Switching out the springs on the Icon coilovers became a relatively big job. Getting the old springs off was relatively easy. The new springs I bought from Icon were a stiffer rate...but also quite a bit longer (to my surprise). The spring compressor we had available was barely able to get the new spring compressed enough to fit the lower collar back on. The length and spring rate meant re adjusting the top collar. Had it about 25 mm showing, ended up with 10 mm showing and got an extra inch of lift.
During the process I gave the shocks a good servicing. The driver side top shock mount was siezed. Got it moving again with anti sieze spray and soak then relubed it with grease. One of the nuts on the UCA ball was crazy loose, tightened it back up. Regreased the balls. One of the reasons I bought the Icons UCA's was the covers for the balls....well I only had one through the winter and that ball is pitted like crazy and will need replacing in the next year (****ty). Seems they trap debris (slat, dirt) as opposed to keeping it out. The passenger shock shaft has a rust pit in it (arg), but at least its at the end of the shaft...still annoyed. Suspect a rock pitted it then a cheap chrome plate is beginning to lift. This sucks as its a major job (for me) to take it apart and replace the shaft. Maybe next year...being the bottom of the shaft it will do minimal seal damage...I hope.
Cleaned all the components, applied spray grease to the 3 spots on the uca's, grease into the uca nipples, and greased the shock shafts. Good to go for a few more months....this whole process wasnt done enough (my neglect) and the damage is obvious. Fair warning yo everyone who buys aftermarket uca's and shocks...they demand regular maintenance...
The ride is much, much better with the new springs (stoked) and the truck sits just a touch front high (perfect).
Four hours, myself and a buddy who is a wizard mechanic. Not a trivial task by any means, in particular the new adjustments of the top collar to get a desired height due to the difference in spring length and firmness.
Pics to come.
During the process I gave the shocks a good servicing. The driver side top shock mount was siezed. Got it moving again with anti sieze spray and soak then relubed it with grease. One of the nuts on the UCA ball was crazy loose, tightened it back up. Regreased the balls. One of the reasons I bought the Icons UCA's was the covers for the balls....well I only had one through the winter and that ball is pitted like crazy and will need replacing in the next year (****ty). Seems they trap debris (slat, dirt) as opposed to keeping it out. The passenger shock shaft has a rust pit in it (arg), but at least its at the end of the shaft...still annoyed. Suspect a rock pitted it then a cheap chrome plate is beginning to lift. This sucks as its a major job (for me) to take it apart and replace the shaft. Maybe next year...being the bottom of the shaft it will do minimal seal damage...I hope.
Cleaned all the components, applied spray grease to the 3 spots on the uca's, grease into the uca nipples, and greased the shock shafts. Good to go for a few more months....this whole process wasnt done enough (my neglect) and the damage is obvious. Fair warning yo everyone who buys aftermarket uca's and shocks...they demand regular maintenance...
The ride is much, much better with the new springs (stoked) and the truck sits just a touch front high (perfect).
Four hours, myself and a buddy who is a wizard mechanic. Not a trivial task by any means, in particular the new adjustments of the top collar to get a desired height due to the difference in spring length and firmness.
Pics to come.
