drivers side to sit higher on drivers side after a lift.

I was going to say the same as this

 

[drowzyGX]

I was going to say the same as this

This seems to be the likely culprit. Read through a bunch of threads on a 4runner forum about kdss lean after a lift. Couldn’t find a general consensus on the best solution.

Probably swing by the lexus shop I’ve been going to and get their thoughts on the kdss reset I’ve read about. If that works, awesome, if not, I’ll look into spacers.

total noob when it comes to suspension...is it better to use a small spacer than to have the coil overs up front set to different preload? My limited understanding says yes, but not sure if that’s the case.

 

[Jstawgn]

In your case adding small spacer are the same adjusting preload. Except with spacer your suspension can over extend and damage other stuff.

How much different are you talking about? 1/4" spacer will net 1/2" at the wheel. Preload are more finely adjustable.

 

[drowzyGX]

In your case adding small spacer are the same adjusting preload. Except with spacer your suspension can over extend and damage other stuff.

got it. that’s good to know.

How much different are you talking about? 1/4" spacer will net 1/2" at the wheel. Preload are more finely adjustable.

with a full tank of gas and an empty truck, the drivers side front sits 1” higher than the passenger side front, measured center of hub to fender.

hopefully the kdss reset can help get the lean under control. i think the tolerance is within 1cm. so im definitely out of spec.

 

[Jstawgn]

Mine did that one time after an off road trip. I tried regular KDSS reset and it does not work.

I have to do a bit more extensive work.

1. Remove KDSS shutter valve skid plate
2. Open KDSS shutter valve no more than 3 turns.
3. Remove front skid plate
4. Jack under front KDSS cylinder until it get like 1" shorter than the fixed side.
5. Close KDSS shutter valve
6. Lower vehicle
7. Measured suspension height
8. Repeat process at different height if still not right.
9. Reinstall skid plate once you are happy with the level.

 

[drowzyGX]

Thank you for the step by step, Jstawgn. I can give that a try tomorrow after an oil change. I haven't taken the car off road at all yet, but I'm guessing it's possible that kdss got out of whack after the lift install.

Is there anything I need to be careful with aside from the shutter valve? These steps seem really similar to the ones in this video. Does this impact the front and rear equally?